Today in Asia Times, I wrote about the US Navy's efforts to upgrade four Arleigh Burke-class destroyers in response to China's rapidly expanding naval capabilities. The US Navy plans to enhance these destroyers with advanced radars, electronic warfare systems, and a new version of the Aegis Combat System. However, despite these upgrades, there are concerns about the limitations of the Arleigh Burke-class in terms of internal space, potentially hindering the installation of newer systems. Moreover, the aging Ticonderoga-class cruisers are being retired due to structural issues and maintenance costs, leading to a potential "cruiser gap" in the US Navy compared to China's naval forces.
While technological advancements are crucial, the sheer size of China's fleet could be decisive in naval dominance. Historical evidence indicates that in naval warfare, numerical superiority often trumps short-lived technological advantages. With its large number of ships and advanced anti-ship missile capabilities, the PLA-N poses a significant challenge to the US Navy. The US's focus on large, expensive warships may also raise questions about the efficacy of their strategy in the face of China's growing naval power and capabilities.