That is, if flattops continue to lack long-range strike capabilities
by DAVE MAJUMDAR
If the United States Navy is either unwilling or unable to conceptualize a carrier air wing that can fight on the first day of a high-end conflict, then the question becomes — why should the American taxpayer shell out $13 billion for a Ford-class carrier?
That’s the potent question being raised by naval analysts in Washington, noting that there are many options that the Navy could pursue including a stealthy long-range unmanned combat aircraft or a much heavier investment in submarines.
However, the current short-range Boeing F/A-18 Hornet-based air wing is not likely to be sufficient in the 2030s even with the addition of the longer ranged Lockheed Martin F-35C Joint Strike Fighter.
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