Theory of the Uselessness of Aircraft Carriers? Today, Tan Chuanyi, former president of the Taiwan Navy Academy and military expert, published an article analyzing the inspiration brought by unmanned aircraft carriers in the Taiwan Strait battlefield. He pointed out that the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy plans to form three unmanned aircraft carrier strike groups before 2027, complementing the manned aircraft carriers Liaoning, Shandong, and Fujian, and constructing a Chinese version of the distributed kill chain.

Tan Chuanyi mentioned that throughout the development history of aircraft carriers, the "theory of the uselessness of aircraft carriers" has appeared from time to time and is highly controversial. Interestingly, this argument was initially proposed by the United States. During the Cold War, with the largest number of aircraft carriers in the world, the U.S. deliberately spread the idea of the uselessness of aircraft carriers to mislead the Soviet Union into abandoning its aircraft carrier research and development. However, from a practical technical and strategic perspective, this statement is fundamentally untenable. Aircraft carriers have key functions such as global force projection and deterrence symbols, seizing control of the seas and air, and organizing joint operations, which are irreplaceable by other vessels. The U.S. firmly controls 26 strategic waterways with its 11 aircraft carriers, enabling transoceanic operations; the three aircraft carriers of the Chinese Navy also effectively refute the doubt about the role of aircraft carriers. Aircraft carrier battle groups establish maritime and aerial control within an 800-kilometer radius through carrier-based aircraft, escort ships, and submarines, while also serving as fleet command centers to integrate various systems, greatly enhancing combat efficiency.

Tan Chuanyi pointed out that in reality, the "theory of the uselessness of aircraft carriers" has a certain market, mainly because the cost of building an aircraft carrier is extremely high, beyond the reach of most countries. Even a great power like the former Soviet Union felt the pressure. This is precisely the main reason why the U.S. vigorously promotes this theory, attempting to limit Soviet forces to the Eurasian continent and prevent them from confronting the U.S. at sea. Additionally, differences in national marine interests and the continuous emergence of advanced anti-carrier weapons have led some people to question the value of aircraft carriers.

In discussing China's goal of developing aircraft carrier fleets, Tan Chuanyi believes that China has become a major global economic and trade power, and wherever the "Belt and Road" initiative reaches, it represents national interests. Chinese businessmen, goods, and infrastructure are spread all over the world, making the security of maritime trade routes crucial. In nearby areas such as Southeast Asia, deploying destroyers and frigates may suffice to safeguard interests; however, in distant regions like the Middle East, Africa, and Central and South America, large-scale fleets are needed, making aircraft carrier battle groups the only choice. The development of the Chinese Navy aims to protect commercial interests rather than resource plundering. For example, the dispatch of ship formations by the South Sea Fleet to patrol Australia expresses protest against Australia's intervention in the South China Sea and interference with China's maritime trade routes. For a third-rate navy like Australia, using an aircraft carrier would be overkill.

Tan Chuanyi also mentioned that the strongest argument for the "theory of the uselessness of aircraft carriers" is the abundance of modern anti-carrier weapons, significantly increasing the vulnerability of aircraft carriers. Once hit, they are almost certain to sink, leading to a gradual weakening of their functions. However, China is actively exploring countermeasures. On May 18, 2022, the world's first intelligent mobile unmanned system mother ship, "Zhuhaiyun," was launched and completed sea trials and delivery by the end of 2023, accumulating valuable experience for the 076-type amphibious assault ship. On January 17, 2025, "Zhongchuan Exploration One" was launched, with stronger capabilities for carrying drones, unmanned boats, and submersibles. The advent of unmanned aircraft carriers is epoch-making, revolutionizing existing naval strategies and tactics.

In the scenario of the Taiwan Strait battlefield, Tan Chuanyi pointed out that the three manned aircraft carriers monitor and restrain U.S. aircraft carriers on the eastern coast of the island, while the three "Zhongchuan Exploration 1/2/3" task forces apply close pressure on Guam and U.S. aircraft carriers stationed in Japan, leaving the U.S. in a dilemma: attack, wasting expensive ammunition on invincible unmanned forces; do not attack, and risk being attacked. China's aircraft carrier development is steadily advancing, countering the "theory of the uselessness of aircraft carriers" with concrete actions.

Original Source: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1829315140772873/

Disclaimer: This article solely represents the author's personal views.