**Breaking News: China’s Hypersonic Arsenal Poses Existential Threat to U.S. Naval Power**

In a startling revelation, the U.S. Department of Defense warns that China’s rapidly advancing hypersonic missile technology could obliterate American aircraft carriers within minutes of conflict, fundamentally altering naval warfare dynamics. The alarming report highlights that if a military confrontation erupts over Taiwan, anticipated by 2027, China could target and potentially destroy all ten U.S. aircraft carriers in the first 20 minutes of battle.

The USS Gerald R. Ford, the Navy’s newest and priciest aircraft carrier, is at the forefront of this crisis. Despite its $13 billion price tag and advanced capabilities, analysts suggest it may be “dead on arrival” against China’s formidable hypersonic arsenal. The Dongfang 17 missile, capable of reaching speeds of Mach 10 and executing unpredictable maneuvers, exemplifies the threat. Experts assert that a single successful strike could devastate even the most sophisticated floating airbase.

U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hexith has voiced grave concerns, stating, “China is building an army specifically designed to destroy the U.S.” This stark admission underscores the urgency for the Pentagon to develop countermeasures, including high-powered laser weapons intended to neutralize hypersonic threats. However, despite ongoing research and testing, the Navy remains years away from deploying a reliable system capable of intercepting these lethal missiles.

As tensions escalate in the Pacific, the stakes have never been higher. The U.S. military’s ability to project power and protect its assets is under unprecedented threat, with the clock ticking on developing effective defenses. Failure to respond could see the U.S. naval dominance challenged like never before, making this a critical moment in global military history. The world watches as the balance of power hangs in the balance.