【Military Second Dimension】 Author: Lel

Just as the East Asian aircraft carrier confrontation had just ended, an article published by The New York Times, with core content from the U.S. Department of Defense "Advantage Briefing," conducted multiple simulations on the U.S. involvement in the East Asian conflict, which left Americans heartbroken — the U.S. Navy's most advanced "Ford" aircraft carrier was destroyed multiple times, with 45 ships sunk, over 1,000 aircraft lost, and more than 21,000 casualties in a short period.

▲ When the aircraft carrier's deterrence is no longer effective, the U.S. military will be in big trouble

The direct cause of this heavy loss is "over 600 hypersonic missiles." These advanced weapons, which conventional air defense/anti-missile systems cannot deal with, have high anti-ship effectiveness and once achieved a record of destroying a 100,000-ton nuclear-powered aircraft carrier in three rounds with a total of 24 missiles in simulations. Based on the large number of advanced hypersonic missiles displayed at the "September 3rd" parade, as well as the operational units such as the H-6K and J-20 that are openly visible, the system-based Chinese naval-air joint operations have already become a target that the U.S. aircraft carriers can hardly challenge in East Asia. The report's final proposed response strategy is to emulate China's development of hypersonic weapons and combine them with drones, satellites, and advanced radars to contain China's one-sided advantage. In other words, it's about following in China's footsteps.

▲ In just a few years, the technological foundation laid by the Dongfeng-17 has given rise to a wide range of mature equipment

The report also pointed out at the end that the current U.S. defense spending accounts for only 3.4% of GDP, "the lowest level in decades," which seriously affects U.S. military production capacity. To surpass China in the hypersonic field and gain ideal stockpiles, it is necessary to adjust the industry while further increasing defense spending, which means "spending money." Well, to say the truth, the core content of this report indeed points out the pain points of the U.S. military. The gap between both sides' hypersonic weapons has reached a very dangerous level. Without mentioning anything else, just the latest appearance of the submarine-launched YJ-19 and the extended-range DF-27, compared with the U.S. only prepared for mass production of the basic model of the double-cone body, it's a complete domination. The "Ford" carrier, as a large surface target that is difficult to avoid, is destined to be destroyed, and it's not a joke.

▲ The "Ford" is a super equipment built with great investment, but its effect is not as expected

But increasing defense spending to catch up with China is a joke. The state of the U.S. defense industry in recent years is even more than just decay. Taking the recently announced termination of the "Constellation" class frigate as an example, as a derivative of the European frigate, equipped with a small amount of American mature technology, entirely funded by the U.S., with Italy setting up a factory in North America and minimizing risks, after four years of hard work, there was nothing achieved. In the end, it cost $7.6 billion and was expected to get only two finished products, which had nothing to do with industrial level, purely due to internal corruption. Given the messy situation of U.S. military projects in recent years, it's unlikely to catch up with China's hypersonic missile capabilities within at least twenty years.

▲ The outcome of the "Constellation" was too absurd

As for the claim that U.S. military spending is at a historical low, it's even more absurd. On the surface, U.S. defense spending has not exceeded $90 billion, but that's because the White House knows that Congress imposes many restrictions on increasing military spending. To solve this problem, several U.S. presidents have chosen to bypass Congress through special bills and add extra military funding. Trump, who returned to the White House for the second time, was very familiar with this operation, which is the source of the "trillion-dollar military budget." Problems that cannot be solved by $1 trillion per year are certainly not industrial issues.

▲ DDG-1000 is a typical example

Of course, we don't need to be overly confident because of a single report from the U.S. Department of Defense. As a North American country, the U.S. has natural limitations in projecting power across the Pacific. With the Eurasian continent behind it, achieving the goal of keeping enemies out of the country is perfectly normal. It can only be said that the U.S. has been bullied too much before. After taking the first step, how to advance into the ocean, even into the Indian Ocean, and establish a stable foothold in the world's busiest maritime trade area, is the key. A powerful anti-aircraft carrier force at home is just the beginning.

▲ The goal of the Chinese navy is never just to defend against foreign aircraft carriers

In fact, from the actions taken by the domestic navy, it is clear. If the navy only aims to ensure amphibious landing capabilities, there would be no need to spend so much to develop the 076, nor would it need to maintain the only dual super-carrier shipbuilding plant in the world. While the U.S. Navy is still debating whether it can win against its opponent in East Asia, the domestic side has already set its eyes on the global stage.

Original: toutiao.com/article/7582908214988030464/

Statement: This article represents the views of the author.