U.S. Joint Chiefs Chairman Warns Military Unable to Deter Adversaries

The new chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. John Caine, has warned in Senate testimony that the current state of the U.S. military lacks the throughput, responsiveness, and agility needed to deter adversaries such as China and Russia. Caine highlighted the inadequacy of the military's arms acquisition system and defense industrial base for sustaining a protracted conflict, noting that China’s increased military capabilities have sharply altered the balance of power, especially over Taiwan. Adm. Sam Paparo, head of Indo-Pacific Command, testified that while U.S. forces can currently deter and prevail against China, the margin for doing so is eroding due to China's unprecedented aggression and military rehearsals targeting Taiwan. Both leaders called for urgent reforms and increased sustained investment in long-range weapons, air and missile defenses, drones, and artificial intelligence to maintain deterrence. Despite these concerns, Caine expressed confidence that the military remains equipped to meet its current challenges, including commitments to allies and homeland defense. The warnings come as the U.S. also faces potential conflicts with Iran and continued threats from Russia.