Against Russia and China? US ground forces prepare for full-blown conflicts
The US Army has a serious combat potential, but it may not correspond to all the tasks of the foreseeable future. Against the background of deteriorating relations with Russia and China, the American command is considering the possibility of modernizing the ground forces. On such plans last Tuesday, said Minister of the Army Mark Esper. Such statements by a high-ranking official are of great interest, and may also be cause for concern.
On April 16, Army Minister M. Esper delivered a report on the development of the ground forces. He recalled that the army plans to abandon various programs and projects in favor of developing priority areas. So, according to the results of last year's checks, it was decided to reduce or close 200 programs. This will free up 25 billion dollars to finance other projects.
In the recent past, the army was optimized for participation in local conflicts and in the fight against international terrorism, putting it the necessary material part and changing its structure. Now it is planned to tackle the new modernization, which will allow the US to be ready for a high-intensity conflict with China or Russia. Among other things, this requires abandoning some samples in favor of others. At the same time, the development of some new products is necessary.
In the existing US National Security Strategy, the priority of local conflicts is reduced, and the focus is on confrontation with other superpowers. In this regard, the development of new plans for the development of ground forces. A new doctrine for the army will appear in 12-18 months. Part of views on this problem a week ago, the Minister of the Army revealed.
For the release of finance, the army will cut several current programs. First of all, it is planned to reduce the costs of upgrading CH-47 Chinook helicopters. Also reduce the purchase of armored vehicles JLTV, and at the same time reduce the fleet of such equipment in the army. The number of vehicles after reductions has not yet been determined. It is curious that the plans for helicopters and armored cars are directly related. For example, modification of the CH-47 Block II helicopter with increased payload was necessary for the transport of JLTV vehicles designed to operate in Iraq and Afghanistan. Reducing the presence in hot spots reduces parks.
Instead of upgrading old CH-47 helicopters, it is proposed to develop a replacement for them - as part of the Future Vertical Lift program. According to the results of this project, the army wants to get some analogue of the V-22 Osprey convertiplane with other capabilities.
It is necessary to develop artillery systems, first of all long range, as well as create missile systems of the type Long Range Precision Fires. High-precision missile and artillery systems, in particular, can be used to counter the Chinese naval forces. It is also necessary to develop the sphere of air defense and missile defense. The army wants to create new communication and control systems that meet the requirements of the future.
The US Army plans to work in the conditions of vigorous activity of the Russian and Chinese air defense systems, for which it needs the appropriate equipment. M. Esper noted that his department now does not have a universal reconnaissance-attack helicopter, and it needs to be created, since Chinook will not cope with such tasks.
In parallel, the modernization of existing samples, systems and complexes should be carried out. The Minister considers it necessary to restore a sufficient fleet of ground combat armored vehicles of the main classes. It is also necessary to create new strategies for the use of troops that meet the requirements of the time.
According to the results of future transformations and procurement, the US Army will be able to solve all relevant problems. They will retain the necessary potential for participation in low-intensity conflicts, but at the same time they will restore opportunities for full-scale wars. All this is said to be a response to the “growing threat” from Russia and China.
It should be noted that plans to modernize and optimize the US Army are not news. Such plans appeared before the approval of the National Security Strategy, and in 2017, the command determined six main programs on which the development of the army in the future is based. This list includes the development of new armored vehicles (the NGCV program), rocket and artillery systems (LRPF) and transport helicopters (FTV), as well as a radical upgrade of the soldier’s combat equipment. Before 2024, more than 50 billion dollars will go to all these programs.
Modernization of the army is necessary to restore its potential in the context of full-scale conflicts. Russia and China are regarded as probable opponents in the future war. However, this is not surprising. The two countries are busy developing their economies and armies, which represents a known threat to US interests.
In February of this year, M. Esper raised the theme of the development of the Russian and Chinese army. According to him, in the foreseeable future, competing countries will reach their highest military capabilities, and this should be prepared. According to the US Secretary of the Army, in 2028, the development of the Russian armed forces will reach its peak. In 2030, China will be at its maximum.
The minister pointed out that, despite the considerable amount of time, it is necessary to prepare for such events now. The “new generation of the US Army” now being laid will show itself in the next decades - if it has to fight with China and Russia.
The US Army will be upgraded to participate in a hypothetical conflict with Russia or China, which in the coming years will build the strongest armies. Obviously, to solve such problems, the United States will have to make special efforts. Especially considering the fact that the likely adversary already has sufficiently developed armed forces.
Considering the ratio of the armies of the United States and other countries, it is necessary to consider that land confrontation with China or Russia is possible only in a few regions. You also need to remember that the United States can work together with the allied countries. Finally, ground troops cannot work in isolation from other branches of service and branches of the armed forces. Nevertheless, they are a key component of the army as a whole.
The Ministry of the Army plans to reduce the fleet of armored vehicles in favor of other equipment for transporting infantry. Modernization will also continue. tanks. The probable enemy can respond to all this with their own tanks and anti-tank systems of all kinds. New transport and reconnaissance-strike aircraft run the risk of meeting modern air defense systems. Other promising samples will also not go unanswered.
Participation in a hypothetical conflict with Russia for the United States is hindered by several key factors. First of all, it is a developed layered air defense and missile defense system. The presence of object and military air defense sharply complicates the work of the air force and army aviation the enemy. Foreign sources often indicate Russia's ability to organize a full-fledged A2 / AD zone. The most important factor affecting the development of a land (or other other) conflict is the presence of tactical and strategic nuclear weapons.
The participation of the ground forces in the war with China is hindered for geographical reasons. Otherwise, the US Army may face the same problems as in the case of military operations against Russia. Other difficulties associated with logistics and China’s development are also possible. fleet.
The military-political situation in the world is changing, and the United States Army intends to develop in the light of new threats and challenges. After a long struggle against terrorism and participation in local conflicts, she plans to restructure in accordance with the requirements of full-scale wars. For obvious reasons, China and Russia are viewed as potential adversaries. Given their potential, the US Department of the Army is developing new plans and doctrines.
It is obvious that all planned measures are aimed at deterring the likely enemy. Using their capabilities to attack him does not make sense. The specifics of the hypothetical conflicts and the potential of the enemy are such that any such war threatens the United States with the most severe consequences. At the same time, the development of the army and the development of new programs require funding, and its development is a very useful and interesting process.
There is every reason to believe that the new modernization of the US Army is associated not only with the need to maintain the required defenses, but also with the financial or other interests of various individuals and organizations. However, one of the outcomes of such a program would indeed be the emergence of new types of equipment and the general strengthening of the army.
According to the minister
On April 16, Army Minister M. Esper delivered a report on the development of the ground forces. He recalled that the army plans to abandon various programs and projects in favor of developing priority areas. So, according to the results of last year's checks, it was decided to reduce or close 200 programs. This will free up 25 billion dollars to finance other projects.
In the recent past, the army was optimized for participation in local conflicts and in the fight against international terrorism, putting it the necessary material part and changing its structure. Now it is planned to tackle the new modernization, which will allow the US to be ready for a high-intensity conflict with China or Russia. Among other things, this requires abandoning some samples in favor of others. At the same time, the development of some new products is necessary.
In the existing US National Security Strategy, the priority of local conflicts is reduced, and the focus is on confrontation with other superpowers. In this regard, the development of new plans for the development of ground forces. A new doctrine for the army will appear in 12-18 months. Part of views on this problem a week ago, the Minister of the Army revealed.
For the release of finance, the army will cut several current programs. First of all, it is planned to reduce the costs of upgrading CH-47 Chinook helicopters. Also reduce the purchase of armored vehicles JLTV, and at the same time reduce the fleet of such equipment in the army. The number of vehicles after reductions has not yet been determined. It is curious that the plans for helicopters and armored cars are directly related. For example, modification of the CH-47 Block II helicopter with increased payload was necessary for the transport of JLTV vehicles designed to operate in Iraq and Afghanistan. Reducing the presence in hot spots reduces parks.
Instead of upgrading old CH-47 helicopters, it is proposed to develop a replacement for them - as part of the Future Vertical Lift program. According to the results of this project, the army wants to get some analogue of the V-22 Osprey convertiplane with other capabilities.
It is necessary to develop artillery systems, first of all long range, as well as create missile systems of the type Long Range Precision Fires. High-precision missile and artillery systems, in particular, can be used to counter the Chinese naval forces. It is also necessary to develop the sphere of air defense and missile defense. The army wants to create new communication and control systems that meet the requirements of the future.
The US Army plans to work in the conditions of vigorous activity of the Russian and Chinese air defense systems, for which it needs the appropriate equipment. M. Esper noted that his department now does not have a universal reconnaissance-attack helicopter, and it needs to be created, since Chinook will not cope with such tasks.
In parallel, the modernization of existing samples, systems and complexes should be carried out. The Minister considers it necessary to restore a sufficient fleet of ground combat armored vehicles of the main classes. It is also necessary to create new strategies for the use of troops that meet the requirements of the time.
According to the results of future transformations and procurement, the US Army will be able to solve all relevant problems. They will retain the necessary potential for participation in low-intensity conflicts, but at the same time they will restore opportunities for full-scale wars. All this is said to be a response to the “growing threat” from Russia and China.
Leeway
It should be noted that plans to modernize and optimize the US Army are not news. Such plans appeared before the approval of the National Security Strategy, and in 2017, the command determined six main programs on which the development of the army in the future is based. This list includes the development of new armored vehicles (the NGCV program), rocket and artillery systems (LRPF) and transport helicopters (FTV), as well as a radical upgrade of the soldier’s combat equipment. Before 2024, more than 50 billion dollars will go to all these programs.
Modernization of the army is necessary to restore its potential in the context of full-scale conflicts. Russia and China are regarded as probable opponents in the future war. However, this is not surprising. The two countries are busy developing their economies and armies, which represents a known threat to US interests.
In February of this year, M. Esper raised the theme of the development of the Russian and Chinese army. According to him, in the foreseeable future, competing countries will reach their highest military capabilities, and this should be prepared. According to the US Secretary of the Army, in 2028, the development of the Russian armed forces will reach its peak. In 2030, China will be at its maximum.
The minister pointed out that, despite the considerable amount of time, it is necessary to prepare for such events now. The “new generation of the US Army” now being laid will show itself in the next decades - if it has to fight with China and Russia.
Answer likely opponent
The US Army will be upgraded to participate in a hypothetical conflict with Russia or China, which in the coming years will build the strongest armies. Obviously, to solve such problems, the United States will have to make special efforts. Especially considering the fact that the likely adversary already has sufficiently developed armed forces.
Considering the ratio of the armies of the United States and other countries, it is necessary to consider that land confrontation with China or Russia is possible only in a few regions. You also need to remember that the United States can work together with the allied countries. Finally, ground troops cannot work in isolation from other branches of service and branches of the armed forces. Nevertheless, they are a key component of the army as a whole.
The Ministry of the Army plans to reduce the fleet of armored vehicles in favor of other equipment for transporting infantry. Modernization will also continue. tanks. The probable enemy can respond to all this with their own tanks and anti-tank systems of all kinds. New transport and reconnaissance-strike aircraft run the risk of meeting modern air defense systems. Other promising samples will also not go unanswered.
Participation in a hypothetical conflict with Russia for the United States is hindered by several key factors. First of all, it is a developed layered air defense and missile defense system. The presence of object and military air defense sharply complicates the work of the air force and army aviation the enemy. Foreign sources often indicate Russia's ability to organize a full-fledged A2 / AD zone. The most important factor affecting the development of a land (or other other) conflict is the presence of tactical and strategic nuclear weapons.
The participation of the ground forces in the war with China is hindered for geographical reasons. Otherwise, the US Army may face the same problems as in the case of military operations against Russia. Other difficulties associated with logistics and China’s development are also possible. fleet.
Benefits and problems
The military-political situation in the world is changing, and the United States Army intends to develop in the light of new threats and challenges. After a long struggle against terrorism and participation in local conflicts, she plans to restructure in accordance with the requirements of full-scale wars. For obvious reasons, China and Russia are viewed as potential adversaries. Given their potential, the US Department of the Army is developing new plans and doctrines.
It is obvious that all planned measures are aimed at deterring the likely enemy. Using their capabilities to attack him does not make sense. The specifics of the hypothetical conflicts and the potential of the enemy are such that any such war threatens the United States with the most severe consequences. At the same time, the development of the army and the development of new programs require funding, and its development is a very useful and interesting process.
There is every reason to believe that the new modernization of the US Army is associated not only with the need to maintain the required defenses, but also with the financial or other interests of various individuals and organizations. However, one of the outcomes of such a program would indeed be the emergence of new types of equipment and the general strengthening of the army.
Information