[PeriscopeDepth]

Originally Posted by Skybird

You guys don't get my point. You always depend on the carrier surviving. Which is not too likely in a war against an equally strong and advanced enemy, like Russia has been, and china is becoming. All the things an airwing can do, is just dust and shadows, if the carrier gets taken out. The threat potential and diversity of mission profiles of a carrier airwing is only an undisputed reality during peacetimes, or in wars against inferior enemies for whom carriers are simply out of reach. In a real tough war, however, carriers are primary targets. If the carrier is on the bottom of the sea, all diversity of mission profiles possible for an airwing is just history.

A submarine is superior in remaining undetected, eventually it has a strategic capability, it has the advantage in duelling with a carrier battle group, it is a great intel gathering platform, and it leaves you the option to deny responsibility for a strike you conducted.

I am aware of all the nice things a carrier airwing can do - as long as the carrier is alive. If there would be a hot war and me being your enemy, I would bring all heaven and hell into motion to take out your carriers at the very beginning, if not even before the beginning. and if my submarines can achieve that, it means they are sophisticated enough to duel it out with your subs on equal terms as well.

You forget the ocean is a pretty big place to look. Even the Soviets had trouble tracking them during the height of their power. And in the event of war, both sides space based assets are not untouchable as they once were.

PD