The U.S. Could Lose Its Aircraft Carrier Fleet in 20 Minutes – Hegseth

U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth made a rare public statement expressing concern over China’s growing military capabilities. According to Hegseth, in the event of a military conflict, China could wipe out all U.S. carrier strike groups in less than 20 minutes using hypersonic missiles. He emphasized that the U.S. global military strategy heavily relies on aircraft carriers, which are critical for maintaining strategic presence and projecting power around the world.

Hegseth noted that the Chinese military currently has the capability to rapidly and effectively strike large naval targets. Specifically, he stated that just 15 Chinese hypersonic missiles could sink up to 10 U.S. aircraft carriers within the first 20 minutes of a hypothetical conflict. These findings are based on military simulations regularly conducted by Pentagon analysts. All models simulating a direct confrontation between the U.S. and China indicate an early advantage for the Chinese side.

In addition, the Secretary of Defense claimed that the U.S. is falling behind China in all key metrics of potential confrontation. He cited excessive bureaucracy within the U.S. military-industrial complex and the slow pace of modern weapons procurement as the main reasons for this lag. Hegseth expressed concern that while China is actively reforming and expanding its military capabilities, the U.S. faces significant administrative hurdles and political disputes in the decision-making and modernization processes.

He also pointed to the strategic vulnerability of the Panama Canal. According to Hegseth, China poses a real and constant threat to this vital international waterway. He urged the U.S. administration to strengthen cooperation with Panama to ensure the canal’s protection from potential attacks. He stressed that safeguarding this route is crucial for maintaining global logistics and maritime trade stability.

Previously, U.S. defense experts warned of China’s significant advances in hypersonic weapons development. Such missiles can reach speeds far exceeding the speed of sound, making them nearly impervious to current missile defense systems. As tensions rise in the Asia-Pacific region, these technologies are seen as a decisive factor in any potential military confrontation.

Hegseth did not disclose specific Pentagon plans to revise its defense strategy, but he hinted at the urgent need to reassess priorities and accelerate the transition to a new military model. He also alluded to the necessity of increasing investments in anti-hypersonic defense systems, electronic warfare technologies, and cybersecurity.

Amid an ongoing arms race and increasing geopolitical pressure, Hegseth’s remarks may be interpreted as a wake-up call for U.S. allies. The U.S. military leadership has repeatedly stated that the future of global security will depend on how quickly nations can adapt to emerging challenges in the defense sphere. As China continues to enhance its offensive capabilities, the United States must urgently formulate an adequate response to the shifting strategic landscape.

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