Senior Air Force officials have warned U.S. lawmakers that they are running out of time to modernize their forces to meet the threats posed by China and other adversaries. Department of the Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall expressed his concern about being in a race for military technological superiority with a capable pacing challenge. He emphasized that time is of the essence and that the Air Force is out of time in terms of modernization efforts. Kendall, along with other top military leaders, warned that time cannot be recovered after the fiscal year budget is finalized, and they must prioritize urgent modernization priorities moving forward.
Kendall highlighted Iran’s recent attack on Israel as a timely example of the need for the U.S. to be prepared for possible future attacks. He emphasized the importance of ensuring the U.S. does not face a similar situation as Iran did and stressed the need to move on from legacy systems to ones designed for handling highly contested environments. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David W. Allvin and Chief of Space Operations Gen. Chance Saltzman also stressed the need for immediate modernization in response to China’s growing military action. The Department of the Air Force has requested a $217.5 billion budget for Fiscal Year 2025 to address these pressing concerns.
Saltzman highlighted the importance of a robust Space Force in achieving space superiority against near-peer adversaries. He emphasized that without space superiority, the U.S. cannot deter conflict, provide vital effects, or protect the joint force. Saltzman described the Space Force as a work in progress until the necessary infrastructure is built to achieve space superiority. Allvin echoed the urgency for modernization, given the strategic competition with China and persistent threats from around the globe. He emphasized the need for the Air Force to adapt its structures and processes to maximize readiness and prevail in an environment of enduring great power competition.
The Air Force’s request for a significant budget for fiscal year 2025 reflects the urgent need for modernization to address the growing threats from adversaries like China. The six-month delay in finalizing the budget has had a real impact on the Air Force’s ability to address these modernization priorities. Kendall stressed that the U.S. must be prepared for highly contested environments like the one faced during Iran’s attack on Israel. He emphasized the importance of moving away from legacy systems and towards modern capabilities designed to cope with such environments. The Air Force is racing against time to ensure readiness in the face of evolving threats and challenges.
In conclusion, senior Air Force officials are sounding the alarm on the urgent need for modernization to address growing threats from countries like China. The need for space superiority is emphasized as a crucial component in deterring conflict, providing vital effects, and protecting the joint force. The Air Force’s budget request for fiscal year 2025 reflects the seriousness of the situation and the imperative to prioritize modernization efforts. Time is of the essence, and the Air Force is out of time when it comes to adapting to the evolving military landscape and maintaining superiority in the face of potential adversaries.
