세계최강인 미 해군인데, 배 만들 능력이 없다? [미 해군의 위기 특별편]

The US Navy is facing a crisis in shipbuilding and maintenance, with a cycle of thorough checks and corrections not being properly executed, leading to issues with new ships. The Navy has submitted a report to Congress detailing plans to decommission a significant number of vessels over the next five years, including aircraft carriers and submarines, to address aging ships and resource allocation. This plan is a response to the Navy's struggle with manpower shortages and the high costs of maintaining older ships.

The US Navy is concerned about the decline in the country's shipbuilding capabilities and its global market share, which has dropped to a mere 0.13%. This decline is in stark contrast to countries like China and South Korea, which dominate the market. The US shipbuilding industry is now primarily focused on building specific types of ships for the Navy and maintaining a few commercial ships, which is not sustainable in the long term. The Jones Act, which requires ships operating along the US coast to be US-built and owned, has limited the industry's growth. The Navy is now considering various options to revitalize its shipbuilding capabilities.

The decline in US shipbuilding has had a significant impact on the Navy's ability to maintain its fleet. With fewer shipyards available and a lack of investment in the industry, the Navy is struggling to build new ships and maintain its existing ones. This has led to a backlog of maintenance work and a shortage of operational ships. The situation is so dire that some ships are not being modernized or repaired as needed, which could affect the Navy's readiness and capabilities.

The US Navy is grappling with the challenge of modernizing and maintaining its fleet. Ships typically undergo modernization every 10-15 years, which includes upgrading technology and systems. However, the Navy is finding it difficult to keep up with this schedule due to budget constraints and a lack of available shipyards. This has resulted in older ships remaining in service beyond their intended lifespan, which can lead to increased maintenance costs and potential operational risks.

The US Navy is facing a growing disparity in naval power compared to China. While the US is retiring a significant number of ships and facing challenges in maintaining its fleet, China is rapidly expanding its naval capabilities. China's shipbuilding industry is producing a large number of new vessels each year, and its fleet is expected to grow substantially in the coming years. This expansion is enabled by China's strong shipbuilding industry, which controls a significant portion of the global market.

The US Navy is recognizing the need for a strategic shift in its approach to shipbuilding and naval power. There is a growing consensus that the Navy's current focus on large, high-cost vessels may not be sustainable or effective in the face of emerging threats. Instead, the Navy is exploring options such as building smaller, more agile ships, incorporating unmanned platforms, and enhancing stealth capabilities. However, implementing these changes is challenging due to budget constraints and the need for significant investment in research and development.

There is potential for increased collaboration between the US, South Korea, and Japan in the shipbuilding industry. The US Navy has expressed interest in leveraging the shipbuilding capabilities of its allies to address its maintenance and modernization challenges. South Korean and Japanese shipbuilders have the expertise and capacity to contribute to the US Navy's needs. However, there are also challenges to this approach, including the need for significant investment and the complexities of coordinating multinational projects.

To revitalize its shipbuilding industry and support the US Navy's needs, significant investment and innovation are required. The US government may need to invest billions of dollars to modernize existing shipyards, develop new technologies, and attract skilled workers. This investment could help the US regain its competitive edge in shipbuilding and ensure the Navy has the vessels it needs to maintain its global presence. However, there are concerns about whether the political will and financial resources to make this happen are available.