Senior Air Force officials have expressed their urgent need for modernization to meet the threats posed by China and other adversaries. Department of the Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall, along with other top military leaders, emphasized the pressing nature of this issue during a House committee meeting. Kendall stated that time is their greatest concern, as they are in a race for military technological superiority. He highlighted the impact of a delay in the budget finalized in March 2024, which cannot be recovered, emphasizing the need to move forward with urgent modernization priorities.
Kendall pointed to Iran’s recent attack on Israel as an example of the contested environments they face, with China posing a similar challenge. He stressed the importance of ensuring that the U.S. is prepared to defend against such attacks, highlighting the need to move away from legacy systems towards those designed for modern threats. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David W. Allvin and Chief of Space Operations Gen. Chance Saltzman echoed the call for immediate modernization to counter China’s growing military actions.
Saltzman emphasized the significance of space superiority in deterring conflict, providing vital effects, and protecting the joint force. He outlined the importance of a robust Space Force in achieving this goal, stating that it is a work in progress until infrastructure for space superiority is built. The Department of the Air Force has requested a $217.5 billion budget for Fiscal Year 2025 to address the challenges posed by China and other global threats. Allvin emphasized the need to maximize readiness of current forces while adapting structures and processes to prevail in an environment of enduring great power competition.
Senior Air Force officials stressed the need for immediate modernization to keep pace with China’s military actions, highlighting the challenges posed by a contested environment. Kendall, Allvin, and Saltzman conveyed the urgency of preparing for potential future attacks similar to Iran’s recent assault on Israel. They emphasized the importance of moving away from outdated legacy systems towards those designed for modern threats. The request for a significant budget increase for Fiscal Year 2025 reflects the Department of the Air Force’s commitment to meeting the demands of strategic competition and responding to persistent threats from around the globe. Time is a critical factor, and officials are working to ensure that they are prepared to face the challenges posed by China and other adversaries.
