F-35B illuminating aircraft carriers: the US Navy’s “secret weapon” against China

Summary: In a potential conflict with China in the Indo-Pacific region, U.S. Navy aircraft carriers would play a crucial role. Although China has a larger naval force, the United States holds a significant advantage with its 11 supercarriers compared to China's two, soon to be three. The US Navy's Nimitz and Ford class aircraft carriers have superior capabilities. To further enhance this advantage, the Navy is converting amphibious assault ships, like the USS Bataan, into “lightning carriers” capable of deploying F-35B Lightning II jets. These modifications, including a stronger deck and a new electrical system, will improve the Navy's operational flexibility without adding new supercarriers.

The US Navy's advantage: aircraft carriers in a conflict with China

In a potential future conflict with China in the Indo-Pacific region, much would depend on the performance of aircraft carriers.

Currently, the Chinese military may have the largest naval force, but the U.S. Navy has a clear advantage over its Chinese adversary when it comes to aircraft carriers.

The Navy has 11 super aircraft carriers, compared to two for the Chinese Navy (a third is currently being tested). Additionally, the Navy's 10 Nimitz-class and one Ford-class flat-top ships bring capabilities far beyond those of the Chinese Navy's ships, one of which is a refurbished Soviet aircraft carrier. This balance of power will not last forever: Beijing is aggressively designing and building a fleet of more modern aircraft carriers. But for now, the Navy has an undeniable advantage.

It also has the means to increase this advantage.

Lightning aircraft carrier for the F-35B against China

The Navy can mobilize additional aircraft carriers in the form of amphibious assault ships. Designed to support amphibious operations of the United States Marine Corps, these ships can carry a squadron of F-35B Lightning II stealth fighters, transforming them into light aircraft carriers similar to the Casablanca class used by the Navy during the Second World War. World War.

The F-35B is the STOVL (short takeoff and vertical landing) version of the Lightning II. It can take off and land like a helicopter. This STOVL capability is ideal for expeditionary operations where space and resources may be more limited.

Upcoming changes to the USS Bataan The amphibious assault ships show how the Navy is looking to grow its carrier fleet without adding new supercarriers.

According to the Navy, the conversion process will maintain the A.S.S. Bataan off the operational list for about a year and a half.

“We have to completely reorganize the flight deck,” Captain Trace Head, the ship's general manager, told Business Insider at Fleet Week 2024 in New York.

In addition to a stronger deck capable of withstanding the heat and force of the F-35B's STOVL operations, the A.S.S. Bataan will require a new electrical system to meet the requirements of the latest aircraft.

“As we transition from the Harrier to the F-35 on these ships, there are some maintenance tasks that need to be done, and all of that is planned and scheduled,” said Lt. Gen. Brian Cavanaugh, head of Maritime Forces Command.

Before coming to Fleet Week 2024, the USS Bataan participated in Operation Prosperity Guardian against Houthi insurgents in the Red Sea.

Head noted that if the warship had operated with F-35B fighter jets as a lightning carrier, it would likely still be within the zone protecting maritime traffic and U.S. national security interests.

“In the next deployment, we will be the Navy's most advanced amphibious warship coming out of the shipyard,” he added.

About the Author

Stavros Atlamazoglou is a seasoned defense journalist, specializing in special operations and a veteran of the Hellenic Army (national service with the 575th Marine Battalion and Army HQ). He holds a BA from Johns Hopkins University and an MS from the School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) at Johns Hopkins. His work has been featured in Business Insider, SandboxAnd SOFREP.

All images are Creative Commons.