As if not enough is going on in the world, the Chinese military has flown two new stealthy jets. Some military observers consider them a tangible threat to the U.S. One is a bomber and one is a fighter. Lexington Institute military analyst Rebecca Grant joined the Federal Drive with Tom Temin to discuss what it all means.

2 new Chinese warplanes could mean the end of US air superiority

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Lexington Institute Funding: Smith Richardson Foundation (CIA partner, Committee for the Free World), Jaquelin Hume Foundation (SPN, ALEC), EdChoice (SPN, ALEC), ExxonMobil

China ‘could beat us to the punch’ to a 6th-gen fighter, Air Force official warns

Hunter previously warned lawmakers that the US was in a race with China for a sixth-generation fighter, and at the time predicted the US would win. Speaking with Breaking Defense today, Hunter acknowledged the US may not win the race to initial operational capability (IOC), but he was still confident the aircraft the US eventually fields would outperform whatever China is developing.

Why is IOC important?

Initial operational capability (IOC) means that the Air Force has enough operational F-35A aircraft (12) [sixth-generation fighters], trained pilots, maintainers and support equipment to conduct operational missions using program of record weapons and missions systems. Specifically, it means the aircraft are capable of flying interdiction, basic close air support, and limited suppression/destruction of enemy air defenses missions.