Top intelligence officials from the U.S. Air Force and Space Force have raised concerns about the rapid pace of China's military modernization, highlighting significant advancements in next-generation fighter jets, satellites, and missile systems. Speaking at a major defense conference, the officials stated that Beijing's clear objective is to surpass the United States as the dominant military power, particularly in the strategic domain of space.
Key Takeaways
- U.S. intelligence officials expressed concern over the speed of China's military technology development.
- China is reportedly aiming to achieve military dominance in space, replicating and countering U.S. joint-force capabilities.
- Recent Chinese developments include a new ICBM (DF-61), two sixth-generation fighter prototypes, and a surge in satellite launches.
- Officials highlighted China's "national strategic integration," which combines commercial, academic, and military resources to accelerate weapons development.
Concerns Voiced at National Defense Conference
The warnings were delivered during a panel discussion titled “The China Threat” at the Air, Space & Cyber Conference in Maryland. The event, organized by the Air & Space Forces Association, provided a platform for senior military leaders to publicly address the strategic challenges posed by Beijing.
Brig. Gen. Brian D. Sidari, Director of Intelligence for the U.S. Space Command, emphasized the speed of China's progress. “It’s concerning how fast they’re going,” he said, noting that China has long studied American military operations. According to Gen. Sidari, the People's Liberation Army (PLA) is actively developing capabilities specifically designed to defeat the integrated “joint force” model that underpins U.S. military strength.
“They’ve studied us, the Chinese, for so long, how we enable... the joint force with those space-based capabilities,” Gen. Sidari explained. He added that China has accelerated its development to “get those capabilities to enable how to defeat the joint force.”
This strategy involves building a robust space infrastructure to challenge the satellite-based communications and surveillance systems that are crucial to American military superiority.
What is Joint Force Integration?
Joint force integration refers to the U.S. military's ability to coordinate operations seamlessly across its different branches—the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Space Force. This coordination relies heavily on a network of satellites for communication, navigation (GPS), and intelligence gathering, allowing for highly effective and synchronized military actions.
A 'Whole of Society' Approach to Military Modernization
Lt. Gen. Max E. Pearson, the Air Force Deputy Chief of Staff for Intelligence, described the comprehensive strategy fueling China's military growth. He identified what the PLA calls “national strategic integration” as a key factor in its rapid advancement.
“What we need to recognize about PLA modernization and their defense industrial base is their whole of society approach,” Gen. Pearson stated. This model involves a deep integration of commercial industry, academic research, and military objectives, all focused on solving problems defined by the PLA.
Consistent Funding Drives Progress
According to Gen. Pearson, China's military development is “underpinned by consistent, assured funding sources.” This steady financial support allows for long-term planning and rapid progress, a situation that U.S. officials contrast with the budget uncertainties and political disruptions that can sometimes hamper Pentagon projects.
Gen. Pearson acknowledged that the United States has “work to do” to maintain its technological edge. He noted that the Department of Defense is focused on revitalizing the U.S. defense industrial base and streamlining its acquisition processes to foster greater innovation and speed.
Recent Technological and Military Displays
The officials' comments follow a series of recent revelations about China's expanding military arsenal. J. Michael Dahm, a retired U.S. Navy intelligence officer who moderated the panel, outlined several key developments over the past year.
New Weapon Systems Unveiled
During a military parade on September 3, 2025, the PLA displayed several advanced weapon systems. Among them was the public debut of the DF-61, a road-mobile heavy strategic intercontinental ballistic missile. This adds a significant and more survivable component to China's nuclear deterrent.
Other notable advancements mentioned include:
- Sixth-Generation Aircraft: Two different prototypes of what are believed to be sixth-generation fighter jets have been observed in flight over China.
- Advanced Surveillance: A new multi-intelligence radar AWACS (Airborne Early Warning and Control) aircraft has also been partially revealed.
- Nuclear Triad Completion: The PLA officially acknowledged the JL-1 air-launched ballistic missile, which can be carried by an H-6 bomber. This development effectively gives China a credible nuclear triad—the ability to launch nuclear weapons from land, sea, and air.
The Accelerating Race in Space
China's activities in space have seen a dramatic increase. Dahm pointed out that Chinese space launches surged by over 30% in 2025 compared to the previous year. Even more significantly, the number of payloads China has placed into orbit has doubled since 2024.
This expansion includes the initial deployment of two separate “mega-constellations” of low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites. These networks are similar in concept to the U.S.-based Starlink system operated by SpaceX and are intended to provide global communications and other services.
The Challenge of Reusable Rockets
Gen. Sidari highlighted a specific future capability that concerns U.S. planners: reusable rockets. “I’m concerned about when the Chinese figure out how to do reusable lift that allows them to put more capability in orbit at a quicker pace,” he said.
Reusable launch systems, like those pioneered by SpaceX, drastically reduce the cost and time required to deploy satellites. Mastery of this technology would enable China to expand its orbital presence even more rapidly. However, Gen. Sidari noted that the current number of satellites being launched by Beijing “still does not compare to the U.S.”
Maintaining Stability in a Contested Domain
Despite the competitive dynamic, U.S. officials stressed their desire to prevent conflict in space. Chief Master Sgt. Ron Lerch, the Space Force’s Deputy Chief of Space Operations for Intelligence, stated that the U.S. prioritizes the long-term stability of the space environment.
“We want space to be usable by everyone,” Lerch said. “We look at the long-term stability of it as important, and we do not want to take a war to space. But if we have to, we’re happy to go there.”
Chief Master Sgt. Stefan Blazier of the Air Force added that the service is adapting to the rapid technological changes but must increase its pace. He concluded with a stark reminder of the stakes involved: “What is very true right now is the more we sweat in peace, the less we bleed in war.”
