China’s Missiles Now Outrange America’s Aircraft Carriers; U.S. Navy Invests Billions to Counter
The article argues that China's long-range anti-ship ballistic missiles (DF-21D, DF-26, DF-27) have reversed the reach advantage that made U.S. aircraft carriers dominant for 80 years. With missile ranges exceeding 2,500 miles, Chinese weapons can strike carriers from beyond the combat radius of carrier-based aircraft (400-600 nautical miles for Super Hornets and F-35Cs). The U.S. Navy is spending billions on new systems like the MQ-25 tanker drone and F/A-XX fighter to extend carrier strike range. Recent conflicts in the Red Sea (Houthi attacks on U.S. carriers) and Black Sea (Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian ships) provide real-world evidence of carrier vulnerability. The article draws a historical parallel to battleships rendered obsolete by carrier aircraft with greater reach.
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