Are aircraft carriers obsolete?
Consider the positive side:
1. Frighten and awe
2. All latest technology are there;
3. No need for bases
Negative:
1. Its vulnerable to missile attack. from land, sea - submarine or frigates. Even in WW 2, in battle of Midway, one pilot was responsible for sinking of two Japanese aircraft carrier
2. It is very expensive to construct and maintain. USD 13 billion to build, and one billion USD a month. A floating city, a disaster waiting to happen.
Now what works:
1. A fleet of drones, or a a carrier of drones
2. Missiles: ballistic or cruise
3. Air defense. Those who has the best air defense wins
4. AI (but shall we have a Terminator situation?
Not because the aircraft carrier won the war for US in the Battle of Midway, means that it can still work for 21st century.
The best strategy of course is not to go to war. Make love, peace, not war
