What You Need to Know: Despite emerging threats, the U.S. Navy remains committed to its aircraft carrier fleet, led by the advanced USS Gerald R. Ford. The Navy plans to build up to 10 more Ford-class carriers, priced at around $13 billion each.
-While adversaries like China develop hypersonic weapons to target carriers, the Navy is investing in countermeasures to mitigate these risks.
-Historically, carrier classes are capped at 10 ships, with replacements entering as older ships retire.
-Congress mandates a fleet of 11 carriers to maintain global presence, ensuring the carrier’s critical role in power projection continues amid evolving defense strategies.
-The Navy will likely continue to invest in carriers while developing countermeasures to emerging threats, ensuring their operational role persists.
The USS Gerald R. Ford is the most advanced aircraft carrier in history. The ship has been operational for a couple of years and has just one combat deployment. And although the warship is still experiencing the “baby illnesses” that always come up in new weapons systems, it remains the most capable........