5 countries 'dominate' the sky by 2030

In the next 15 years, dominance in the skies will belong to countries that invest heavily in technology and finance for their air forces.

US F-35 multi-role fighter. Photo: USAF

According to National Interest, from now until 2030, absolute superiority in the sky will still belong to traditional forces such as the US, Russia, Israel and the UK, while the Chinese air force will emerge as a formidable opponent.

US Air Force

The US military has three air forces: the Air Force, the Navy, and the Marine Corps. By 2030, this will still be the most powerful air force in the world.

At that time, the US Air Force (USAF) still used 187 F-22 Raptor stealth fighters and 178 F-15C fighters with important radar and infrared sensor upgrade packages. This force also purchased an additional 1,763 F-35A multi-role fighters to replace F-16C fighters and A-10 attack aircraft.

In addition, the USAF is also equipped with about 100 new KC-46 Pegasus aerial refueling aircraft, while the 5th generation B-21 stealth bomber will begin production with about 100 aircraft on order.

The US Navy will soon be equipped with F-35C and F/A-18E/F carrier-based fighters. The MQ-25 Stingray, an unmanned aircraft that conducts intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR) and aerial refueling missions, will help increase the operational range of manned fighters, while the V-22 Osprey hybrid helicopter will take on the task of supplying and communicating for aircraft carriers at sea.

Russian Air Force

By 2030, Russia will have the world's second-most powerful air force after the United States if its economy recovers, oil and commodity prices rise, and Western sanctions are lifted.

The Russian Air Force has two most important development programs: the project to build the 5th generation fighter PAK-FA and the 5th generation strategic bomber PAK-DA. The PAK-FA fighter or T-50, which is considered to be as powerful as the US F-22 Raptor, will help Russia reduce its dependence on older generation fighters such as the Mig-29, Su-27/30/34.

Russian Air Force T-50 fighter. Photo: Wikipedia

However, if the Russian economy continues to be affected by sanctions, a modest defense budget, bureaucracy and corruption over the next 15 years, Russia will likely only be in the top 10 most powerful air forces by 2030.

Chinese Air Force

The PLAAF and PLANAF are at the peak of their power. Overall, the number of aircraft in the PLAAF is declining, but in return, the quality of 4+ generation fighters such as the Su-30, J-11, J-15 and J-10 is increasing. To catch up with the US and other powers, China is investing in developing its own 5th generation fighters such as the J-20 and J-31.

In addition to fighters, the PLAAF is operating its first domestically built long-range transport aircraft, the Y-20, which could reach anywhere in the world by 2030. China is also increasing the number and quality of support aircraft such as early warning aircraft and aerial refueling tankers.

Israeli Air Force

Currently, the Israeli Air Force possesses 58 F-15A/C air superiority fighters, 25 F-15I attack fighters and 312 F-16 multi-role fighters. By 2030, this will continue to be the strongest and most formidable air force in the Middle East.

By 2030, the country's F-15 fighters will have reached the age of 40 years or more and will need to be replaced. Since the direct replacement program for the F-15C ended along with the F-22 fighter project in 2011, Israel will have to extend the life of these fighters or transfer their missions to the F-35 multi-role fighter, at least until the US successfully develops and produces a sixth-generation fighter.

Israel now plans to build two F-35 squadrons by 2021, moving towards a goal of three F-35 squadrons by 2030, for a total of more than 200 aircraft.

British Air Force

By 2030, the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force will be at their strongest in decades, with nearly 300 fighter jets and possibly the largest air force in Western Europe.

These include around 160 Eurofighter Typhoon air superiority fighters, equipped with laser-guided bombs and Brimstone missiles. The top-secret Taranis stealth drones will be deployed by 2030 to fly alongside the country’s manned fighters.

Top secret stealth drone in the British Air Force's Taranis program. Photo: Telegraph

The Panavia Tornado GR4 fighter-bombers will be retired and replaced by 138 F-35B vertical take-off and landing multi-role fighters. These fighters will be assigned to the Royal Air Force and Royal Navy as well as equipped for the new generation aircraft carriers HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Princes of Wales.

According to VNE