Senior leaders from the Department of the Air Force testified before the Senate Armed Services Committee during a posture hearing in Washington today.
During their testimony they outlined key priorities, including modernization, readiness and maintaining strategic superiority in air and space.
Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink, who holds a doctorate in aeronautical and astronautical engineering, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Allvin, and Space Force Chief of Space Operations Gen. B. Chance Saltzman highlighted the critical need for investments to address current challenges and future threats, especially from strategic competitors like China.
"The Department of the Air Force is at an inflection point," Meink said. "We are engaging in a fast-paced race for technological superiority against a well-resourced, strategic opponent."
Speaking about the increased pace of modernization, Allvin stressed the urgency of ensuring airpower dominance.
"We now operate in a world where the [People's Republic of China] is not only rapidly modernizing its military, but doing so with a clear intent to coerce its neighbors and reshape the international order," Allvin said. "The United States must maintain airpower dominance if we are to safeguard our security, deter aggression, and prevail in conflict."
Key modernization initiatives highlighted during the testimony included the development of the F-47 Next Generation Air Dominance fighter jet platform, the Collaborative Combat Aircraft, and crucial upgrades to existing platforms like the F-35 Lightning II and F-15 Eagle fighters.
Allvin detailed the innovative acquisition strategy for the F-47, designed to avoid costly delays experienced with previous platforms.
"We now have more control over the project," he said. "Upgrades can come at the speed of software, not hardware, allowing us to rapidly integrate advanced systems, benefiting both taxpayers and warfighters."
On the topic of nuclear modernization, Meink and Allvin emphasized the priority of the Sentinel intercontinental ballistic missile system, the B-21 Raider long-range strike bomber and revitalization of the B-52 Stratofortress fleet, essential to strategic deterrence.
When asked about the Sentinel program's timeline and budget stability, Meink explained the Air Force would "balance … requirements to generate readiness today with the imperative to rebuild our military capabilities to continue deterring adversaries tomorrow."
Saltzman spoke about the significant growth and increasing importance of the Space Force, underscoring its role in America's broader strategic defense posture.
"Space has become the backbone of our national security, and today's joint force relies on the assumption that space power will be available when needed," he said.
Addressing new mission responsibilities, including critical space-based elements of the Golden Dome missile defense initiative, Saltzman warned of the increasing gap between resources and mission demands.
"Despite dramatic rises in threats and increasing importance, the Space Force has experienced shrinking resources," he said. "This disconnect creates risk for our nation."
The Air Force also faces significant readiness challenges, particularly with maintaining aging aircraft fleets. Allvin noted mission capability rates, with older aircraft like the F-16 Fighting Falcon achieving approximately 62% mission readiness, still below ideal targets. He emphasized the necessity for sustained investment in modernization to maintain operational readiness and effectiveness.
Personnel issues, including recruitment and retention, were also highlighted. Meink and Allvin cited challenges stemming from budgetary pressure and emphasized the need for enhanced support structures to ensure service members and their families are adequately cared for.
"Our airmen and guardians are our greatest asset," Meink said. "We are committed to enhancing recruiting, expanding training opportunities and strengthening family support structures to ensure we maintain our nation's competitive edge."
In response to congressional concerns regarding strategic vulnerabilities, particularly the potential overconcentration of U.S. military assets in locations like Guam, Allvin assured the committee the Air Force is actively diversifying its posture to improve resiliency.
"Guam is not the ultimate destination for Indo-Pacific posture," Allvin said, describing ongoing efforts to distribute forces across the region.
Wrapping up their testimony, the leaders reiterated their commitment to maintaining superiority across air and space domains amid evolving threats, requesting continued support from Congress to ensure U.S. readiness today and strategic advantages tomorrow.
"No other service can match what the Air Force delivers: effects anywhere on the globe, at any scale, on minimal notice," Allvin concluded. "With your support, we can ensure the Air Force remains the cornerstone of American power through the 21st century."