U.S. Pacific Fleet Chief Reviews New Naval Aviation Capabilities

Why It Matters

These upgrades give carrier air wings the range and survivability needed to deter a modernized Chinese navy, directly influencing U.S. power projection in the region. Deploying them now accelerates the Navy’s transition from legacy Cold‑War tools to next‑generation combat systems.

Key Takeaways

• AIM-174B “Gunslinger” gives Super Hornets beyond‑visual‑range firepower
• Angry Kitten pod adds electronic‑warfare protection to carrier fighters
• IRST21 pod enhances infrared tracking for BVR missile guidance
• Forward‑deployed Carrier Air Wing Five already fielding Gunslinger missiles
• Unidentified ramjet‑type missile tested on BQM‑34 drones hints at future strike weapons

Pulse Analysis

The Pacific Fleet’s China Lake inspection comes at a time when the United States is recalibrating its force posture to address a rapidly modernizing Chinese military. By showcasing the latest air‑to‑air and electronic‑warfare technologies on operational Super Hornets, the Navy signals that its carrier strike groups will retain relevance against peer competitors. The emphasis on beyond‑visual‑range (BVR) engagement, illustrated by the AIM‑174B "Gunslinger," reflects a doctrinal shift toward standoff lethality, reducing the need for close‑in dogfights that were common during the Cold War.

The "Gunslinger" missile, paired with the IRST21 infrared‑search‑and‑track pod, gives pilots a dual‑sensor capability to detect, track, and engage adversaries at extreme distances. Meanwhile, the Angry Kitten electronic‑warfare pod provides a defensive shield against sophisticated radar and missile threats, a critical advantage in contested airspaces like the South China Sea. Early fielding to Carrier Air Wing Five, stationed on the forward‑deployed USS George Washington, demonstrates the Navy’s intent to embed these tools where they are most needed, ensuring that U.S. carrier aviation can both deter and, if required, defeat advanced Chinese fighter and missile formations.

Beyond the proven systems, the appearance of a ramjet‑type missile on a BQM‑34 target drone hints at a future class of hypersonic strike weapons. Developed in collaboration with Norway’s Nammo and tested at Point Mugu, the concept promises higher speed, longer range, and greater flexibility for naval strike missions. If matured, such a capability could reshape the Navy’s offensive toolkit, offering a rapid response option against high‑value targets across the Indo‑Pacific theater. The convergence of BVR firepower, electronic protection, and emerging hypersonic technology marks a decisive step toward a next‑generation carrier air wing capable of operating in contested environments.