Reference Message Network reported on April 8 that the website of the US "National Interest" bimonthly published an article on April 4 with the title "US Aircraft Carriers May No Longer Be Worth the Investment", authored by Stavros Atlamazoglou. Compiled as follows:

If there is a weapons system in the world that can embody military strength and national strength, it would be the aircraft carrier. Aircraft carriers are large in size, expensive to build, and can deliver fatal blows on the battlefield, possessing almost unparalleled combat capabilities.

However, emerging technologies are challenging the invincible perception of aircraft carriers, forcing the US Navy to seriously consider its future direction.

The US Navy has the largest and most capable aircraft carrier fleet in the world, with 11 "super aircraft carriers". A "super aircraft carrier" refers to large flat-deck carriers that can carry and launch dozens of fighter jets and support aircraft.

Currently, the US Navy has two levels of aircraft carriers, namely the "Nimitz" class and the "Ford" class. Specifically, the US has 10 "Nimitz" class aircraft carriers and 1 "Ford" class aircraft carrier. The only "Ford" class aircraft carrier, USS Gerald R. Ford, is the lead ship of its class and also the most advanced aircraft carrier in the world. These 11 aircraft carriers can carry a large number of fighters, including F/A-18E/F Super Hornets, F-35B/C Lightning II stealth fighters, and EA-18G Growler electronic warfare aircraft.

In many ways, an aircraft carrier is like a floating city at sea, with a crew of more than 5,000 people, including sailors and marines. Additionally, all US aircraft carriers use nuclear power, meaning they can sail almost indefinitely without refueling. However, aircraft carriers must periodically replenish supplies for their crew and undergo maintenance in port.

Such operational capabilities come at a high cost. For example, the USS Gerald R. Ford cost approximately $13 billion. The first ship of any class often costs more than subsequent ships of the same type. The "Nimitz" class aircraft carriers are relatively less expensive, with each costing about $4.5 billion. Of course, this price is just the fixed cost of building the aircraft carrier, and its subsequent operating costs are also quite high.

Such high costs have aroused dissatisfaction in Washington, especially as innovations in offensive weapons could potentially sink aircraft carriers or at least significantly reduce their combat effectiveness. One of the greatest threats to aircraft carriers comes from advanced anti-ship missiles, which have already fallen into the hands of US opponents overseas. In the near future, swarms of drones may also become a major threat. Compared with the billions of dollars required to design, build, equip, and operate an aircraft carrier, the cost of such weapon systems is relatively low. So, are aircraft carriers still worth investing in?

The answer is not so simple. Without being able to establish expeditionary bases everywhere around the globe, aircraft carriers can project the full combat power of multiple fighter squadrons to virtually any part of the world to counter enemies. Before technology develops to the point where fighters can fly ultra-long distances and have fuel efficiency high enough to eliminate the need for airbases floating at sea, aircraft carriers provide policymakers and military planners with unparalleled flexibility.

Certainly, the US Navy can invest in building smaller and cheaper vessels, carrying fewer fighters but at a lower cost. If these warships are sunk by enemy anti-ship missiles and drone swarms, the consequences will not be as devastating as losing a "super aircraft carrier." However, none of these ships can truly replace aircraft carriers or substitute for the powerful firepower they bring.

So, at least for now, aircraft carriers remain worth having. (Translated by Tu Qi)

Original source: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7490756406623158824/

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