外交政策研究所-航母战斗群布置在哪里？美国国家战略与未来选择（英）-2021-155页_12mb

Summary of Where Are the Carriers? U.S. National Strategy and the Choices Ahead

Core Content

Where Are the Carriers? is a critical examination of the U.S. aircraft carrier's role in national strategy, particularly in the context of great power competition with China and Russia. The book analyzes the carrier's utility, cost, and strategic relevance in modern warfare, offering a historical and forward-looking perspective on the future of the U.S. Navy's carrier force.

Main Viewpoints

• Historical Significance: Aircraft carriers have played a pivotal role in U.S. military operations, including the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and the Cold War. Their ability to project power and maintain sea control has been a cornerstone of American naval dominance.
• Carrier Utility: Despite criticisms of cost and vulnerability, carriers remain essential for air superiority, anti-submarine warfare, and strategic strikes. They provide a mobile platform for projecting power across vast distances and are crucial in maintaining U.S. influence in key regions.
• Modern Combat Challenges: The book questions whether carriers can survive in a high-tech, multi-domain warfare environment. It explores the risks posed by advanced anti-ship missiles, cyber threats, and the need for robust defense systems.
• Cost and Scale: Carrier costs have risen dramatically over time, with the Gerald R. Ford-class being the most expensive to date. However, the book argues that the number of carriers is still a strategic necessity, though it acknowledges the need for cost-effective alternatives.
• Global Rivalry: The resurgence of China and Russia as naval powers has reignited the debate on carrier strategy. China is rapidly expanding its carrier fleet, while Russia struggles with the operational readiness of its sole carrier, Admiral Kuznetsov.

Key Information

Carrier Roles and Missions

• The U.S. Navy continues to rely on carriers for air superiority, power projection, and sea control.
• Land-based aircraft and missiles are evaluated as potential substitutes, but the book questions their effectiveness in replacing the unique capabilities of carriers.
• The carrier's ability to operate in contested environments and deliver long-range strikes remains unmatched.

Survivability in Modern Combat

• The survivability of carriers is a major concern, especially with the proliferation of anti-ship missiles and advanced air defenses.
• The book highlights the importance of carrier air wings, including E-2C radar planes, F-14 interceptors, and Aegis cruisers, in creating a protective air umbrella.
• Modern carriers must be equipped with advanced defenses and integrated systems to survive in high-threat environments.

Carrier Size and Capability Options

• The book outlines four potential carrier configurations:
  • Gerald R. Ford-class nuclear-powered large carriers
  • Light carriers based on Wasp and America-class amphibious ships
  • French Charles de Gaulle or British Queen Elizabeth-class conventional carriers
  • A new medium carrier similar to Cold War-era Midway-class ships

Nuclear vs. Conventional Propulsion

• Nuclear propulsion offers greater endurance and operational flexibility, making it ideal for long-range deployments.
• Conventional propulsion is cheaper and may be more suitable for smaller, less expensive carriers.
• The choice between nuclear and conventional propulsion is a key factor in determining the future of the carrier force.

Number of Carriers and Cost

• The U.S. currently maintains 11 aircraft carriers, a number that has declined since the Cold War peak of 15 carriers.
• The cost of building and maintaining carriers has increased significantly, with the Ford-class costing over $13 billion.
• The book questions whether the U.S. can sustain a large carrier force in the face of budget constraints and strategic priorities.

Unmanned Carrier Aircraft

• Unmanned systems are seen as a potential complement to carrier aviation, but the book warns against over-reliance on them.
• Unmanned aircraft may assist in surveillance, strike missions, and logistics, but they cannot replace the strategic value of manned carrier aviation.

Strategic Importance

• The book argues that the U.S. must maintain a strong carrier presence to counter China and Russia.
• The 1980s "Forward Maritime Strategy" and the 600-ship navy initiative were crucial in deterring Soviet aggression and ending the Cold War.
• The return of great power competition necessitates a renewed focus on carrier capabilities and numbers.

Conclusion

Where Are the Carriers? concludes that the U.S. must carefully consider the future of its carrier force in light of emerging threats and financial realities. While carriers face challenges in modern warfare, they remain a vital component of American military strategy. The book advocates for a balanced approach that includes both maintaining a strong carrier presence and exploring cost-effective alternatives. The ultimate goal is to ensure that the U.S. can project power globally and maintain sea control in an era of great power rivalry.