This is the reason to build a numerically superior military. U.S is at a point where they can't procure as much of anything as they used to be. F22 is done. Zumwalts is done. F35 is starting to fade. They planned to slash F35 procurement to 40-50 per year. That is a signifcant drop. If they do that to F35, you will know what is coming for their 6th gen production. It is all the same.
China will procure more 5th and 6th gen planes and to become a decisive advantage in the first chain.
The USN also has no frigates. Theoretically they can send in LCS vessels, but these have no ASW capability, the minesweeping system doesn't seem to be ready yet, and the surface combat systems are just about useless against a real navy.
I should hope so; he can see it happening in real time by looking out his window.
You'd think so, but look at all the other people who should also know what's going on. If you want a real laugh, just look at how Army officers talk about a Western Pacific conflict. At the end of the day, Paparo still has to tow the party line, but he seems to have a brain, and that puts him well ahead of most other American commentators.
On a slightly different subject, a while back, I asked about why the Americans were so adamant about getting Australia to commit to the Western Pacific conflict. It didn't make any sense because Australia is thousands of kilometers away, and they have almost no ability to project force into the region. But I think I've figured it out. It's all about Japan. Japan is the key ally that the US absolutely needs in the Western Pacific. Not only do they have a potent navy, and a substantial air force, but they also have some of the best basing for American forces in the region. The problem is that there's good reason that Japan will stay out of the conflict if no other American allies show up (Philippines doesn't count). South Korea already ruled itself out, so if Australia doesn't commit, then Japan almost certainly won't either.
