Building flat-tops is only part of that equation, assuming that the technical hurdles of that can be overcome. Indigenous ship design is not established overnight.
Nor are the associated air-wings.
Flight operations conducted 24/7 in all-weather conditions is a real world problem that challenges the American navy daily. It is also an easily diminished skill in the absence of constant real-world operations.
We don't practice. When we deploy, our carriers cruise fully prepared for combat and each mission flown (with rare exception) fits into a real-world requirement or profile.
Those pilots are the best we have as the
requirements to land on a pitching deck with 20knot crosswinds isn't easily replicated in the tranquil waters of the East China Sea on a good day. You need to operate from the WORST weather conditions, at night, with full combat-loads to know if you're GETTING there.
Oh, and once started, you'd best not stop. Ask the Royal Navy how quickly they could regain their CVN skills even if they had the ships. Massive investment with massive lead times before you begin to reap the benefits.
As to the best navy in Asia-my money is on Japan after the USN.
Trust me, though. We have a GREAT interest in what the PLAN has envisioned and eagerly await watching their development grow as their treasury is drained.
VERY expensive.
Yup.
Thanks.
