How US is upgrading its forces and weapon systems to counter the China threat

The US defence department budget for fiscal year 2026 is prioritising enhancing its defences in the Indo-Pacific region where China is a major threat. 

 

The top brass of the US Air Force told a Senate defence subcommittee on Thursday that defending the homeland too is a priority in the budget.

 

Air Force Secretary Troy E. Meink said during the senate hearing, "We will deter China through investments in our people, our readiness and our posture within the Indo-Pacific region." 

 

He revealed that the US Air Force is conducting high-level exercises to test the ability to deploy and operate in harsh environments.

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The country is developing LG-35A Sentinel, an intercontinental ballistic missile system (ICBM) to replace the legacy GM-30G Minuteman III. Another major platform that is in the development phase is the B-21 Raider stealth bomber, which will replace B-1 Lancer and B-2 Spirit bombers to eventually become the backbone of the strike capabilities of the Air Force. 

 

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David W. Allvin said the other efforts in military modernisation include the development of the F-47 Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) fighter jet, designed to replace the F-22 Raptor.

 

He observed that a more lethal Air Force would mean prioritising the right capabilities and projects while divesting ageing systems and unused infrastructure.

Defence