Aircraft Carrier War: China vs US
Kris Osborn
Updated at Oct 22, 2025, 21:53
Partner
Defending against "carrier-killer" missiles, the US Navy unleashes advanced layered defenses and precision offensive strikes, securing its fleet's dominance.
Warrior talks to Forecast International Expert David Hutchins About C-UAS Technology
by Kris Osborn, Warrior
US Navy Layered Carrier Defenses
Chinese “carrier-killer” missiles have been capturing headlines for so many years, that perhaps many are inclined to overlook or simply “forget” the fast-improving attack methods the US military could use to defend against them or destroy the People’s Liberation Army - Navy carriers. The PLA’s DF-26 anti-ship missile can travel as far as 2,000 miles to destroy US Navy carriers, but far too many observers seem quick to overlook the growing sphere of integrated, layered ship defenses currently protecting carriers and warships. US Navy warships are increasingly positioned to “jam” the RF or electronic guidance system of a DF-26 to essentially throw it off course. US destroyers are also increasingly armed with short, medium and long-range interceptor missiles as a growing ability to use unmanned systems and multi-domain networking to “see” attacking anti-ship missiles at much greater distances, something which of course make “intercept” much more realistic. For example, ship-based radar could network with a manned jet, command and control plane. Low Earth Orbit satellite or drone to acquire and destroy an incoming PLA anti-ship missile. All of these variables are likely a large reason why the Navy remains confident and optimistic about the future value of its carrier fleet.
US Navy on Offense
The other lesser recognized variable of great relevance to this equation is the US Navy’s improving ability to conduct long-range, precision offensive attacks on PLA N carriers and anti-ship missile launch locations. Perhaps one of the most effective methods the US Navy could use might be the Tactical Tomahawk. This weapon, fired from submarines and warship deck Vertical Launch Systems, emerged several years ago as a breakthrough capability in which Tomahawk missiles could draw upon additional RF throughput and guidance technology to adjust course in flight to hit moving targets. This development was the reason the classic Tomahawk missile evolved beyond being used to only hit fixed targets such as command and control centers, weapons storage facilities and bunkers. Today’s warship-launched Tomahawk can use its own surveillance to “loiter” over a target and use a two-way datalink to change course in flight as needed. This gives the US Navy added capability with which to target and attack Chinese carriers.
Undersea Attack
The US Navy’s undersea attack capability is yet another area through which Chinese carriers could be held at risk. The US Navy’s Virginia-class submarines are increasingly stealthy as they have been upgraded with quieting technologies, stealth coating and the ability to launch forward undersea “drones” in position to acquire targets to attack with torpedoes and Tomahawks. As part of this undersea surveillance capability, forward opening undersea drones could “tether” to a surface “node” and potentially send real-time targeting data to surface and air platforms in position to strike. In this way, an undersea drone operating with advanced sonar could potentially acquire the signature or signal from a Chinese warship and quickly send verified targeting data to weapons systems in position to strike.
https://warriormaven.com/news/sea/aircraft-carrier-war-china-vs-us
