China's anti-aircraft carrier capabilities have attracted widespread attention around the world, and the topic has been discussed by many national naval executives. Recently, the performance of U.S. aircraft carriers in the Houthi Red Sea crisis has raised questions about their effectiveness, further highlighting China's role and influence in naval power. At the Paris Naval Conference, the British First Sea Secretary of State raised an important question: who is currently more powerful than China in anti-aircraft carrier capabilities? The question sparked reflection among participants and highlighted China's ability to fill a gap in global anti-aircraft carrier warfare that worries traditional naval powers. However, in the face of China's anti-aircraft carrier threat, Western countries do not rely solely on China's movements to determine their aircraft carrier strategy. Instead, they are trying to combine new technologies with carrier strike groups to counter emerging anti-carrier means. At the meeting, the delegates put forward a new concept of naval warfare, believing that the aircraft carrier is not only the command center of the ship cluster, but more importantly, the hub of information collection and processing.
They believe that the integration of new technologies is the key to the effective evolution of carrier strike groups. As a result, a consensus was reached in favor of continuing to develop aircraft carriers and incorporating new technologies into them to enhance the strategic significance and tactical value of carrier strike groups. Under this new concept of naval warfare, aircraft carriers are no longer mere tools for demonstrating military power, but centers for information collection and processing. By incorporating new technologies, carrier strike groups can achieve more efficient information transmission and command, thereby improving their combat capabilities. For example, an aircraft carrier strike group can use drones for long-range reconnaissance and target positioning, and transmit intelligence back to the command center in a timely manner through satellite communication systems. At the same time, the introduction of the new ** system also provides strong support for the counterattack capability of the aircraft carrier strike group. In addition to technological innovations, carrier strike groups are also facing new challenges and opportunities in terms of tactics.
The traditional thinking of naval warfare emphasizes the fire deterrence and long-range strike capabilities of aircraft carriers, while the new naval warfare concept focuses more on the flexible mobility and rapid reaction capabilities of aircraft carriers. In modern naval warfare, carrier strike groups face a wide variety of threats, including missile attacks, submarine attacks, and cyber attacks. As a result, carrier strike groups need to have a full range of defense capabilities and be able to quickly adjust tactics and deployments to respond to the changing environment of warfare. Although China's anti-aircraft carrier capabilities have attracted international attention, Western countries do not rely solely on China's movements to develop aircraft carrier strategies. Instead, they are trying to combine new technologies and carrier strike groups to jointly defend against emerging anti-carrier means. In summary, the Paris Naval Conference reached a consensus in favor of continuing to develop aircraft carriers and integrating new technologies into them to enhance the strategic significance and tactical value of carrier strike groups.
By incorporating new technologies and innovative tactics, carrier strike groups can better adapt to the modern naval warfare environment and maintain their important position in naval power. China's aircraft carrier development program is impressive, but its aircraft carrier program is still in its infancy. China's first domestically built aircraft carrier, the Liaoning, was commissioned in 2012, while the second indigenously built aircraft carrier, the Shandong, was launched in 2019. China is also building the third and fourth aircraft carriers, and plans to build 6-10 aircraft carriers by 2030. China's aircraft carrier development program is designed to achieve its ambitious global influence goals. Aircraft carriers can provide China with the ability to project power from a distance, enhance its role in regional conflicts, and exert greater influence in global affairs. In addition, the aircraft carrier can serve as a symbol of the modernization of the Chinese Navy and a symbol of national strength. China's aircraft carrier development program also faces some challenges. First of all, China needs to master the technology of aircraft carrier operation and maintenance.
This requires the training of well-trained crews and technicians, as well as the establishment of well-established ** chains and maintenance facilities. Secondly, China also needs to develop carrier-based aircraft suitable for aircraft carrier operations. Currently, China is developing a new generation of carrier-based fighters. China's aircraft carrier development has also caused some international attention and concern. Some countries are concerned that China's aircraft carrier capabilities will change the military balance in the region and have taken corresponding measures against it. For example, the United States has increased its military presence in the Asia-Pacific region and conducted joint military exercises with its allies. However, China's aircraft carrier development has also received some criticism. Some commentators argue that China's aircraft carrier program is a waste of resources, as modern warfare has entered the era of drones and cyber warfare. In addition, some have questioned whether China will be able to catch up with Western countries in terms of technology and experience. Overall, China's aircraft carrier development plan is part of its quest for global influence and excellence.
While China still has some challenges in terms of aircraft carrier technology and operations, its aircraft carrier program is still strategically important and worthy of attention and learning from other countries.