China’s hypersonic missile capabilities have reached alarming heights, posing a significant threat to U.S. naval forces, particularly the USS Gerald R. Ford, the Navy’s most advanced aircraft carrier. Deployed for the first time in October 2022, the Ford, a $13 billion floating fortress, may soon find itself vulnerable to a new era of warfare. Analysts warn that Beijing’s hypersonic arsenal, now the world’s largest, could obliterate U.S. aircraft carriers within minutes of conflict.

According to a chilling report from the U.S. Department of Defense, should China launch an amphibious assault on Taiwan—anticipated by 2027—all ten U.S. aircraft carriers could be decimated in the first 20 minutes of battle. The stakes are higher than ever, as U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hexith has ominously stated, “China is building an army specifically designed to destroy the U.S.”

The hypersonic threat is exemplified by the Dongfang 17 missile, which can reach speeds of Mach 10 and execute unpredictable maneuvers, making interception nearly impossible. In response, the U.S. is racing to develop advanced laser weapons capable of countering these missiles. The Ford is equipped to support these technologies, potentially allowing it to fire at the speed of light, neutralizing threats that travel five times faster than sound.

However, despite promising tests of laser systems, the U.S. Navy is still years away from deploying a reliable high-powered laser capable of intercepting hypersonic missiles. Current systems are underpowered and face operational hurdles, leaving the nation vulnerable as adversaries advance their military capabilities. The clock is ticking, and the implications for U.S. naval strategy are profound. As tensions rise in the Pacific, the urgent need for effective countermeasures has never been clearer. The future of U.S. naval dominance hangs in the balance.