Heather “Lucky” Penney and Col Patrick Williams explores one of the most important make-or-break factors in warfare: weather. Environmental conditions control when and how we employ military power…and what enemies can do to us.
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Every week, Heather “Lucky” Penney will take listeners into the world of aerospace power and help the audience understand what it takes to fly and fight in the sky, while also protecting America’s interests in space. Whether talking to top generals, standing on a flight line full of combat aircraft, looking at a rocket being prepared for launch, or hearing from those who have laid it all on the line in defense of the nation—this podcast will afford unprecedented access and insight into where the combat aerospace community is going and why.
The Mitchell Institute team shares insights from the AFA Warfare Symposium, in Aurora, CO—it was the spot for air and space power professionals this week.
Ep. 225 - The Rendezvous
Trump Defense Priorities, Congressional Update, and Ukraine
The Mitchell Institute team discusses recent top defense leadership changes, Ukraine, Secretary of Defense Hegseth’s defense budget guidance, the latest Minuteman ICBM test launch, next generation advanced propulsion, and we provide a spacepower update.
Bottom line: the Air Force’s pilot corps is now too small to sustain a healthy combat force that can prevail in a peer conflict and meet the nation’s other national security requirements. Heather “Lucky” Penney discusses her new paper, "Want Combat Airpower? Then Fix the Air Force Pilot Crisis" with Lt Gen Gus Guastella, USAF (Ret) and Lt Gen Marc Sasseville, USAF (Ret).
Mitchell Institute Senior Fellow Mike Dahm discusses the creation of a new service branch focused on space—the PLA’s Aerospace Force, the continued development of China's nuclear arsenal and the “Christmas surprise” flight of multiple new combat aircraft.
The Mitchell team discuss the rising strategic importance of the Arctic with Maj Gen Mark Piper, USAF, NORAD Deputy Director of Operations and Brig Gen James Hawthorne, RCAF, NORAD Deputy Director Strategy, Policy and Plans.
Ep. 221 - The Rendezvous
Will Congress Boost Air and Space Power in 2025? The Rendezvous
The Mitchell Institute team discuss air and space power issues through the congressional lens, and how that may affect individual programs, broader strategy, and budget considerations. We also explore recent, increasingly direct remarks about resource needs by former Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall and Chief of Staff of the Air Force Gen David Allvin.
The Mitchell team discuss key considerations that President Trump’s defense team, especially the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of the Air Force, should be thinking about when it comes to airpower.
The MISPACE team discuss key considerations that President Trump’s defense team, especially the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of the Air Force, should be thinking about when it comes to spacepower.
Without effective and reliable airpower, no modern combat operation can succeed. Our guests define the scale and scope of the challenge, leading to a robust discussion of solutions.
Featuring Anduril’s Steve Milano. What does it mean to deliver enhanced munitions capabilities at scale? We need to get real about rebuilding and sustaining to meet the new demand signal.
The newest members of the Mitchell team talk about some of their most memorable experiences from their time in uniform.
Featuring French Space Command Commander Major General Philippe Adam, we discuss French spacepower and what it means for U.S. operations on orbit.
Feauring Brad Appel from Ursa Major. Assured access to space and robust launch infrastructure are foundational for mission success—especially given growing demand and the realities of a burgeoning threat environment.
Mitchell team discusses President Elect Trump’s defense vision, Elon Musk, Chinese air and space power, and the Inaugural Airpower Futures Forum.