The Skies Are Falling: Why the US Needs to Get Its Air Superiority Act Together

Imagine being grateful for a small, fledgling fleet of fighter jets, just enough to keep Russian bombers at bay and downing several Russian attack aircraft. This is the reality for Ukraine, where the struggle for air superiority has become a matter of life and death. As the US Air Force's fighter fleet shrinks to its smallest size in history, we must take a hard look at the consequences of neglecting air superiority. But what does air superiority even mean? Is it just about having more fighter jets than the enemy, or is it about owning the skies and maintaining a dominant presence? Ukraine, where electronic warfare elements, including drones and F-16s, have augmented Ukrainian forces, seemingly keeping Russian bombers at bay. But what if the author's assumption that air superiority is the key to winning wars is wrong? What if there are other factors at play? What if the focus on air superiority is just a smokescreen for more pressing issues? The US needs to get its act together and prioritize air superiority.

Because, as the article points out, the Chinese air threat is growing, and the US Air Force currently has only 100 F-35s in the fight, with plans to reduce production even further. And what about the Middle East, where instability is on the rise? Does the US really want to be caught with its pants down, without the ability to project power and deter through the air? The F-35 is crucial for US and allied airpower integration, but reducing production endangers international partnerships, disrupts timelines, and weakens economies of scale. Reduced production also harms the defense industrial base, which already confronts workforce and supply chain challenges. The US needs to boost F-35 production now, before it's too late. The cost of going without air superiority is too high to ignore. The lives of thousands of soldiers and civilians hang in the balance, and it's time for lawmakers to take action. So what's the takeaway? Air superiority is not just a luxury, it's a necessity. The US needs to prioritize air superiority, boost F-35 production, and ensure that its Air Force is strong enough to meet the challenges of the 21st century.

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