occurs, the U.S. Air Force and Navy are strategizing for a fight in the Pacific against China, potentially within the next couple of years. The uncertain timing, combined with budget caps for fiscal years 2024 and 2025, has led to different budget strategies for each service.
The Air Force is reducing fighter jet purchases by 12 and increasing research, development, test, and evaluation spending, while trimming procurement to align with budget constraints. On the other hand, the Navy is maintaining flat procurement spending and reducing research and development as it focuses on current operations and personnel.
Chinese President Xi Jinping has set a goal for China’s military to modernize for a potential invasion of Taiwan as early as 2027, prompting concerns about readiness. Lawmakers emphasize the need to be prepared by 2027, with Rep. Rob Wittman highlighting the urgency of the situation.
The Navy and Air Force have taken differing approaches to modernization, with the Navy focusing on strategic, methodical procurement of existing aircraft and the Air Force pursuing various generations of fighters simultaneously. The Navy acknowledges it would enter a hypothetical 2027 conflict with its existing fleet, emphasizing readiness and maintenance of current capabilities.
While the Air Force is striving to balance existing capabilities with future development amidst budget constraints, the service acknowledges the need for a nuanced approach to stay on the cutting edge. The consequences of budgetary caps have forced difficult decisions, with both services adjusting their strategies to align with the evolving threat landscape in the Indo-Pacific region.