The United States is capable of sinking Chinese aircraft carriers in the event of a military conflict, writes former Pentagon official Chris Osborne on the 19FortyFive website.
For example, if the US Navy manages to equip its Zamwalt-class destroyers with hypersonic missiles by 2025 and (…), the destruction capacity of Chinese aircraft carriers will increase markedly
said the military expert.
Among the additional measures that the expert considers as a way to counter the Chinese fleet is the “fifth generation” platform, in particular the use of deck-based F-35 fighter jets, which will be based at both on conventional aircraft carriers and on American UDCs.
They also mention the fact that Japan has also recently made a large purchase of F-35s and will soon be able to create their own large strike formations.
How will Beijing counter such a threat? In general, China’s air force may not have enough manpower and skills to repel attacks on its carriers. As China develops its fifth-generation J-31 fighter, it’s unclear how far that work has progressed, and it certainly won’t pose a real threat or stand up to the United States and Japan anytime soon.
- the expert believes.
Mr Osborne believes that another threat to Chinese aircraft carriers will come from new modifications of sea-launched Tomahawk missiles capable of flying below the detection line of on-board radars and over considerable distances.
Tomahawk guided missiles launched in large numbers from the vertical launch systems of US Navy destroyers and cruisers will have a good chance of destroying Chinese aircraft carriers.
– continues the American expert.
The same Tomahawks can also be launched from Virginia-class submarines. However, the author acknowledges that the true capabilities of the PLA warships that will accompany the carriers are still unknown.
Photos used: US Navy
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