If only we could predict the likely outcome of a nation putting its self into a war footing means of shipbuilding 18-24 months before a major conflict, and the likely delta in force parity it results in with an opponent country incapable of matching it….9 carriers by 2035.
China plans to field a force of nine aircraft carriers by 2035, according to a Defense Department report on Beijing’s military power released on Tuesday...China currently operates three carriers — second only to the U.S. This expansion would triple Beijing’s ability to deploy carrier strike groups within the next decade…While not dedicated aircraft carriers, the upcoming Type 076 class of amphibious warships come equipped with an electromagnetic catapult and command facilities dedicated to the operation of fixed-wing unmanned aerial systems, marking another boost to the PLAN’s flattop force.
China Wants Nine Aircraft Carriers by 2035, Says New Pentagon Report - USNI News
China plans to field a force of nine aircraft carriers by 2035, according to a Defense Department report on Beijing’s military power released on Tuesday. The U.S. report says that the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) will embark on the largest carrier build-up effort in the Indo-Pacific...news.usni.org
Maybe there is some historic model for comparison.
Anybody read “Red Tide” yet? The basic strategy the Chinese are using in that is to fight to an attritional stalemate in 1 conflict sinking each others critical capabilities and low density assets, keep it short of full nuclear deployment, destroy or degrade the chip fab supply for the worldwide market, and then imply the real plan is “see you in 5 years for round 2.”