According to Army Gen. Burwell Bell, getting adequate air training space—particularly for air-to-ground training—is a key issue for US Forces Korea. Burwell, USFK leader, told the House Armed Services Committee last week, “We do not have the ranges that I believe are required to ensure our competency day to day.” He said that USAF had access to ranges “until several months back” and was promised use of a new range. The new arrangement has met local resident resistance. Burwell maintained that he is “trying to resolve this” with South Korea.
The Air Force is spending heavily on F-22 improvements through the end of the decade, suggesting it may not retire the jet in 2030 as it previously planned. New sensors, fuel tanks, communications, and electronic warfare systems are among the upgrades that comprise the package.