Build All-UAV Carriers

Expanding maritime threats, including China’s ambitious naval expansion, rising U.S. shipbuilding costs, and Congress’s reluctance to fund a significantly larger fleet, are increasing pressure on the U.S. Navy’s ability to protect the nation’s vital interests.¹ “More of the same” when it comes to naval power will not suffice. Only a disruptive application of technology—a force multiplier that will significantly change the way the United States projects air and maritime power—will allow the Navy to overcome these challenges. Fielding a new class of warships that can fully exploit the largely untapped combat potential of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) would go a long way toward answering the call.