US Military Unveils Strategic Countermeasure Against China's Maritime Threats

Defense News ,U.S :-  In response to the escalating maritime anti-access/area-denial (A2/AD) capabilities of China, the US military has revealed its groundbreaking strategy known as Distributed Maritime Operations (DMO). This strategic approach aims to counteract Beijing's advancements by dispersing navy warships across a broader expanse during potential maritime conflicts.

The core principle of the DMO strategy is to make it challenging for adversaries, particularly China, to detect and target critical American assets. By strategically spreading sensors and weapons across various ships and aircraft, the US Navy aims to mitigate the immediate risk of being targeted. This not only enhances the protection of valuable assets but also enables collaborative action among navy units.

Recognizing China's proficiency in limiting Washington's maritime freedom through advanced anti-ship missiles, sea mines, and precision weaponry, the DMO emphasizes the importance of resilience in communication links. The strategy calls for the navy to deploy resilient communication links that can support a widely dispersed force. Additionally, there is a need for a coordinated battle force capable of withstanding any attempts to attack communication systems and networks.

To further support the DMO strategy, the Department of the Navy advocates for an increased utilization of long-range weapons and unmanned systems in potential conflicts with China. The US government has already initiated key acquisitions aligned with this objective, including large and medium unmanned surface vessels. Ongoing programs are also focused on acquiring longer-ranged weapons, such as the Long-Range Anti-Ship Missile and a new anti-ship variant of the Tomahawk cruise missile.

In recent years, China has significantly bolstered its defense capabilities in the maritime domain, testing hypersonic projectiles capable of damaging large targets like warships and ports. The US response, as outlined in the DMO strategy, involves not only technological advancements but also collaborative efforts with allies. As China seeks to expand naval cooperation with Russia through joint exercises, patrols, and skills competitions, the US military remains committed to staying ahead in the ever-evolving landscape of maritime security.