In theory, the Air Force has many hundreds of tactical aircraft like the F-15E fighter-bomber that might be used to prosecute an air campaign in the Western Pacific, but those planes have limited ranges and thus would be heavily dependent on aerial refueling.

FORBES: Air Force Wants A Bomber That Balances Cost With Capability

Although GE currently makes engines for several U.S. fighters, the future of the high-performance military engine business is the F-35 joint strike fighter, which will replace most of the tactical aircraft in the joint fleet over the next 30 years.

FORBES: Battle Over GE Engine Subsidy Reaches Climax