Washington, D.C. – Senior Air Force officials sounded an urgent alarm to lawmakers, warning that the U.S. is running out of time to modernize its military forces in the face of rapidly increasing threats from China and other adversaries.
“We are in a race for military technological superiority,” Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall told the House Armed Services Committee on Wednesday. “Our cushion is gone – we are out of time.”
Kendall pointed to Iran’s recent attack on Israel as a sobering example. Nearly every missile launched against Israel was intercepted by a coalition that included the U.S., demonstrating the critical need for advanced systems capable of defending against complex threats.
“We are dedicated to ensuring that the U.S. never encounters a situation like Iran,” Kendall emphasized. “That’s why we must transition from legacy systems to ones designed for modern, contested environments.”
Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Allvin and Chief of Space Operations Gen. Chance Saltzman echoed Kendall’s concerns. They stressed the need for immediate modernization, particularly in space, where China is rapidly expanding its capabilities.
“Space superiority is the linchpin of our national security,” Saltzman said. “Without it, we cannot deter conflict, provide vital effects, or protect our forces.”
The Department of the Air Force has requested a robust 7.5 billion budget for Fiscal Year 2025. The allocation will be used to fund essential upgrades and new technologies to maintain U.S. dominance in the skies and beyond.
“Time is not on our side,” Allvin warned. “We must act now to prepare for the challenges of the future.”
The warning from military leaders underscores the urgency of addressing China’s growing military might. The U.S. must continue to invest in its armed forces to stay ahead in this critical technological race and ensure its security for years to come.
Data sourced from: foxnews.com
