Outspending China 3-to-1: Are US Tax Dollars Being Burned on Military Overkill?

The US Air Force (USAF) already has an incredible lineup of aircraft since its expansion during World War II, from the classic A-10 Warthog to the high-tech F-35 Lightning II.

But with all this firepower, there’s a big question hanging over it: is the fleet still up to date for today’s warfare, especially with China rising as a major military power?

Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall is pushing hard for modernization, but with a defense budget nearing $900 billion, people are starting to wonder if we’re spending smartly or just chasing the latest tech.

This raises a tough debate: should we continue to retire older aircraft and invest in new systems, or is there a better, more efficient way to use our defense dollars? Here’s our take on the matter.

The Cost of Modernization vs. Current Spending

Uncle Sam spends more on defense than anyone else—by a long shot. In fact, it’s nearly three times what China spends and more than ten times what Russia puts down.

According to the latest data by Statista, China spends less than $300 billion per year, while Russia funnels over $100 billion for their respective military spending. That’s about a third and less than one-tenth of the US total, respectively.

With a $900 billion defense budget for 2024, people are starting to wonder if we’re about to break the trillion-dollar mark. And for those already worried about the federal deficit, it begs the question: how much is too much?

With all this money flowing into defense, do we really need to keep upgrading the Air Force fleet, or are these calls for modernization a bit exaggerated? Our two cents: maybe a smarter, more strategic approach to spending could keep us just as ready for the future.

As a quick recap, the USAF has an impressive fleet of aircraft. Everything, from the U-2 Dragon Lady to the A-10 Warthog to the C-130 Hercules and KC-135 Stratotanker to the F-15 Eagle, F-16 Fighting Falcon, and F-22 Raptor and to, of course, the F-35 Lightning II.

Each of these aircraft has earned its place in history, serving crucial roles in conflicts around the world. The A-10 Warthog, for one, is famous for its close air support, while the F-22 Raptor dominates the skies as the world’s premier air superiority fighter.

But as incredible as this fleet is, much of it was designed for the conflicts of the past.

Today’s rapidly evolving military landscape—especially with the rising threat of China—demands technology that can adapt to modern challenges. And that’s where the conversation around modernization really takes off.

Modernization: A Necessary Investment or Overspending?

But over the Pentagon, Air Force Secretary Kendall isn’t shy about saying the fleet needs an upgrade, especially with China stepping up its game.

Kendall believes it’s time to retire older aircraft, like the A-10 and some of the older F-22s, to make room for advanced tech—think stealth, cyber capabilities, and electronic warfare systems.

The reasoning? Many legacy planes, like the F-15 and F-16, just aren’t built to survive against modern air defenses, especially in a potential conflict with China. These older models might not hold up against cutting-edge radars and missiles.

“The truth is the Air Force needs things like electric warfare, battle management, intelligence, cyber capabilities, all of these things,” Kendall said at the Ash Carter Exchange defense conference last May. “It doesn’t just need airplanes.”

“As the character of warfare changes,” Kendall added, saying the service will become just as much about those new systems as “traditional platforms.”

“We’re having to divest some of those to free up resources to move forward,” Kendall said. “There’s been resistance to that in the past.”

The Air Force needs planes that can handle these challenges with stealth and top-tier situational awareness, yes?

But here’s the thing, folks—does the USAF really need to swap out the whole fleet? Some argue that instead of ditching older planes, why not invest in new tech instead? Like better electronic warfare systems as these could boost their performance.

Countries like Israel, for example, have done just that, keeping pace with smaller budgets. Maybe Uncle Sam could take a similar approach, upgrading smartly while being mindful of costs.

Political and Economic Implications

The thing about the push to retire aging aircraft faces not only logistical and fiscal challenges but also political ones.

Lawmakers, especially those representing areas with air bases or military manufacturers, aren’t always on board. Why? Because when planes go, so do jobs, and that can hit local economies hard.

Downsizing or base closures could lead to job losses and economic instability, which no politician wants to deal with.

To modernize without leaving these communities in the dust, the Air Force needs to find a middle ground.

One idea is to transition these areas into industries like advanced tech or drones, which are crucial for future warfare.

Programs that retrain workers or shift defense contracts could also help ensure that progress doesn’t come at the cost of local livelihoods.

Are We Spending Wisely?

Beyond the politics and economics, there’s a bigger question: is Uncle Sam spending wisely on military upgrades?

The defense budget is already sky-high—with the USAF budget request alone for fiscal year (FY) 2025 set to $188.1 billion, a $3 billion increase over the FY 2024 budget request—and some argue we could get the same results with smarter spending.

Just look at the F-35—cutting-edge tech but plagued by cost overruns. On the flip side, things like drones (small, cheap) have been absolute game-changers without breaking the bank.

As warfare evolves, the focus needs to shift toward cyber and electronic warfare. This doesn’t mean scrapping the entire fleet but rather blending new tech with what we already have. By being more strategic, the US can keep its edge without overspending.

Final Thoughts: A Call for Smarter Modernization

In the end, it’s not just about swapping old planes for new ones. It’s about making smart choices that balance staying ahead and not wasting resources.

Modernizing is a must to handle new threats, yes, but Uncle Sam needs to do it in a way that’s both efficient and doesn’t hurt local economies at the very least.

The US can still lead in military innovation without blowing the budget. By focusing on adaptability, advanced tech, and smart spending, the Air Force can stay ahead without just relying on its massive budget.

Now, the real question isn’t just whether America’s ready for the next fight but if we can do it smarter and more strategically than ever before.

Thoughts?

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Disclaimer: SOFREP utilizes AI for image generation and article research. Occasionally, it’s like handing a chimpanzee the keys to your liquor cabinet. It’s not always perfect and if a mistake is made, we own up to it full stop. In a world where information comes at us in tidal waves, it is an important tool that helps us sift through the brass for live rounds.