Pilotless...
(Ducking)
For asymmetrical warfare, piloted aircraft and super carriers are great. For a full on symmetrical war, those two systems will either be hidden, or blown up.
Argue all you want. That’s a fact.
You’re right. In a shooting war with the Chinese, it’ll be our missiles from subs against their missiles. Our surface navy, particularly our carriers, will be far away from danger after the first ship hits the bottom of the Pacific. Anybody who still believes that their anti-ship missiles aren’t good enough is kidding themselves.
“For a full on symmetrical war, those two systems will either be hidden, or blown up.”
“Hidden” is “stealth”...which is why a gen 4.5 aircraft is a stupid idea unless it’s in the backfield being cued by stealthy aircraft in front. That’s the role for the F-15EX, missile truck.