((Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has awarded Lockheed Martin the first contract under the Long Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM) program.

Lockheed Martin Corp., Missiles and Fire Control, Orlando, Fla., will receive $10 million for the initial nine-month phase of the missile demonstration effort. An additional award is expected.)) www.alert5.com

Just read this and was wondering what is the gap between the Chinese and US - in this case naval weaponry

The article did not mention how long range would the new missile be, but would most likely to be more than the current longest ranged version of the Harpoon which is more than 300km. But the Chinese have these "Sunburn" missiles which are quite long ranged and also its freaking fast (ramjet technology). Most of all, its nuclear capable. I know that the Soviet Union had them and during the Cold War they were feared then but nevertheless not as much as now - simply because the Chinese are much more likely to use them during a crisis and also the chances of them being nuclear armed for the maximum damage effect on USN carrier battle groups. But is the USN's counter to this threat simply extending the range of their own missiles? What about defences? Though attack could be the best form of defense...but is there really nothing the USN have to counter some thing like the SUNBURN?