What You Need to Know: The U.S. Air Force is pursuing advanced modernization programs, including the NGAD sixth-generation fighter, CCA drone swarms, and the NGAS refueling system, to maintain air superiority amid potential conflict with China. However, the high costs of these programs are prompting difficult funding decisions.

-Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall highlighted the fiscal challenge at the recent Airlift/Tank Association symposium, stressing that each program is interconnected and essential for countering China’s growing capabilities.

-With a predicted $300 million per NGAD fighter, Kendall emphasized the need for increased investments as modernization demands and the looming threat of a China-Taiwan conflict grow.

The U.S. Air Force is modernizing. With the 2030s coming up fast and the threat of near-peer conflict with China always on the horizon, the Air Force is working on several ambitious programs to ensure the U.S. military enjoys air superiority in a potential conflict.

Some of the programs currently in the works include the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program that will........

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