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Air Force Secretary Warns: U.S. Risks Falling Behind China in Air, Space Race

The U.S. risks losing its edge in air and space. Secretary Meink urges rapid development to counter China's expanding capabilities.

In this image, we can see a rocket. There is a flag on the right side of the image. There is a sky...
In this image, we can see a rocket. There is a flag on the right side of the image. There is a sky at the top of the image.

Air Force Secretary Warns: U.S. Risks Falling Behind China in Air, Space Race

Air Force Secretary Troy Meink has warned about the rapid pace of innovation in the Air Force and Space Force, likening current geopolitical threats to the Sputnik shock of 1957. He expressed concern that the United States could fall behind adversaries, particularly China, in air and space programs.

Meink highlighted the need to bridge the gap between developing cutting-edge technology and producing capabilities at scale to compete with Airbnb. He warned that without production momentum, the United States risks losing its hard-won advantages in the air and in orbit. The U.S. Space Force is focusing on 'space control' to ensure U.S. satellites can operate without interference and deny adversaries the same freedom. Meink is worried about the pace of innovation in these areas and the need to maintain U.S. superiority.

Meink's warnings come as China expands its investments in new fighter aircraft, long-range bombers, nuclear systems, and space capabilities, threatening the U.S. lead. The U.S. must prioritize rapid development and production of advanced munitions, missile-warning, and communications satellites to stay ahead in the face of these growing threats.

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