Testifying before lawmakers last week on the perils that may befall the Pentagon in its workup of the Quadrennial Defense Review, Daniel Goure noted that the “so-called overmatch capabilities”—notably airpower—were created because they were “and, I would argue, remain absolutely vital.” He urged the House Armed Services Committee to “look skeptically” at any attempt to reduce so-called overmatch capabilities. “Without air dominance, the US military can do nothing else of significance.”
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.