US Air Force Amps Up Capability To Counter China's 'Wicked' Growing Defense Threat

The U.S. Air Force is bolstering its potential to target highly-defended warships, in response to the escalating power and size of China’s defense system.

The sophisticated air defense systems that China’s military has been developing for decades present a significant challenge to U.S. forces, reported Business Insider.

China’s growing navy, equipped with advanced ships and more complex operations, has been demonstrated in exercises around Taiwan, following a visit by former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi in August 2022. These exercises showcased China’s ability to establish an anti-access/area-denial engagement zone using surface-to-air missiles from their ships.

See Also: US Military Chief Downplays Xi Jinping’s Intent To Invade Taiwan

Director of the China Aerospace Studies Institute, Brendan Mulvaney, described China’s air-defense system as part of a “counter-intervention” strategy aimed at preventing U.S. and allied forces from entering the region.

“The surface-to-air-missile systems they have on those tier-one surface-action-group assets is wicked, wicked dangerous territory — significantly more dangerous than anything that’s fielded in and around Ukraine,” added Gen. Mark Kelly.

While China’s naval and air forces have not seen combat since 1979, it is believed they have learned strategies from other militaries and wars. Lyle Goldstein, director of Asia engagement at Defense Priorities, stated that China’s air defense capabilities may be on par with the U.S.

Recent training milestones and weapons development indicate a shift in the U.S. Air Force’s focus toward maritime strike missions. This includes the major exercise in November 2022, called Green Flag-West, which saw Air Force pilots working with the Navy on facilitating air operations in maritime surface warfare missions.

The Air Force is also modernizing its weaponry for maritime operations, testing a modified version of its Joint Direct Attack Munition, known as “Quicksink,” and studying the use of other weapons in austere environments such as the Pacific region.

Meanwhile, on Wednesday, President Joe Biden will meet his Chinese counterpart, President Xi Jinping, in what’s building up to be the highest-stake diplomatic encounter of the year.

Read Next: A fine wine index called Liv-ex Fine Wine 1000 GREW in value during the Great Recession. Premium liquor has been moving to the beat of its own drum. Click here to invest in curated casks/collections.

Image via Shutterstock