The US and China compete in naval fleets 0
(Dan Tri) – The US Navy, although the second largest globally, is competing with a rapidly growing Chinese fleet, with more than 700 ships.
The US shows off its power at sea (Photo: US Navy).
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 `crown jewels` of the fleet – 11 nuclear-powered aircraft carriers – demonstrate unprecedented power projection capabilities, despite China’s countermeasures to neutralize this advantage
The US Navy is currently the second largest force in the world, after rival China.
Indeed, the Chinese Navy currently operates more than 700 warships and support vessels.
Of course, quantity does not beat quality technology and training or operational experience.
The US Navy, although smaller, still maintains superior capabilities
The US owns 238 active warships, in addition to an additional 50 reserve ships, and is building 50 ships and 36 more are on order.
Regarding the main surface combat forces, the backbone of the US Navy relies mainly on missile-guided cruisers and destroyers.
The US Navy currently operates 75 guided missile destroyers, including 73 Arleigh-Burke class ships and 2 Zumwalt class ships and 13 guided missile cruisers, all of the Ticonderoga class.
When it comes to submarines, America has the most powerful and technologically advanced fleet in the world.
The heart of the Navy is 11 super aircraft carriers, including 1 Ford-class and 10 Nimitz-class.
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.
However, the US Navy has 21 amphibious assault ships.
The newest warships in the US Navy’s arsenal are littoral combat ships – designed for near-shore operations – including 16 Independence-class ships and 11 Freedom-class ships.
The US Navy’s littoral combat ship USS Gabrielle Giffords (LCS-10) launches an NSM missile during the Pacific Griffin exercise in October 2019 (Photo: US Navy).
Although not as heavily armed as guided missile cruisers or destroyers, littoral combat ships have their own uses and they can release armed warships.
The US Navy is expanding its fleet, aiming for a force of nearly 400 warships, but it will take years and a lot of money to get there.
