I would like to remind you of the following:
1. In recent years, there have been multiple instances where no a single US CSG active in Asia.
2. Allied bases and other facilities are not untouchable targets for the PLA.
3. base on the 1 & 2 point, there are not many US fifth-generation fighters can break into the theater of operations outside the PLA's A2/AD zone. The "tyranny of distance" provides security but also hinders reinforcements. Do you really believe that launching F-35s from the second to third island chains, then refueling multiple times to reach Taiwanese airspace, is a feasible, sustainable operation on a large scale?
4. I have mentioned countless times everywhere, not all combat experience gained from fighting any opponent can be directly transferred and helpful; it can also mislead and hinder the development of the troops.
For example:
Former French pilot Ate Chuet claims that two-thirds of his career was spent dealing with asymmetric targets, namely bombing African/Middle east militias that had little to no manpads.
What significance does this experience have for the May 7 India-Pakistan air battle? Would such French pilots really perform much better than Indian pilots when facing PL-15?
I don't think so, because at least the air combat capabilities of both India and Pakistan are relatively balanced. The PAF needs to worry about the IAF gaining air superiority, while the IAF needs to worry about losing air superiority when facing the PLAAF. Both sides will place greater emphasis on a2a combat.
This is why I think the May 7 India-Pakistan air combat is the most important one since the Bekaa Valley air war. This, rather than bombing the Taliban, can truly provides guidance for a possible air war between China and the United States.
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