The United States currently has the most powerful aircraft carrier strength in the world, with a total of 11 aircraft carriers. This huge carrier fleet gives the U.S. Navy a formidable maritime military clout, but can it really be called invincible? Russia has made a thought-provoking point: there is only one country capable of challenging American aircraft carriers, and that is Russia itself. In addition to Russia, which other countries have the ability to defend against the attack of American aircraft carriers? Obviously, some of the big countries in Asia should also be included in it.
As one of the most powerful weapons of the world's navy at present, it is not easy to fight aircraft carriers. Each aircraft carrier has a large number of escort ships that are responsible for defending against threats from underwater, surface, and air. The aircraft carrier formation is shaped like a solid copper wall, and there are US carrier-based aircraft in the air to provide support. In addition, the E2 Hawkeye AWACS aircraft is capable of fully monitoring the surrounding situation. Against this background, even close proximity to aircraft carriers is an extremely challenging task for general anti-ship weapons.
In addition, the aircraft carrier itself is rigorously designed to ensure unsinkability. It houses thousands of compartments inside, making it possible for the aircraft carrier to remain afloat even if it is subjected to a large amount of water. The U.S. military once conducted a test to bomb a decommissioned aircraft carrier for half a month, but it still could not sink it. Not to mention the current nuclear-powered aircraft carriers, which are protected by armor in their key parts, so it is difficult for ordinary anti-ship missiles to hit the aircraft carrier even if they hit.
However, Russia has a unique strategy when it comes to anti-ship warfare. Since Soviet times, Russia has emphasized the development of anti-ship weapons and the creation of a powerful ocean-going navy. Although the size of the ocean-going navy has decreased, its anti-ship missile technology is still at the forefront of the world. Russia can use the Tu-22M Backfire bomber as a delivery platform for anti-ship missiles to hit the US aircraft carrier group with a large number of anti-ship missiles. While these missiles may not be able to sink the carrier, they are enough to cause serious damage to it.
In addition, Russia has a worrying weapon, and that is the Poseidon nuclear torpedo. This nuclear torpedo can carry a large-yield nuclear warhead and is highly concealed, making it difficult to detect by US anti-submarine forces. Once the Poseidon nuclear torpedo enters the American aircraft carrier formation, just one nuclear torpedo will be enough to destroy the entire formation, and maybe even overturn the aircraft carrier directly. The U.S. military currently has no effective means to counter this threat.
In addition, anti-ship ballistic missiles are also an effective means of anti-ship. However, to successfully carry out such an attack is not easy, it is necessary to accurately determine the location of the American aircraft carrier, conduct long-term tracking, and ensure that the missiles are able to accurately hit the target. Although challenging, if successful, this will render the carrier incapacitated, forcing it to move away from hostile areas.
In short, the strength of the US aircraft carrier is indeed strong, but it is not invincible. Russia, with its powerful anti-ship missile and nuclear torpedo technology, as well as potential anti-ship means from other countries, poses a potential threat to American aircraft carriers. It also reminds us that the modern competition for military power is fraught with challenges and variables, and neither side can afford to be conceited. In international relations, balance and prudence are essential to ensure peace and stability.