Podcast
CCA and Pilots: How Do We Communicate?
AI is one of the hottest topics in defense, especially when it ties to Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA). While seeing these new aircraft fly is super impressive, it’s crucial that we think about all phases of the mission, including how warfighters will interact with the CCA agents. To be clear, this goes beyond the tactical user interface during mission execution – we need to be thinking about how we continue to train the autonomy after landing. Joining our host Heather “Lucky” Penney to dig into this are two AI experts: Mike “Pako” Benitez of Shield AI and Ray “Krypto” O’Mara of the Mitchell Institute.
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In the News & Commentary
The US Air Force’s small, aging fleet is losing its edge over China
Business Insider | September 10, 2025
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In the News & Commentary
Natalie Crawford, Icon of USAF Analysis and Modernization, Dies at 86
Air & Space Force’s Magazine | September 10, 2025
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In the News & Commentary
The Air Force Is Getting a Massive Budget Increase. Some Say It’s Not Enough.
The National Interest | September 10, 2025
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In the News & Commentary
US Military Weakness: Threats, Defense Gaps, and Strategic Priorities
World Today News | September 8, 2025
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In the News & Commentary
NATO Must Draw A Red Line After Russian Drones Over Poland
Forbes | September 10, 2025
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In the News & Commentary
Commentary: The Right Military Leader for the Air Force
Air & Space Force Magazine | September 8, 2025
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In the News & Commentary
Report: Restoring Air Force to Dominance Will Take Sustained $20-$30 Billion Per Year
Air & Space Forces Magazine | September 6, 2025
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Mitchell Institute In the News
Homeland Needs To Be Able To Survive A “Punch In The Nose” According To Former NORAD Chief
TWZ | September 5, 2025
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How China’s New Naval and Air Sites Would Aid an Attack on Taiwan
Wall Street Journal | September 4, 2025
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Rebuilding Arctic Defenses Will Be Key to Golden Dome: Report
Air & Space Forces Magazine | September 4, 2025
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Former Northern Command leader warns of ‘incredible gaps’ in homeland defense
Washington Examiner | September 3, 2025
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Chinese Parade Emphasizes Operational Fifth-Gen Fighters, Unmanned Aircraft
Air & Space Forces Magazine | September 3, 2025
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PACAF commander: Air Force needs to ‘improve,’ staff up C2 capabilities
Breaking Defense | September 3, 2025
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B-52 Gets Radar Upgrade While Second B-21 Raider Prepares for First Flight
Defense Express | September 2, 2025
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Recent Mitchell Institute Publications
Winning the Next War: Overcoming the U.S. Air Force’s Capacity, Capability, and Readiness Crisis
The Air Force’s commitment to generating a highly lethal force that is technologically superior, numerically sufficient, and flown by the most well-trained airmen in the world is the bedrock of deterring aggression in times of peace and prevailing in war. Yet today’s United States Air Force is the oldest, smallest, and least ready in its history.
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Homeland Sanctuary Lost: Urgent Actions to Secure the Arctic Flank
Arlington, VA | September 4, 2025 — The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies is pleased to announce a new entry...
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Disconnected by Design: 5th- & 6th-Gen Aircraft in Disaggregated Collaborative Air Operations
Arlington, VA | August 29, 2025 — The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies is pleased to announce a new entry...
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Air Force Under Fire: Time To Own Base Defense
Arlington, VA | August 20, 2025 — The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies announces a new entry in its Forum...
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Reclaiming Air Superiority: The Urgent Case for Air Battle Management in Near-Peer Rivalry
Arlington, VA | June 26, 2025 — The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies announces a new entry in its Forum...
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On U.S. Nuclear Deterrence Rollout
Arlington, VA | March 31, 2025 — The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies hosted a rollout discussion on its Policy...
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Defending the Record on U.S. Nuclear Deterrence Rollout
Arlington, VA | March 31, 2025 — The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies hosted a rollout discussion on its Policy...
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Logistics While Under Attack: Key to a CCA Force Design
Arlington, VA | March 25, 2025 — The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies is pleased to announce a new entry...
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About the Mitchell Institute
The Mitchell Institute is an independent, nonpartisan research organization established to provide fact-based policy options, inform debate, and empower our nation’s leaders.
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