You can't project power across the globe with tiny ships. It becomes a matter of supply and ability to launch aircraft. You can't do the same things with a tiny ship as you can with an airwing.

Also, destroyers and cruisers are primarily used as missile-firing platforms anyway. And good luck countering enemy submarines without destroyers of your own.

And I think you are overestimating how large destroyers are. They're basically the minimum size necessary to have a warship that can sail the world's oceans independently.

> You can't project power across the globe with tiny ships

Agreed, and currently a modern Navy and it's ability to "projct power" is unmatched.

I just see a lot of commentary about how these large boats would be sitting ducks for modern missile systems. I'm not arguing that they are, just that it's been suggested and I'm wondering if Israel's decisions regarding defense are effected by this (probably not)

Your other two points were good as well - thanks for contributing.

They haven't proven to be ducks for modern missile systems yet, though. And we've used our carrier strike forces to devastating effect in many countries since WWII. The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan didn't see any major naval losses, and would have been impossible without the ability to project power and air supremacy clear across the globe that our Navy affords us. Sure, most countries don't need to be able to wage those kinds of wars and thus don't need such naval capabilities, but you're also not a first rate power if you can't do that.

There is no such thing as a modern all out war because of the massive US military and nukes.

Israel doesn’t need to worry about an invasion because it can fall back on the US.

> There is no such thing as a modern all out war

I generally agree. When I've debated this topic with others they basically say the carrier groups will be the first to go, but the response from nuclear submarines, and hidden fixed launch sites would be overwhelming.

Again, I'm not arguing this point, just suggesting that some may argue a strong Navy is antiquated.