US Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark Welsh III stated that “if they stay on track” China and Russia “will be fielding capability in the next three to five years…that is better than what we currently have in many areas” in an interview broadcast on Monday’s “Special Report” on the Fox News Channel.
Welsh said, “China and Russia are two good examples of countries who will be fielding capability in the next three to five years, if they stay on track, that is better than what we currently have in many areas.” And “The fighter aircraft they’re going to field in the next three to five years just have better capability than things we currently have sitting on the ramp.”
He added, “We are 200,000 people fewer in the active component. That’s 40% less than we were, even in the first Gulf War. It’s a dramatically different Air Force.”
Welsh recommended, “We just have to stop this drawdown, and kind of build a red line where are right now in the size of the active force.”
Follow Ian Hanchett on Twitter @IanHanchett
COMMENTS
Please let us know if you're having issues with commenting.