In a carrier battle, the opposing fleets may never see each other because aircraft carry the fight beyond the ships' gun range. A carrier provides the space and support for an air group whose aircraft and weapons determine what it can achieve. Modern missile warfare provides a similar comparison: long engagement ranges put great weight on the striking weapons and their tactical position. The argument about carrier obsolescence therefore depends on whether aircraft continue to perform these missions. As long as crewed or uncrewed aircraft still need such support at sea, some form of carrier is likely to remain useful.
Notable Point · 6:54-9:00
Aircraft capability determines the value of a carrier
A carrier supplies the aircraft that fight at long range, so its usefulness depends on the changing role of its air group.