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U.S. Navy Orders Low-cost Missiles to Expand Fleet, Allied Long-Range Maritime Strike Capabilities

USNI | 2026-07-24 | china_indopacific

Topics: China, Indo-Pacific, Middle East, NATO, Nuclear, Taiwan, Ukraine, United States

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English Summary

The U.S. Navy is prioritizing the procurement of low-cost, long-range cruise missiles through programs like CHAOS and CAMS to significantly expand strike capabilities for both its own fleet and allied partners. This strategic shift provides affordable precision munitions capable of striking targets up to 1,000 nautical miles, addressing critical stockpiles depleted by recent conflicts. By developing these systems, the U.S. aims to overcome procurement delays faced by allies (such as Japan and Taiwan) who rely on older missile designs. Ultimately, this initiative strengthens allied deterrence and bolsters long-range maritime strike capabilities necessary for potential conflict with China.

中文摘要

美國海軍正透過CHAOS和CAMS等計畫,優先採購低成本、長程巡弋飛彈,以大幅擴充其自身艦隊及盟國夥伴的打擊能力。此一戰略轉型提供了可負擔且精準的彈藥,能夠攻擊遠達1,000海浬的目標,從而補充因近期衝突而耗盡的關鍵庫存。透過開發這些系統,美國旨在克服盟國(如日本和台灣)所面臨的採購延遲問題,特別是那些依賴較舊飛彈設計的國家。最終而言,此項倡議強化了聯盟威懾力,並增強了應對與中國潛在衝突所需的長程海域打擊能力。

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