General Wilsbach Affirms China as Top US National Security Threat

China as a Pacing Threat

• 🎯 General Kenneth Wilsbach agrees that China remains a significant, if not the most significant, threat to US national security.
• ⚠️ He emphasizes the importance of not taking eyes off the threats posed by China, despite recent reporting suggesting a potential shift in focus.

National Defense Strategy Concerns

• 📌 Wilsbach acknowledges concerns from senior military leaders, including Chairman Kaine, regarding a draft National Defense Strategy that may deprioritize China.
• 🗣️ He commits to providing his best military advice to the Secretary of Defense on this matter, even if it is not what the Secretary wants to hear.

Indo-Pacific Allies and Exercises

• 🤝 The network of allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific is highlighted as a major advantage over China.
• ✈️ Military exercises, such as Resolute Force Pacific involving over 25 nations, are crucial for testing and strengthening interoperability and readiness.
• 🌍 Wilsbach commits to prioritizing funding for future air force exercises and training in the Indo-Pacific to enhance regional relationships.

Deterrence Through Partnership

• 🌐 Bringing allies and partners together creates interoperability and interchangeability, presenting a significant deterrent to adversaries.
• 💥 An adversary must consider not just the US but also its combined allies and partners, amplifying the deterrence effect.

E7 Wedgetail Program Support

• 📡 Wilsbach supports programs that provide domain awareness, essential for combatant commanders.
• ✈️ He believes the E7 Wedgetail program, intended to replace the aging E3 fleet for early warning and control, is vital and needs to stay on course.
• 💡 He looks forward to working with the committee to ensure the right platform provides the necessary domain awareness.