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 Air Force has finished modifying and testing the new VC-25B Bridge aircraft that will serve as a temporary Air Force One, the service announced May 1. All that’s left now is to finish painting the jet before it starts flying this summer.