Hagel: US needs to maintain military superiority

NEWPORT, Rhode Island (AP) — Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel says the U.S. military's technological superiority is being challenged by other nations, including China and Russia. He is telling defense industry leaders that in order to maintain its dominance America must be more innovative in how it develops and buys new technologies.

Hagel says that unsophisticated militaries and terrorist groups are acquiring destructive weapons, and Moscow and Beijing are modernizing their armed services, including their electronic warfare and special operations capability. He was speaking to members of the Southeastern New England Defense Industry Alliance at a conference on defense innovation.

He says unless the U.S. takes these challenges seriously, American troops could face advanced weapons and technologies on the battlefield that will put their lives at risk.