Ankara: The Russia-Ukraine war and Iran's missile attacks on Israel underscore the need for new US military capabilities, according to US generals who urged the military to adapt to emerging threats amid global conflicts.
According to Anadolu Agency, a key takeaway from Iran's missile strikes is the importance of intelligence in enabling quick defensive responses, as highlighted by Air Force Gen. James B. Hecker, commander of US Air Forces in Europe-Air Forces Africa, in a US Defense Department statement. Hecker emphasized the significance of "layered defense" during his address at the Air and Space Forces Association Warfare Symposium in Colorado, noting the successful interception of most missiles aimed at Israel last year by US and allied forces, along with Israel's Iron Dome.
Hecker further addressed the high volume of drone warfare in Ukraine, where approximately 100 one-way attack drones are deployed daily. He cautioned against investing heavily in expensive counter-unmanned aerial systems to combat these cost-effective attack drones, suggesting that such an approach is unsustainable in the long term. Instead, the US is focusing on developing cost-effective solutions like the Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System.
Moreover, Hecker highlighted the challenge of NATO interoperability, given that 32 nations use different weapons systems. He advocated for open architecture designs to enhance cooperation among these nations.
Gen. Kevin B. Schneider, commander of the Pacific Air Forces, discussed the varying strategies of US power projection across different regions. He emphasized the need to provide combatant commanders with a range of options, from humanitarian assistance to combat in highly contested environments. Schneider also pointed out logistical challenges in the Indo-Pacific, particularly the decision between upgrading existing bases like Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, Japan, or restoring airfields on islands such as Tinian in the Pacific Mariana Islands.
In addition, Schneider praised the dedication of US air service personnel, acknowledging their efforts to maintain effectiveness and stay ahead of adversaries. "I applaud our airmen at all levels for continuing to put the blood, sweat, and tears into this to figure out how we remain effective and to stay steps ahead of any adversary out there," he remarked.