The United States Air Force is currently conducting a large-scale, month-long exercise across the Indo-Pacific region, known as Resolute Force Pacific (REFORPAC), demonstrating its commitment to maintaining peace and stability in a region facing increasing challenges.
Veteran Airman Highlights Growing Threats
Drawing on over 37 years of service, with extensive experience in the Indo-Pacific, a U.S. Air Force veteran has observed a significant increase in the capabilities and ambitions of state actors in the region. „Both the quality and quantity of their weapons continue to increase, and with that comes more dangerous behaviors, which are exhibited regularly,” the veteran said.
Indo-Pacific’s Critical Importance
The Indo-Pacific region is of paramount importance to global peace, stability, and prosperity, with 60 percent of the world’s shipping transiting through Pacific Ocean routes and 60 percent of all semiconductor chips produced in Taiwan.
China, North Korea, and Russia Pose Challenges
China’s military buildup, North Korea’s ballistic missile launches, and Russia’s growing presence in the Pacific pose challenges to the United States and its allies. Beijing has shown a willingness to use its military arsenal in pressure campaigns against Taiwan and other nations in the region, ranging from subtle influence efforts to outright aggression.
REFORPAC Demonstrates Joint Force Capabilities
REFORPAC involves virtually every element of the Air Force, along with the Space Force, Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and allied air forces. The exercise is fully aligned with US Indo-Pacific Command objectives.
Rapid Deployment and Sustainment in Contested Environments
The exercise, which began on July 10, features around-the-clock air operations with nearly 400 aircraft across the INDOPACOM area of responsibility, many operating from austere airfields. REFORPAC refines the ability to rapidly deploy and sustain forces in a highly contested environment.
Addressing Logistical Challenges
Unlike the Middle East, fighting an air war in the Pacific presents immense logistical and operational challenges due to the vast distances, refueling requirements, and resupply demands. REFORPAC provides an opportunity to refine tactics and test these concepts.
Agile Communications and Trust in Young Warfighters
These operations demand agile communications networks and validate the trust placed in young warfighters to make critical decisions, even when separated from higher echelons of command.
Building Confidence Through Speed and Scale
The unprecedented speed and scale of REFORPAC builds confidence that the United States and its allies are prepared to prevail in any contingency.
Deterrence Rooted in Credible Combat Capability
Deterrence, rooted in credible combat capability, is paramount. The REFORPAC exercise serves as a demonstration of a strong commitment to peace through strength in the Indo-Pacific. The veteran concludes that „Deterrence demands that we stay ahead of potential aggressors.”
