Air, Space Force Chiefs Urge Investment in Modernization and Readiness Amid Global Threats
May 20, 2025 | By Army Maj. Wes Shinego
Top U.S. Air and Space Force leaders urged lawmakers today to prioritize modernization and strategic readiness during testimony before the Senate Armed Services Committee in Washington.
Air Force Secretary Troy Meink, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Allvin, and Space Force Chief of Space Operations Gen. B. Chance Saltzman outlined urgent investment needs to counter emerging global threats—especially from China.
“The Department of the Air Force is at a critical juncture,” said Meink, an aeronautical and astronautical engineering expert. “We are racing to achieve technological superiority against a well-funded, strategic adversary.”
Gen. Allvin emphasized the need to maintain global airpower dominance amid rising threats. “We operate in a world where rivals rapidly modernize their forces to coerce neighbors and reshape global norms,” he said. “The U.S. must stay ahead to deter aggression and ensure security.”
Key Modernization Efforts
Leaders spotlighted several high-priority programs, including:
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F-47 Next Generation Air Dominance fighter
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Collaborative Combat Aircraft program
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Upgrades to the F-35 Lightning II and F-15 Eagle
Allvin noted the F-47’s innovative acquisition model allows fast software-driven upgrades, avoiding delays seen in past platforms. “We now move at the speed of software,” he said.
Nuclear modernization remains a top priority, including development of the Sentinel intercontinental ballistic missile, the B-21 Raider bomber, and upgrades to the B-52 Stratofortress fleet.
Addressing concerns about project timelines and costs, Meink said, “We must balance current readiness with long-term deterrence capabilities.”
Expanding Space Capabilities
Gen. Saltzman highlighted the Space Force’s growing role in national security, especially with space-based assets supporting new missile defense systems like the Golden Dome initiative.
“Space is now the backbone of military operations,” Saltzman said. “Yet, while threats grow, our resources shrink—putting our national defense at risk.”
Readiness, Recruitment, and Global Posture
The Air Force also faces readiness concerns due to aging aircraft. Mission-capable rates for legacy jets like the F-16 Fighting Falcon hover around 62%, below target levels. Allvin stressed that sustained modernization is essential for operational effectiveness.
Personnel recruitment and retention also remain challenging. Leaders pointed to budget constraints and underscored the need for stronger support for service members and families.
“Our airmen and guardians are our most valuable asset,” Meink said. “We’re expanding training, improving family support, and strengthening recruitment to stay competitive.”
Responding to questions about the military’s regional footprint, particularly in Guam, Allvin assured senators that efforts are underway to disperse forces across the Indo-Pacific for greater resilience.
“Guam is not the final hub,” he said. “We’re building a more flexible, distributed presence.”
Call for Congressional Support
In closing, all three leaders reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining global superiority in air and space, calling for congressional backing to ensure future readiness.
No other force delivers rapid global impact like the Air Force,” Allvin said. “With continued support, we’ll remain the cornerstone of American defense through the 21st century.
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