Federal News Network | August 6, 2025

In this interview, Dean of the Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies, Lt Gen David Deptula, USAF (Ret.), speaks on the FY2026 Pentagon Budget and its major shortfalls concerning American airpower. From E-7 Wedgetail funding cuts to low F-35A and F-15EX fighter procurement numbers and lofty aircraft retirement numbers, the FY2026 budget risks undermining American airpower at a critical moment in the nation’s history. Lt Gen Deptula also speaks on a recent letter campaign he led that brought together a number of former Air Force Chiefs and retired generals to urge Congress not to proceed down this budgetary course that could jeopardize the Air Force’s ability to deter and, if necessary, defeat peer adversaries and regional aggressors.

Listen to the full podcast interview here.