The US and China are 'racing' for naval fleets, with quality overwhelming quantity

The US Navy is currently the second largest force in the world, after rival China, but still has top quality.


The US nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson docked in the southeastern port city of Busan on November 21, 2023. (Source: Yonhap) Although quantity plays a significant role, the quality of technology, training and combat experience gives the US Navy an advantage over potential opponents. The United States owns 238 active warships and many more are under construction or on order.

The US Navy's arsenal includes 75 guided missile destroyers, 13 guided missile cruisers and a formidable submarine fleet of 68 ships, full of technological superiority. of the navy.

The "crown jewels" of the fleet - 11 nuclear-powered aircraft carriers - demonstrate unprecedented power projection capabilities, despite China's countermeasures to neutralize this advantage . Currently, China is investing heavily in maritime forces to prevent a future conflict with the US and the West in the Indo-Pacific.

The Chinese Navy currently equips more than 700 warships and support ships. Of course, quantity does not beat quality technology and training or operational experience. In that respect, the US possesses many advantages over its potential opponent.

The US Navy always maintains outstanding capabilities. When it comes to submarines, America has the most powerful and technologically advanced fleet in the world. With 68 submarines (50 attack ships, 14 ballistic missile submarines and 4 guided missile submarines), it can sink enemy warships as well as contribute to the country's strategic deterrence through through submarines capable of nuclear attack.

The heart of the Navy is 11 super aircraft carriers, including 1 Ford class and 10 Nimitz class. These aircraft carriers can display power that no other conventional weapons system can. Each carrying nearly 100 warplanes, aircraft carriers can determine the course of a naval conflict.
All US aircraft carriers are nuclear powered, using nuclear power to limit maintenance and supply problems.

China has recognized the threat these aircraft carriers present. Beijing has invested heavily in Anti-Access/Anti-Entrance Denial (A2/AD) systems aimed at deterring US aircraft carriers in case of need. The US Navy is expanding its fleet, aiming for a force of nearly 400 warships, but it will take many years and a lot of money to get there.