New US Aircraft Carriers Are Facing Challenges Due To Advanced Enemy Capabilities And Aerial Denial Measures

Here are some challenges the new US aircraft carriers are currently facing.

Despite the high cost of the US aircraft carriers, they are still essential in terms of battles and wars. (Photo: Military.com)

The Problems With The New US Aircraft Carriers

In the past, the Navy used US aircraft carriers primarily for ground support missions against weaker enemies. However, with the return of near-peer conflicts against countries like Russia and China, expensive US aircraft carriers face new challenges.

What the new US aircraft carriers face are advanced enemy capabilities and anti-access/aerial denial measures. Despite the high cost, US aircraft carriers are still crucial for determining naval battles and influencing wars.

According to a published article by The National Interest, to enhance survivability, the Navy should consider investing in lighter US aircraft carriers to complement its supercarriers.

People’s Liberation Army Navy’s Fourth Aircraft Carrier

In a published article by Eurasia Times, the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) is expanding its fleet with the construction of a more advanced fourth Chinese aircraft carrier.

This new carrier will join the existing fleet of destroyers, frigates, submarines, and assault ships, providing a significant boost to China’s maritime power.

The development of these carriers demonstrates China’s progress in naval technology and its goal of having six operational aircraft carriers by 2035.

The first Chinese aircraft carrier, Liaoning, was refurbished from a Ukrainian carrier and became combat-ready in 2016. The second carrier, Shandong, was launched in 2017, and the third, Fujian, is set to begin sea trials soon.

READ ALSO: Tension Between NATO And Russia Increases As Sweden Joins The US-Led Alliance