Air Force Leaders Warn America Risks Losing Its Air and Space Superiority to a Surging China

The United States faces a defining moment. Our air and space forces, essential to national security, confront a growing challenge from China. On May 20, 2025, senior Air Force leaders testified before the Senate Armed Services Committee, delivering a stark warning. Their message resonated: without decisive investment, America risks losing its dominance in the skies and beyond.

Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink, an expert with a doctorate in aeronautical engineering, described the Department of the Air Force as standing at a critical juncture. He spoke of a relentless race for technological superiority against a well-funded adversary. Maintaining our lead demands action, not complacency, in a world where air and space power shapes global influence.

China’s military advances are alarming. Its People’s Liberation Army commands the world’s largest navy and rapidly expands its space capabilities. General David Allvin, Air Force Chief of Staff, emphasized China’s ambition to intimidate its neighbors and alter the international order. Failure to respond endangers our allies and our way of life.

The answer lies in bold commitment. We must modernize our air and space forces, strengthen our personnel, and secure robust funding. Hesitation invites weakness. Why would we stand idle when our adversaries press forward with unwavering resolve?

The Air Force and Space Force are the guardians of our security. Their strength ensures our freedom. Now is the time to invest in their future, ensuring they remain the world’s finest.

The Air Force’s modernization efforts offer a path to sustained dominance. Initiatives like the F-47 Next Generation Air Dominance fighter jet and Collaborative Combat Aircraft promise to transform airpower. General Allvin highlighted the F-47’s streamlined acquisition process, emphasizing rapid software upgrades to deliver advanced capabilities efficiently, benefiting both taxpayers and service members.

Enhancements to platforms like the F-35 Lightning II and F-15 Eagle remain critical. Nuclear modernization, including the Sentinel missile system, B-21 Raider bomber, and B-52 upgrades, anchors our strategic deterrence. These programs form the foundation of a secure future, demanding unwavering support.

Challenges loom large. In FY 2025, the Air Force plans to retire 250 aircraft while adding only 91, reducing its fleet below 5,000 for the first time. Mission-capable rates linger near 60 percent, well below the historical 75–80 percent standard. Aging aircraft, such as the F-16 with a 62 percent readiness rate, highlight the need for consistent funding.

Some advocate diverting defense funds to domestic needs like healthcare or education. Yet, security enables all other priorities. A strong military safeguards our prosperity. How can we prioritize lesser concerns when China’s capabilities grow stronger each day?

The Space Force, though newly established, is vital to our defense. General B. Chance Saltzman underscored its role as a cornerstone of national security, supporting everything from missile defense to global communications. However, he warned of a widening gap between its mission demands and available resources.

China’s advancements in counter-space technologies threaten our satellites and networks. The Space Force’s Golden Dome missile defense initiative is essential, yet limited budgets hinder progress. Saltzman noted this mismatch creates significant risks for our nation. We cannot allow adversaries to gain an edge in this critical domain.

Congress must act decisively. Increased funding for resilient space systems, AI-driven analytics, and unmanned platforms is imperative. Those who prioritize diplomacy over defense spending overlook a key reality: strength in space prevents conflicts before they arise. Why delay action until threats escalate?

Our airmen and guardians drive the success of the Air Force and Space Force. Yet, recruitment and retention challenges undermine readiness. Only 23 percent of Americans aged 17–24 meet enlistment standards, and a mere 9 percent express interest. The Air Force, like the Army, which fell short of its FY 2022 goal by over 25 percent, struggles to build its ranks.

Meink and Allvin urged stronger support systems, including improved pay and family programs. Recent Army initiatives, such as Future Soldiers Preparatory Courses, have helped recruits overcome physical and academic hurdles. Still, shortages in cyber and combat arms roles persist, requiring greater investment.

Some propose cutting personnel budgets to fund technology. This approach misunderstands the issue. Investing in our service members bolsters our forces as much as new systems. A military without dedicated people cannot succeed. How can we prevail without those who serve?

The way forward demands action. Congress must fully support the FY 2025 supplemental package of $150 billion, funding B-21 bombers, F-15EX production, and Indo-Pacific exercises. These investments counter China’s growing influence and strengthen our deterrence.

Diversifying our force posture is equally critical. General Allvin emphasized that Guam is not the sole hub for Indo-Pacific operations, signaling a shift to distributed basing. This strategy enhances resilience and complicates adversary planning. Delay only empowers our rivals.

The Air Force’s unmatched global reach remains a cornerstone of American power. As Allvin affirmed, no other service can project force anywhere, anytime, with such precision. With congressional backing, we can ensure our air and space forces lead the world through the 21st century.