The Chinese J-31—a two-engined copy of the US F-35—does not represent “a game-changer” in the Pacific theater, Pacific Air Forces chief Gen. Lori Robinson said Wednesday. Robinson declined to provide an intelligence analysis of the J-31’s capabilities, but did say that the US technological edge is “smaller” than it used to be, particularly with regard to China’s new air systems. Even so, Robinson believes the continuous and realistic training of US air forces “gives us a great capability” and one that China can’t easily match. “We still have the edge,” she said.
The U.S. military is maintaining a beefed-up presence in the Middle East, including fighters and air defense assets, following the U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities June 22 and subsequent retaliation by the Iranians against Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.
