Q&A · 2:22:46-2:23:45

Submarines would target the heavy lift an invasion cannot replace

US submarines need not destroy every vessel; sinking a limited number of large supply ships could reduce the flow below what troops ashore require.

Question

Does the American submarine advantage make US submarines a complete solution against the Chinese fleet?

Short answer

They could not stop everything, but sinking key large transports could cut delivered tonnage enough to make the forces ashore unsustainable.

Notes

The scenario gives American submarines an advantage, although they could exhaust their torpedoes quickly. Large supply vessels carry the mass of stores needed to sustain troops ashore. Numerous small craft would remain useful, but they would not remove the need for that heavy lift. If only a third of the required daily supplies arrived, the troops would struggle to keep fighting.