explosion

Mine Warfare Could Be Key

Mines are perhaps the most pernicious and frustrating obstacle a ground or maritime force can face.

Admiral James A. Winnefeld Jr., U.S. Navy (Retired)
December 2023
A Los Angeles–class submarine at periscope depth in the western Pacific.

You Can’t Win Without (More) Submarines

Submarines were one of the few forces that could penetrate denied areas inside the exclusion zone declared by China

Captain William Toti, U.S. Navy (Retired)
December 2023
An artist rendering of the USS Zumwalt (DDG-1000) firing the Conventional Prompt Strike long-range hypersonic missile.

It All Comes Down to Sea Control

Winning the surface fight in this scenario would require first rolling back the Chinese Navy’s sea control from east to west, and then going on the offensive.

December 2023
EA-18G Growlers from Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 209 simultaneously fire two AGM-88 high-speed antiradiation missiles during a training exercise near Guam. The AGM-88 is the Navy’s sole antiradiation strike missile, and relatively short ranged considering the threat in the 2026 scenario.

Strike Warfare’s Inventory Problem

Not enough aircraft, ammunition, and aviators presents risks the Navy will have to face in the War of 2026 scenario.

Commander Graham Scarbro, U.S. Navy
December 2023
A Marine assigned to 3d Marine Division under the unit deployment program during live-fire maneuver drills on Camp Schwab, Okinawa, Japan.

Put III MEF in a Fighting Stance

The American Sea Power Project’s “War in 2026” from the stand-in force’s perspective.

Lieutenant Colonel Brian Kerg, U.S. Marine Corps
December 2023
midshipmen

The AVF Is at a Crossroad

Rising personnel costs are on a collision course with the Navy’s ambitious shipbuilding goals.

Captain Eric Schuck, U.S. Navy Reserve
August 2023