Equipped with only 30 jets, the
Liaoning could not generate a “sufficient pulse of power” to knock out a major target with one big strike, and with its ski-jump launch system the range and
amount of weapons carried by the jets was “too restrictive,” the study says.
“In terms of Chinese naval aviation, credible combat power will not be achieved until the PLAN [PLA Navy] is able to dispatch at least two carriers on a single mission, and this may not be enough, depending on the defenses they encounter,” Rubel says
“Antisubmarine warfare is not one of the PLAN’s strong suits,
so combat credibility even against weak neighbors such as Vietnam, who is reportedly purchasing six Kilo-class submarines from Russia, is potentially compromised,” the study says.
It says that given the
serious constraints on the Liaoning’s offensive and defensive capabilities, an attack would only work if the opponent either could not or would not oppose the carrier with diesel subs or other modern anti-access systems.
The credible combat power of Chinese naval aviation is thus compromised until Beijing develops a new class of carrier with catapults and until it significantly strengthens its antisubmarine warfare defenses, the study says.
“
Simply put, in a war with the US, Chinese carrier aviation would likely be doomed,” it says.
“In limited wars with regional powers close to home,
the carriers might provide some utility, especially covering amphibious or special-forces operations, again assuming that a significant diesel-submarine threat does not materialize,” the study says
US study dismisses value of China?s new aircraft carrier - Taipei Times
