Publication

This report argues that over the past 20 years US naval aviation has undergone a dramatic change in its focus and capabilities, and not for the better. Basically, its traditional emphasis on long-range capabilities and strike missions has been supplanted by a ‘bean-counting’ insistence on lower maintenance costs and higher aircraft sortie rates. Additionally, America needs to worry that its increasingly expensive carriers are losing their overall offensive punch, primarily because of the defensive systems that are being developed, fielded, and exported by the US’ competitors. The report closes by recommending ways to reverse these trends.