Unsinkable No More: China's Hypersonic Missiles Challenge US Navy

Chinese researchers are claiming that the world's largest aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald R. Ford, could be demolished with absolute certainty using hypersonic missiles.
The simulation unfolded in the disputed South China Sea, where the US vessels persisted in approaching an island claimed by China, despite repeated warnings. Chinese researchers demonstrated the long-range capabilities of their hypersonic missiles by launching some from distant locations like the Gobi Desert. The outcome of the simulation was bleak for the US, as nearly every surface vessel was shattered and ultimately sank under the devastating attack.
These findings arrive at a time when China is actively exploring strategies to overcome US naval defenses in its quest to take over the Island of Taiwan. One such approach involves the development of advanced stealth submarines like the Type 095 and Type 096. These silent and elusive submarines pose a significant challenge to US anti-submarine defenses, bolstering China's underwater warfare capabilities.
China has also been investing in anti-ship ballistic missiles (ASBMs) such as the DF-21D and DF-26. These long-range missiles, equipped with maneuverable warheads, are specifically designed to target and disable aircraft carriers. Their ability to evade interception poses a considerable threat to US carrier strike groups.
In addition to submarines and anti-ship ballistic missiles, China has been actively utilizing drone swarms to overcome US aircraft carrier defenses. By deploying large numbers of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in synchronized attacks, China aims to overwhelm the defensive systems of US carriers. These drone swarms can carry out coordinated strikes, evading interception and overwhelming the carrier's defenses. The sheer volume and agility of the swarm enable them to disrupt operations, inflict damage, and create chaos on the carrier's deck.
To further enhance its military capabilities, China is investing in robust electronic warfare and cyber operations. Electronic warfare techniques, such as jamming and spoofing, are employed to degrade or disable US naval communication systems, sensors, and radars. This disruptive approach reduces the effectiveness of US defensive capabilities.
Moreover, China's navy has rapidly expanded in recent years, now boasting a larger fleet than that of the United States. With over 350 ships, including surface vessels, submarines, and aircraft carriers, China now possesses a naval force that surpasses the US fleet in terms of sheer numbers. This growth in naval strength grants China greater operational flexibility and the ability to project power across the world's oceans, not just in the Taiwan strait.
China has also made significant strides in developing space weapons that could potentially neutralize or destroy US satellites in the event of a conflict. These space-based weapons, such as anti-satellite missiles and directed energy weapons, have the capability to disrupt critical US military communications, reconnaissance, and navigation systems. The ability to impair satellites would significantly impact the US military's intelligence gathering and operational coordination, giving China a strategic advantage in potential conflicts.
While China's multifaceted approach to overcoming US naval defenses poses significant challenges, concerns have been raised about the US Navy's focus. A recent US naval recruitment video featuring a non-binary drag queen emphasizing the role of LGBTQ+ individuals in the Navy has drawn criticism. Many argue that the video highlights misplaced priorities, suggesting that the US Navy should be more focused on addressing potential threats rather than diversifying its ranks.
Florida Sen. Marco Rubio, tweeted a portion of the recruitment clip with the caption, "While China prepares for war, this is what they have our US Navy focused on."