# U.S. Navy Shifts Strategy to Target Chinese Carriers

The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) has recommended that the U.S. Navy adopt a more offensive maritime strategy focused on countering China's expanding aircraft carrier fleet. This approach emphasizes increased production and deployment of submarines, unmanned vehicles, and guided munitions, alongside enhanced cooperation with regional allies in the Indo-Pacific. The report highlights a strategic pivot requiring significant adjustments in naval force composition and procurement priorities to sustain long-term maritime competition with the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN).

- Procurement professionals should anticipate increased demand for submarine platforms, unmanned maritime systems, and advanced guided missile technologies aligned with this strategic shift.
- Contractors specializing in underwater and unmanned systems may find expanded opportunities as the Navy seeks to modernize and diversify its fleet capabilities.
- Regional bases and allied partnerships in locations such as Hawaii, California, Tokyo, Manila, and Seoul will be critical for operational support, influencing logistics and infrastructure procurement.
- This strategic realignment signals a potential increase in defense budgets allocated to naval modernization programs focused on Indo-Pacific maritime dominance.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Defense & Military
**Topics:** Physical Infrastructure, Artificial Intelligence
**Published:** September 17, 2026

### Government Entities
- Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS)
- People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN)
- U.S. Navy
- U.S. Army
- U.S. Marine Corps

### Sources
- [US Navy should target carriers in fight with China, report says](https://www.defensenews.com/news/your-military/2026/09/17/us-navy-should-target-chinese-aircraft-carriers-report-says) - defensenews.com