Can America Afford to Modernize the Air Force. An Examination of Domestic Factors Influencing Future Defense Budgets

摘要

America's edge, according to the 2008 Air Force Posture Statement, is based on the synergistic effects of global vigilance, global reach, and global power--our nation's ability to gain and maintain situational awareness, fuse intelligence from multiple sources, and rapidly respond with swift and precise effects to any point on or above the earth. These capabilities allow the United States Air Force to hold any target in the world at risk, defend our homeland, or deliver humanitarian aid to those in need. However, the Air Force is at a strategic crossroads. Strained by 17 years of continuous combat operations throughout Southwest Asia, its fleet of air and space vehicles as well as supporting infrastructure are rapidly wearing out or becoming technologically obsolete. Reversing this trend and revitalizing these capabilities won't come cheaply. By one account, the Air Force needs at least an additional $20 billion annually to pay for critical modernization requirements including tankers, fighter aircraft, long-range strike assets, and space platforms.