A Closer Look at Destroying an Aircraft Carrier: Kamikaze Drones and Other Tactics

Malicious intent, even in fiction, can lead to intricate strategies targeting high-profile targets such as aircraft carriers. In this article, we explore the feasibility of sinking an aircraft carrier and its battle group, focusing on the use of kamikaze drones, anti-aircraft missiles, and tactical naval maneuvers. For the purpose of our discussion, let's imagine the hypothetical scenario where a hypothetical president utilizes these tactics.

The Challenge of Sinking an Aircraft Carrier

Despite the widespread belief that sinking an aircraft carrier is nearly impossible, there are ways to neutralize its effectiveness. The landing deck is the most critical component of an aircraft carrier, and if it gets destroyed, the carrier becomes as useful as a sardine can. One of the most effective ways to achieve this is through the use of well-targeted cruise missiles that dive vertically at the end of their journey.

Strategic Use of Kamikaze Drones

When it comes to attacking an aircraft carrier and its battle group, the use of kamikaze drones stands out as one of the most promising tactics. These drones operate in waves of 500 to 1,000 each, approaching the carrier from low levels or wave-top heights at high speed. Ranging from conventional drones to unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs) with enhanced stealth capabilities, these drones can be configurable to reach speeds of Mach 0.6 to 0.8. This combination can significantly overwhelm the defense systems of the battle group.

Additionally, the deployment of ballistic anti-ship missiles in tandem with the drone swarms can create a more formidable threat. As the battle group engages with these drones and missiles, the primary focus will be on neutralizing their menacing presence. However, this leaves an opportunity for other tactical maneuvers to be executed.

Neutralizing Radar and Fire Control Systems

To further exploit the battle group's vulnerabilities, the Li-Zhi president would target the E-2 Hawkeyes, the primary airborne early warning and control aircraft of the carrier group. Attacking these control centers is crucial for disrupting the overall command and control of the fleet. This mission would require around 3 to 5 regiments of aircraft to ensure that a significant number of H-6K bombers or other capable aircraft can attack radar and fire control systems while staying under the radar (literally and figuratively).

Surface-Based Tactical Operations

Alongside the aerial campaign, the use of missile boats, such as the Houbei class or Type 22, would play a critical role. These missile boats would launch salvos of anti-ship missiles and a few hundred short-range surface-to-air missiles to confuse and disrupt the remaining detection systems that have not been disabled by the earlier attacks. This coordinated attack from both the air and the surface would seriously impact the battle group's ability to operate effectively.

Post-Ambush Maneuvers and Evacuation

Once the battle group has been neutralized, the missile boats would then focus on rescuing the sailors in the water, thereby fulfilling another strategic objective. This act can serve as a valuable negotiating tactic, allowing the captain of an alternate universe to leverage a large hostage situation to achieve political goals.

While such scenarios are purely hypothetical, they provide an interesting perspective on the complexities of modern naval warfare and the use of various tactical and technological means to achieve a military objective or to conduct strategic strikes.

Conclusion

The destruction of an aircraft carrier and its battle group involves a multi-layered and coordinated approach that leverages both aerial and surface-based tactics. This detailed strategy emphasizes the importance of overwhelming the enemy's defense systems and disrupting critical control centers. Whether in the realm of fiction or real-world defense planning, the use of kamikaze drones and strategic naval maneuvers remains a pertinent area of consideration.