The F-22A Raptor will make its Pacific theater debut in June when 12 of the new stealth fighters from the 1st Fighter Wing at Langley AFB, Va., participate in Alaska’s Northern Edge 2006 exercise. Hosted by US Alaskan Command, the exercise comprises about 5,000 active and reserve personnel primarily from Pacific Air Forces, US Army Alaska, Marine Forces Pacific, US Pacific Fleet, and US Special Operations Command Pacific.
China thinks it will be able to invade Taiwan by 2027 and has developed a technology edge in many key areas—but it is artificial intelligence that may be the decisive factor should conflict erupt, Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall said.