U.S. Navy Struggles as Chinese Fleet Strengthens

Every once in a while one must shake their head in disbelief. While our Navy’s warship production is hitting the lowest point in 25 years, China is busy rapidly expanding its naval forces. A recent report highlights the stark contrast in production rates and raises alarm bells about the U.S.’s future position in global maritime power. If the United States intends to maintain any semblance of dominance on the high seas, policymakers certainly have their work cut out for them.

China’s Breathtaking Naval Buildup

China now boasts the world’s largest navy with 234 warships compared to the U.S. Navy’s 219. That imbalance, combined with China’s newer ships and more productive shipyards, presents a worrying picture for the future.

U.S. Fleet vs. China’s Numbers

Historical evidence suggests larger fleets have a wartime advantage, with China capable of absorbing more losses than the U.S. The PLAN (People’s Liberation Army Navy) is on track to surpass the U.S. Navy even in critical vertical launch system (VLS) cells by 2027. On a brighter note, the U.S. Navy still maintains an edge in guided missile cruisers and destroyers, but the gap is closing fast.

US Navy warship production hits 25-year low, falls behind China: ‘A terrible state’ https://t.co/AqNGWa48lh pic.twitter.com/8vB7iG6j2T

— New York Post (@nypost) August 11, 2024

The Workforce Conundrum

The U.S. Navy’s lag in production isn’t just about poor planning—it’s also about workforce issues. For instance, Marinette Marine is contracted to build six guided-missile frigates but can produce only one per year with its current workforce. To address these challenges, shipyards are deploying creative solutions like training academies and partnerships with technical colleges.

Design Issues and Cost Overruns

A considerable hindrance to timely shipbuilding is frequent design changes by the Navy, resulting in cost increases and delays. It’s estimated that 85% of ships undergo redesign after construction starts, wreaking havoc on production schedules and budgets.

The US Navy's warship production is in its worst state in 25 years. What's behind it? https://t.co/yxMh63LARo

— 13News Now (@13NewsNow) August 11, 2024

Navy’s Response and Future Strategies

In response to the crisis, the Navy has been exploring “creative solutions,” such as partnerships with industry to tackle production delays and workforce shortages. Lt. Kyle Hanton emphasizes the importance of working closely with industry partners to remedy the current issues.

Alarm Bells Are Ringing

Eric Labs, a naval analyst, describes the Navy’s shipbuilding as in “a terrible state.” Adding to the urgency is a leaked U.S. Office of Naval Intelligence slide showing China’s navy can produce ships at 200 times the rate of the U.S.

The Navy’s ability to build lower-cost warships that can shoot down Houthi rebel missiles in the Red Sea depends in part on a 25-year-old laborer who previously made parts for garbage trucks.https://t.co/pzsk7z8MgP

— WGN Morning News (@WGNMorningNews) August 11, 2024

A Scary Strategic Opportunity for China

Brent Sadler from the Heritage Foundation warns that China sees this decade as a strategic opportunity, and alarmingly, the U.S. is not closing the gap. This widening disparity between the powers can’t be ignored if the U.S. wishes to maintain global stability and maritime dominance.

The Silver Linings

Despite these challenges, the U.S. Navy holds some critical advantages. U.S. submarines remain superior, with 66 nuclear submarines compared to China’s 12, and the Navy has a longer tradition and more combat experience than the PLAN. These factors could play a pivotal role in maintaining some level of maritime superiority and balance.

Closing Thoughts, And Yes, More Work Ahead

Let’s cut to the chase: the U.S. Navy is in a precarious situation. Amid an ever-expanding Chinese naval force, declining U.S. ship production is a glaring vulnerability. If our leaders don’t tackle these foundational issues head-on, we might wake up to a world where the U.S. is no longer the dominant maritime power. Buckle up, folks—the seas are looking rough ahead.