Senior Air Force officials recently delivered a stark message to U.S. lawmakers, emphasizing the critical need for modernizing their forces to effectively address the evolving threats posed by China and other adversaries. During a House committee hearing, Department of the Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall, along with top-ranking military leaders from the Air Force and Space Force, expressed deep concerns about the pressing timeline for enhancing military capabilities.
Kendall underscored the urgency of the situation, stating, 'Time is my greatest concern — we are in a race for military technological superiority with a capable pacing challenge.' He further emphasized the gravity of the situation by stating, 'Our cushion is gone — we are out of time.'
The officials highlighted the impact of delays in budget allocation, noting that time lost in the modernization process cannot be recovered. They stressed the need to swiftly move forward with critical modernization priorities to stay ahead of potential threats. Kendall pointed to recent events, such as Iran's attack on Israel, as a reminder of the importance of being prepared for future conflicts.
Addressing the need for immediate action, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David W. Allvin and Chief of Space Operations Gen. Chance Saltzman echoed the call for urgent modernization efforts in response to China's increasing military activities. Saltzman emphasized the significance of space superiority in deterring conflicts and protecting the joint force, underscoring the pivotal role of the Space Force in achieving these objectives.
The Department of the Air Force has proposed a budget of $217.5 billion for Fiscal Year 2025, emphasizing the need to enhance readiness and adapt structures to effectively navigate the challenges of great power competition. Allvin reiterated the time-sensitive nature of the situation, stating, 'Time is not on our side.'
The collective message from senior Air Force officials underscores the critical need for immediate action to modernize military capabilities and maintain a strategic advantage in the face of evolving threats, particularly from China. The urgency of the situation highlights the imperative for swift and decisive measures to ensure national security and readiness in an increasingly complex global landscape.
