China ‘Soon to Be World’s Largest Air Force’

[Waz]

The thing is it doesn't take into account the massive power of the USN strike jets. It wouldn't just be the USAF by itself.

 

[Nuffle]

The thing is it doesn't take into account the massive power of the USN strike jets. It wouldn't just be the USAF by itself.

And USMCA

 

[DevendraRajput]

The thing is it doesn't take into account the massive power of the USN strike jets. It wouldn't just be the USAF by itself.

There is a saying most powerful airforce is USAF. second most powerful is USN.

 

[Foinikas]

The thing is it doesn't take into account the massive power of the USN strike jets. It wouldn't just be the USAF by itself.

Exactly that. And like our Brazilian friend here said,the Marines' too.

We're talking about F-16s and F-15s. All of their versions,because the training aircraft could easily be used for combat as well. Then you got the Hornets and Super Hornets of the Navy. Then the F-22s and the F-35s. And if they have to,they still got some F-5s used for training.

But they won't be alone.

South Korea




Japan

 

[Beijingwalker]

China set to become the world’s largest air force, top US military official warns​

Navy Adm. John Aquilino characterized the modernization of China’s military as “the biggest threat since World War 2.”​

Mar 31, 2024 08:13 AM EST
Bojan Stojkovski

China is set to become the world’s largest air force and could replace the United States, a top US military official warned. According to Navy Adm. John Aquilino, head of the US Indo-Pacific Command, China’s military modernization is “the biggest threat since World War 2.”

“What we all have to understand is we haven’t faced a threat like this since World War 2. The largest military, and again as Senator Wicker said, the world’s largest Navy, soon to be the world’s largest Air Force. So, the magnitude, scope and scale of this security challenge cannot be understated,” Aquilion said in a testimony on Capitol Hill on March 21.

China’s military buildup could destabilize the Indo-Pacific​

Furthermore, Aquilino warned that China’s military buildup is also looking to destabilize the Indo-Pacific region.

“Our adversaries have become increasingly aggressive and emboldened. The PRC’ unprecedented military buildup and campaign of course of actions destabilize the region and they challenge our values and the institutions that support a free and open Indo-Pacific,” he added.

In his last testimony as the Commander of US Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM), Aquilano noted that PLA’s aviation has undergone a significant transformation since 2021.

“Combined, the PLA Air Force (PLAAF) and PLAN Aviation constitute the largest aviation force in the Indo Pacific. Over half of the PLA’s operational fighter force is 4th and 5th generation, enabling longer-range A2/AD and counter-air operations across the western Pacific Ocean. The PLA is also developing a stealth bomber that can cover the Second Island Chain and the Western Pacific,” he wrote in a March 18 statement.

Catching up with the US economically and technologically​

Furthermore, the military official also pointed out that the US can’t just spend money to stay ahead because “China is catching up economically and technologically.”

“While modernization of the force and the development of new concepts are essential to our ability to deter, we need to move at the speed and pace required to address the rapidly evolving security environment,” he wrote.

In a 2023 assessment of Chinese military capabilities, the Pentagon highlighted that when considering the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) and Navy together, they possess over 3,150 aircraft excluding trainer versions and unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), of which approximately 2,400 are combat aircraft, including fighters, strategic bombers, tactical bombers, multi-mission tactical, and attack aircraft.

“The PLAAF is rapidly catching up to Western air forces. The PLAAF continues to modernize with the delivery of domestically built aircraft and a wide range of UASs,” reads a key takeaway from the report.

Meanwhile, the US Air Force, though currently at its smallest size in recent years, maintains approximately 4,000 aircraft that are not trainers or drones. Moreover, additional aircraft are operated by the Navy, Marine Corps, and Army, collectively numbering several thousand more.

China set to become the world’s largest air force, top US military official warns

Navy Adm. John Aquilino warns China's military modernization poses the biggest threat since World War 2, with potential to surpass US in airpower.

interestingengineering.com