US Defence Secretary Robert Gates has urged the US military to spend more realistically rather than rely on costly aircraft carriers and submarines.
Speaking to retired members of the US Navy, Mr Gates pointed out that other nations would thwart the power of the US battle fleet through "asymmetric ways".
"At the end of the day we have to ask whether the nation can really afford a navy that relies on US$3 to US$6 billion destroyers, US$7 billion submarines and US$11 billion carriers," Mr Gates said.
"Do we really need eleven carrier strike groups for another 30 years when no other country has more than one? Any future plans must address these realities."
Mr Gates did, however, say that he approved of the funds for ships designed for shallow water. He said that smaller vessels were vital for special operations against insurgents.
"As we learned last year, you don't necessarily need a billion-dollar guided missile destroyer to chase down and deal with a bunch of teenage pirates wielding AK-47s and RPGs (rocket propelled grenades)."
