Locked in the Skies: the Chinese and American Air Superiority Contest

Naturally, both China and the United States have been investing in naval and air technology that will give them an edge in a potential conflict. When it comes to air power, there is an undeclared arms race.  

The Fight for the Skies  

On the one hand, the U.S. military is developing the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) and F/A-XX sixth-generation stealth fighter jets for the Air Force and Navy, respectively. These are just two programs currently under development that aim to ensure the U.S. military maintains crucial air superiority in a potential conflict. 

Although there are delays and budgetary constraints (particularly concerning the NGAD), the programs are active. In the meantime, the U.S. military has two powerful fifth-generation stealth aircraft options in the form of the F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II. Hundreds of F-22s and F-35s currently ensure that the U.S. military and its allies would be able to take on and defeat the Chinese Air Force in a fight.  

On the other hand, China is trying to catch up with the U.S.’ and its allies fifth-generation fleet. Beijing has been investing hundreds of billions of dollars over the past decade in modernizing its armed forces. The Chinese Navy is getting ready to welcome its third and most advanced aircraft carrier into its fleet, which already numbers hundreds of warships and support vessels. At the same time, the Chinese Air Force flies the J-20 Mighty Dragon fighter jet, is developing the H-20 Xian stealth bomber, and recently unveiled its second fifth-generation stealth fighter jet: the J-35 Gyrfalcon.  

Uncannily similar to the F-35 Lightning II, at least in looks since its capabilities are still to be determined, the new Chinese fighter jet is looking to tip the air power scale in Beijing’s favor. 

But what is the current balance of power?  

Order of Forces  

The Chinese military can field over 3,100 aircraft in its Air Force and Navy. However, out of those aircraft, only about 2,400  are combat aircraft, such as fighter jets, attack aircraft, and bombers. Specifically, the Chinese military sports approximately 1,900 fighter jets and 500 attack aircraft and bombers.  

On the other hand, the U.S. military can field approximately 2,600 fighter jets and about 400 attack aircraft and bombers across the Air Force, Marine Corps, and Navy. The total number of crewed, non-trainer aircraft is probably around 6,000 to 7,000, but a lot of these aircraft are designed for direct combat.  

In addition to its numerical, and qualitative, superiority in air assets, the U.S. military has the benefit of strong alliances and partnerships with several nations around China. Countries like Australia, South Korea, Japan, and the Philippines would most likely join in a potential fight against the Chinese military, bringing hundreds of additional aircraft into the fight.  

Stavros Atlamazoglou is a seasoned defense journalist specializing in special operations and a Hellenic Army veteran (national service with the 575th Marine Battalion and Army HQ). He holds a BA from Johns Hopkins University and an MA from the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS). His work has been featured in Business Insider, Sandboxx, and SOFREP.

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