US Air Force Head Frank Kendall in an interview with Reuters acknowledged that Washington is involved in the Arms Racing with Beijing for the development of the most deadly hypersonic weapons.
“There is a racing of arms, the purpose of which is not necessarily an increase in their number, and improving the quality of weapons. This arms race continues for a very long time. The Chinese act very aggressively,” Kendall said.
He noted that the US military focused their attention and waste of funds in Iraq and Afghanistan, almost forgetting the need for the development of hypersonic weapons. The minister stressed that it is not about the fact that the United States did not do anything at all, but they did not do enough. The head of the Air Force added that the A-10 attack aircraft, the C-130 military transport aircraft and the drone MQ-9 are still effective, but none of them can scare China.
Previously, the 19FortyFive edition reported to reduce the combat readiness of the aircraft of the US Air Force (Air Force). The author drew attention to the declined share of the fifth generation airplanes ready for the tasks. The readiness level of the F-22 Raptor was 50.81 percent, and the readiness of the F-35A decreased to 68.8 percent. The publication emphasizes that in the event of a conflict with Russia or China, the United States Air Force will have to use obsolete aircraft and a limited number of fighters of the fifth generation.