re: #42 Dark_Falcon

I’m not sure I’d agree with either part of that description, since the Kirov-class ships have their own ASW capability and always operated with ASW vessels.

As for the Liaoning , taking her out with a sub would be no mean feat. She’s got ASW helos aboard, plus four escorts with her at all times, two of which are Type 054A ASW-optimized frigates (the other two ships are Type 051C destroyers). I’d figure you’d need three subs to be sure of success or a combined air-surface-underwater attack. A full court press could take her, but she won’t be China’s only CV for long.

For crews that trained on tracking and sinking boomers, the PLA Navy will not present much of a problem.

As for more than one, let them waste the money rather than us. The Riga Liaoning will be gone fast if the USN decides that’s necesary. I believe it would have been harder to sink it while in the Soviet Navy than now.