Warfighting is becoming more risky as authoritarian regimes modernize their forces. If the United States wants to retain the ability to respond successfully to crises across the globe with a leaner and more cost-effective force, then our leaders must recognize that maintaining control of the air is the starting point for U.S. military supremacy.

John McCain and Carl Levin's proposal to cut the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program would severely hinder American defense capabilities.

The F-35 stakes could hardly be higher for the United States. Despite the Pentagon’s budget woes, it cannot walk away from the Lightning.

In the face of this Chinese buildup, Washington needs to do more to maintain its air-power superiority. Its aging F-15s and F-16s increasingly will be unable to match more modern Chinese counterparts, and even the far superior skills of U.S. pilots can't make up for outdated aircraft.

There were a number of reasons last week to look up to the sky and wonder about the future of airpower. In a world in which the United States will have smaller ground and naval forces, we will likely become more dependent on land- and sea-based airpower to deter or defeat enemies.

The temptation to plunder the F-35 budget is overwhelming. But preserving the program is essential for America’s defense for the foreseeable future.

To defend US interests in the Asia-Pacific region, policymakers must ensure the nation has the necessary air power capabilities to contend with the vast distances, limited basing options, and pronounced threat to assured success.

In Washington, the season of budget cuts is in full blossom. Unfortunately, leaders of both political parties may soon agree to further slash the defense budget.