US leads global air power with advanced military jets

The strategic bombers B-2 Spirit, B-1B Lancer, and B-52 Stratofortress form another crucial component of US air power. Alongside these are refueling tankers and electronic warfare aircraft that bolster operational capacity.

The United States' dominance in fifth-generation fighter jets is underscored by its deployment of both the F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II at scale. While other nations have introduced fifth-generation designs like Russia's Su-57 Felon, they have not achieved similar deployment levels.

Significant investments in innovation keep the US ahead in military aviation. The Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program aims to develop a sixth-generation fighter capable of operating in contested environments with features like autonomous wingmen and AI-enhanced systems.

Despite challenges from countries like China and Russia developing their own capabilities, US air power remains unmatched globally due to its combination of advanced technology, strategic investments, and comprehensive training programs such as Red Flag exercises at Nellis Air Force Base.

As General David W. Allvin noted at a White House announcement: "Air dominance is not a birthright... but it needs to be earned every single day."