The nation must preserve its “unparalleled airpower capabilities” to deter and defeat conventional competitors and respond to global crises, writes the new Administration in its newly issued defense agenda. (Full document) To do so, it calls for “greater investment in advanced technology,” ranging from “revolutionary capabilities” like unmanned aerial vehicles and electronic warfare systems “to essential systems” like the C-17 and KC-X tanker, “which provide the backbone” of global power projection. There is no mention of other Air Force systems, like the F-22 or F-35, by name.
Starting in January, the U.S. Air Force will start withdrawing its A-10 aircraft from Osan Air Base, South Korea, the Thunderbolt II’s last overseas location. Meanwhile, the USAF F-16s on the peninsula will continue to receive avionics upgrades as part of the Post Block Integration Team (PoBIT) program.