A reassessment of UCLASS requirements should begin with a very simple question: what is the core operational challenge facing carrier-based power projection? The answer is clear: projecting power effectively when the aircraft carrier is compelled to standoff at considerable distance (e.g., 1,000-1500 nm or more) from an adversary’s coast owing to A2/AD threats and its embarked air wing must find and engage targets defended by modern IADS.

Robert Martinage is a Senior Fellow at the Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments. He recently served as the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations and Low Intensity Operations and Deputy Under Secretary of the Navy.