Navy's Strategic Shift: Preparing for Conflict in the Asia-Pacific

The U.S. Navy is drawing lessons from recent conflicts to prepare for potential future engagements with China. Key strategies include expanded use of drones, enhancing combat readiness, and overcoming recruitment challenges. Adm. Lisa Franchetti outlines ambitious goals to ensure 80% of the force is ready for deployment, focusing on technological advancements and efficient maintenance.

The U.S. Navy is taking cues from its recent combat experiences in the Red Sea and Ukraine's defense strategies in the Black Sea to brace for a potential future conflict with China. Through the integration of drones, unmanned vessels, and innovative ship-board gun operations, the Navy is expanding its combat capabilities and enhancing training programs.

Adm. Lisa Franchetti, chief of naval operations, emphasized the urgent need for readiness by 2027, a timeline set by Chinese President Xi Jinping for a potential invasion of Taiwan. Franchetti revealed a new navigation plan featuring seven priority goals, including overcoming recruitment woes and improving Navy infrastructure.

An essential aspect of the plan is achieving an 80% combat readiness rate at any given time. This ambitious target aims to ensure the Navy can rapidly deploy forces if needed. The strategy also involves leveraging lessons from the Navy's engagements with Houthi rebels and adapting Ukrainian tactics against the Russian Black Sea fleet. By refining maintenance procedures and embracing automation, the Navy aims to maintain a robust presence in the Asia-Pacific region.

(With inputs from agencies.)