In a startling revelation that could redefine naval warfare, analysts warn that China’s advanced hypersonic missile technology poses a grave threat to U.S. aircraft carriers, potentially obliterating them within minutes during a conflict. The USS Gerald R. Ford, the Navy’s most sophisticated carrier, is at the forefront of this looming crisis. Despite its staggering $13 billion price tag and cutting-edge capabilities, experts suggest it may be rendered obsolete by China’s rapidly evolving arsenal.
Recent reports from the U.S. Department of Defense indicate that China leads the globe in hypersonic missile development, with weapons like the Dongfang 17 capable of reaching Mach 10 and altering trajectory mid-flight, making interception nearly impossible. If hostilities erupt over Taiwan, anticipated by 2027, analysts predict that all ten U.S. aircraft carriers could be decimated within the first 20 minutes of conflict.
U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hexith’s chilling assertion that “China is building an army specifically designed to destroy the U.S.” underscores the urgency of the situation. The Pentagon is racing to develop laser weapon systems as a countermeasure, with the potential to neutralize hypersonic threats at the speed of light. However, these technologies remain years away from operational effectiveness, leaving American naval forces vulnerable.
While past tests of laser systems have shown promise, the Navy’s efforts to integrate high-powered lasers capable of countering hypersonic missiles face significant hurdles. The recently established High Energy Laser Counter Anti-Ship Cruise Missile Program (HELCAP) aims to accelerate development, but the Navy still lacks the necessary power to effectively neutralize these advanced threats.
As tensions rise in the Pacific, the implications of this technological race are dire. The stakes have never been higher, and the U.S. Navy must urgently adapt to counter a formidable adversary that is rapidly closing the gap in military capabilities. The time for action is now.