There is a new monograph from Rand analysts say that China has “keenly observed” American military transformation efforts over the past few years and sees them as “accelerating.” The report highlights options that the Rand analysts believe Beijing is pursuing “in earnest” in whole or in part to respond to the Pentagon transformation plans. The options are: Conventional military modernization focusing on weapon platforms; information operations and sabotage; a missile-based force that would present a short-range threat to Taiwan and improve offensive capabilities against US bases; and net-centric warfare modernization. “The major operational challenge for China … is defeating US air power,” the report states, adding that massed sensors and weapons may be one way the Chinese will attempt to solve the problem.
Exasperated with the delays to the F-35’s Tech Refresh 3 update—which has held up deliveries of completed fighters since last fall—the House Armed Services Committee wants to slash the military services’ fiscal 2025 F-35 purchase by at least 10 aircraft and as much as 20.