THE DEBATE OVER CHINA'S AIRCRAFT CARRIER PROGRAM

The Jamestown Foundation ^ | 15-2-05 | You Ji

[Atlantic Friend]

Hmmm...but planes (a normal complement of Rafale, Super-Etendards, etc) DO land on it.

[Tallguy]

Carriers are great for projecting power in a semi-friendly diplomatic environment but in a modern war I think there are questions yet to be answered.

Which is why aircraft carriers are only used in "permissive environments" these days. If there is a sub threat, you can bet that a CSG will not be sent until our subs have sanitized the area. It may also be necessary for the USAF to strike enemy sub bases (and auxiliary bases) using the B2's.

In Operational Planning, you do some things simultaneously and other things sequentially. Besides, I believe the PLA's Taiwan Offensive (if it comes to that) will be a barrage of missiles followed by a call for surrender. The PLA will also utilize commando raids and air/naval engagements to sow confusion as to the immediacy of the landings.

I think that the CSG's will find some utility in secondary theaters where we can overmatch the PLAN (& it's allies). Rather like the way we used our second-rate fighter aircraft in WW2 in places like North Africa & the Aleutians.