china is a threat as or right now, only in so much as of the taiwan issue. China has not really been known as a aggressive nation in terms of its military in modern times. They have supplied others, but only time we or any other major power has fought them in any major way was Korea...and that was a issue of protection of itself, and arrogance on our part. Even if China was on par with our military, it stands to gain nothing by fighting the US. And any American dumb enough to think we should try to invade china...well should just be shot. Don'T fight land wars in Asia...its just a smart rule..
And as for the f-35, its going to be replacing quite a few platforms, though I will miss that lowly bad ass A-10...most tank like thing ever to take flight...and with its multi use, low maintenance, specs...should be a long term cost saver as costs to keep those planes up to date and able to work still ..many well past how many flight hours they where to be able to take as it is...But I think its just realistic that we cant keep spending money on every military system we want...with this econ.
The USSR of Putin...I mean Russia...is the only one fear a major conflict with any time in the next 15-20 years...mostly do to both sides pushing for dominance in the balkans and also central Asia ( such as Georgia) But overall our main fighting I think will keep being low to mid level insurgency and terrorism. I would spend more money in tying up nukes, materials, and ensuring better records, security, and such in the Former USSR, and even here in the US. And of course better develop our human Intel, especially in the Arabic, Farsi areas...stop firing them for being gay, would be a nice start...
