The U.S. Navy is accelerating its development of advanced laser weapons to counter China’s rapidly advancing hypersonic missile capabilities, which are designed to target aircraft carriers like the USS Gerald R. Ford. Analysts warn that during a potential conflict, China could deploy its hypersonic missiles to neutralize U.S. carriers within 20 minutes, raising urgent concerns about American naval security.
In response, the Navy is prioritizing the development of high-powered laser systems that can theoretically engage hypersonic threats more effectively than current missile technology. The HELCAP program, designed to enhance laser capabilities, aims to create a system powerful enough to neutralize missiles traveling at speeds exceeding Mach 10, ensuring that the Ford and future vessels remain formidable in an evolving military landscape.
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