(05-31-2024, 10:25 AM)homebiscuit Wrote:

(05-31-2024, 08:24 AM)The Real Marty Wrote: If I was strategizing for the mainland Chinese, I would adopt a very methodical approach.  Fly the air force closer and closer until the Taiwan air force has to come out to defend the island, and then slowly overwhelm them with numbers.  Then when I had air supremacy, strike known Taiwan defense targets.  Then start moving the invasion force and use the first wave as bait for Taiwan anti-ship missiles.  I wouldn't worry about casualties.  I would try a slow methodical approach that would take the island without damaging it too much.

That’s a plausible scenario because communist militaries typically regard their war fighters as expendable, with the exception of pilots because of their valuable and expensive training. They are not quickly replaced.

However, rather than expend aircraft and pilots, China would most likely heavily use drones and missiles to take out Taiwan’s defenses. Cheaper, quicker and less risky. That is the future of warfare the world over.