| Description |
1 online resource (64 pages) : color illustrations, color maps, color photographs |
| Contents |
Executive summary. -- Introduction. -- PLARF missile threats to air bases. -- US Air Force answer: resilient forward basing. -- Operational analysis. -- Results: Chinese missile attacks on US runways. -- Discussion of Chinese missile attacks on US runways. -- Assessing US countermeasures. -- Discussion of US countermeasures. -- Assessing potential Chinese counters. -- Discussion of potential Chinese counters. -- Policy recommendations. -- Appendices. -- Endnotes |
| Summary |
The U.S. Air Force—with its ability to respond where and when needed to aggression by adversaries—has long underwritten U.S. extended deterrence commitments. Today, however, that capability is at risk. For the last three decades, China has built a large and modern missile arsenal capable of attacking the runways needed for the effective projection of American airpower in the region. This report finds that Chinese missiles attacks could close the runways and taxiways at U.S. forward air bases in Japan, Guam, and other Pacific locations in the first critical days—and even weeks—of a war between the United States and China. No combination of U.S. countermeasures—including the greater dispersal of aircraft in the region, improved runway repair capabilities, and more robust missile defenses—is likely to solve the problem. There is a real and growing danger that Beijing might conclude that it could keep American airpower at bay long enough to accomplish a quick fait accompli. To strengthen deterrence, the U.S. Air Force should build a credible “inside air force,” prioritizing large numbers of lower-cost, mobile, and runway-independent platforms that can support allied- and partner-led air denial operations within the First Island Chain |
| Notes |
"December 2024"--Cover |
| Bibliography |
Includes bibliographical references pages 56-64) |
| Notes |
Description based on online resource; title from PDF cover page (Stimson, viewed December 13, 2024) |
| Subject |
United States. Air Force -- Operational readiness -- Planning -- Evaluation
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Air power -- United States -- Planning
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War -- Risk assessment -- Indo-Pacific Region -- Forecasting
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War -- Risk management -- Indo-Pacific Region -- Evaluation
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Ballistic missiles -- China -- Forecasting
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China -- Armed Forces -- Operational readiness -- Evaluation
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| Form |
Electronic book
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| Author |
Slingbaum, Hunter, author
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Walker, Jonathan M., author
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Henry L. Stimson Center, publisher.
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