Marines want 31 amphibious ships. The Pentagon disagrees. Now what?

Summary

Megan Eckstein writing in DefenseNews, makes the following points:

• At $2 billion per new vessel, exploring a cheaper design or pausing new construction
• The Marine Corps argues a reduction would risk its ability to respond to global crises.
• The Office of the Secretary of Defense is concerned some amphibious boats are too slow, which makes these boats vulnerable to enemy fire.
• The Marine Corps argues amphibious ships are critical to fighting inside the First Island Chain that stretches from Japan’s East China Sea islands to the Philippines.

References

Recent Runway Posts related to this topic:

• Dirt det’ marks first time American F-35Bs have operated from an Australian base- The Runway (airforce.gov.au)
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• U.S. Combines HIMARS with Stealth Fighters for New Training Exercises-The Runway (airforce.gov.au)

References from the Web:

• MAR 2023 Navy On Path To Violate 31-Amphibious-Ship Requirement in 2024-Defense One
• APR 2023  SEA-AIR-SPACE NEWS: 31 Amphibious Ships are ‘Not Enough,’ Expert Says (UPDATED)-National DEFENSE

Source Information: 

• Article Source: Defense News, Covering the politics, business and technology of defense | Defense News
• Media Check:   Defense News - Media Bias/Fact Check (HIGH CREDIBILITY)  
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