The Unsinkable Aircraft Carrier: An American Response to the Chinese Anti-Access/Area Denial (A2/AD) Challenge
Abstract
After the demise of the Soviet Union, the United States ability to project military power in defense of the nations interests have in essence gone unchallenged. However, with the emergence of regional powers in areas of vital interest to the USA this hegemonic position in power-projection capabilities seems to be coming to an end. The Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) is building up military capabilities and is developing anti-access/area denial (A2/AD) capabilities. If the current buildup continues and goes unchallenged, the cost of projecting power into the East China Sea might reach prohibitive levels, to the concern of US military leaders. Are the American bases in Japan and at Guam then the closest US forces can get to the area of operations (AO) in a conflict over Taiwan? This essay explores the option of using Taiwan as a land based focal point in Air Sea Battle in a military engagement with China. The essay explains the development of modern Chinese military doctrine, with the focus on the active defense of the PLA Air Force (PLAAF), and the A2/AD capabilities through the concept of shashoujian, or assassins mace. It goes on to discuss the emerging concept of Air Sea Battle, developed by the US Air Force and the US Navy in the face of the increasing challenge of getting access to the operational area.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 2013
- Accession Number
- AD1023223
Entities
People
- John O. Birkeland
Organizations
- Air Command and Staff College