General Frank Gorenc, commander of US Air Forces in Europe, said he's concerned about Moscow's push to increase the quantity and quality of its aircraft and unmanned aircraft, Reuters reported.
"The advantage that we had from the air, I can honestly say, is shrinking," Gorenc said at the annual Air Force Association conference.
Russian military shows off booming firepower at #Army2015 expo https://t.co/teNeKKwnOA pic.twitter.com/J9K7Bidq6f
— RT (@RT_com) June 17, 2015
US officials have often warned of China's developing military technology, particularly those aimed at defending against US stealth fighters and bombers, as well as increasingly capable surface-to-air missiles. But Gorenc says the concern does not just lie with China.
"This is not just a Pacific problem; it is as significant in Europe as it is anywhere else on the planet," he said. "I don't think it's controversial to say they've closed the gap in capability."
In order to combat the situation, Gorenc said the US Air Force needs to develop new training, tactics, and procedures in order for the US to maintain its military advantage.
The statements come as the US is set to complete the first deployment of an unmanned MA-1 Predator drone in Latvia this week. This is the first such deployment in European airspace.
Russian-Chinese naval drills: 'Unprecedented show of military cooperation' http://t.co/kMWd3wcvTH pic.twitter.com/cM0M05Xgh0
— RT (@RT_com) August 30, 2015
Gorenc said the move could help pave the way for greater use of drones in Europe. Congested airspace and logistical concerns have limited such opportunities thus far.
Meanwhile, personnel cuts have left the US Air Force undermanned, with service members often working more than 12 hours a day to keep up with the workload, the Air Force Times reported. Congress has refused to approve the Defense Department's request to close unused military bases, which prevents the Air Force from being able to consolidate its service members.
War-mindedness produced insanities such as "Pre-Emptive Strike" and "All Options are on the Table" to justify and mask the true intentions. The only option on those tables was War, and from the sound of it, still is. Excuses to go to War, and excuses for why it all went wrong. The US policies are bad news, and that's why it's getting dumped.