How Chinese advancements will impact the future development of the US Air Force fleet
The B-21 Raider. (Photo: US Air Force)
Recent Chinese advancements in the air domain have been placing the US Air Force (USAF) in an uncomfortable position and the service will have to change its approach to developing, procuring and modernising aircraft, according to the head of the branch.
“China remains a problem [in the coming decades],” said USAF Secretary Frank Kendall. “Russia doesn’t go away as a serious threat, but China increasingly dominates the story [and] is a strategic competitor to the US.”
Speaking in a webinar conducted on 13 January led by the US-based think tank CSIS, Kendall pointed out that both the US Space Force and USAF
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Air Warfare
-
Northrop Grumman and Kratos team up to develop US Marine Corps CCA
Northrop Grumman will provide the autonomy software for the USMC loyal wingman, which will be integrated into Kratos’ XQ-58 Valkyrie uncrewed aerial system.
-
US Air Force prepares to test uncrewed F-16 VISTA in challenging scenarios
Th mission systems upgrade of the X-62 VISTA variant of the F-16 will allow the air force to evaluate the jet in more demanding environments.
-
Lockheed’s deal to triple PAC-3 MSE production opens doors to portfolio boost
The framework agreement with the US Department of Defense would see Lockheed Martin increase production capacity from 600 to 2,000 interceptors per year.