The US Navy already has a plan for a possible war with China. The strategy starts from estimating the moment when Beijing will have the full capacity to attack Taiwan.
The US Navy has a plan to strengthen its warfighting capacity and closely monitors China’s developments and the possibility of it invading Taiwan. Admiral Lisa Franchetti, the head of US Navy operations, released this plan on Wednesday, stating that she spent a year assessing the Navy’s direction and priorities for the near future, as reported by Business Insider.
The seven objectives of the strategy include streamlining warship and submarine maintenance to eliminate delays, a greater push for drone and unmanned ship development and deployment, and a focus on recruiting and retention methods.
The plan is based on the premise that the US Navy must be prepared by 2027 for a war with China. In a speech given at the Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island, Franchetti stated that at the core of her strategy is "prioritizing the increase in readiness for a potential conflict with the People's Republic of China by 2027."
Why 2027 is important
2027 has become a focal point for the US administration and military after being set as a deadline by Chinese leader Xi Jinping for Beijing's military forces to be prepared to occupy Taiwan.
Franchetti mentioned this year in her speech, stating that it is "what President Xi told his forces, that they should be ready for war by 2027."
Xi has denied these claims, including setting the deadline for 2035, according to a senior US official who spoke to the press in November about the conversation between the Chinese leader and President Joe Biden.
China, however, has consistently escalated aggression against Taiwan in recent years, especially after the island held elections that the Democratic Progressive Party won again in January. Fears of a US-China war have been further fueled by Beijing, which has become increasingly hostile in its territorial disputes with Japan and US allies in the South China Sea.
In her speech, Franchetti acknowledged that the US has other rivals in sight, such as Russia, Iran, and Hezbollah, but added that the US Navy must focus on China.
A challenging plan to fulfill
Achieving the objectives in Franchetti's plan will not be easy, notes Business Insider. In fact, the admiral admitted in her speech that these goals are extensive and bold. "But I also know that leaning purposefully and swiftly into these targets will deter the PRC (People's Republic of China) and any other potential adversary and make us even more prepared to fight and decisively win if that deterrence fails," she emphasized.
The admiral aims for 80% of the US Navy to be ready for deployment and combat at any time.
She also hopes that the US Navy can sustain a comprehensive repair effort for critical infrastructure, such as docks and runways. Another goal is to assess each fleet command center for war readiness, starting with the Pacific Fleet, and bring them up to the latest standards by 2027.
On the other hand, the US Navy has some unique advantages: real and recent combat experience, as highlighted by Franchetti.
Additionally, the US Navy closely monitors how Ukraine attacks the Russian fleet in the Black Sea using "a combination of missiles, robotic surface vessels, and agile digital capabilities." "We have learned a lot about the future of naval warfare. Including the role of robotic platforms, cheaper munitions, and disaggregated forces in gaining and exploiting control of the sea," Franchetti said.
The US Navy has also gained valuable lessons from fighting against Houthi rebels in Yemen, who have been attacking commercial ships in the Red Sea with drones and ballistic missiles for nearly a year.
"I think no one learns, probably, more than the Navy, because it really is the first time we have been in a weapons engagement zone for this sustained period," Franchetti said in an interview with The Associated Press.
Franchetti assumed the role of Chief of Naval Operations in November. Previously, she commanded two carrier strike groups and held command of the 6th Fleet, becoming the first woman to serve on the Joint Chiefs of Staff within the US Department of Defense.
Lisa Franchetti assumed the role of Chief of Naval Operations in November. Previously, she commanded two carrier strike groups and the 6th Fleet. She is the first woman in the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS), the highest-ranking officers in the US Department of Defense.
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