Aerospace Advantage

In this episode, our team explores the top defense issues this month in Washington, D.C. and beyond. Where do the defense bills stand as well as the shutdown? We also discuss the latest developments in Ukraine, plus the latest and greatest with spacepower. Plus, we explore organizational happenings, like the decision to role the ICC function into A5/7, not pursue Space Force Futures, and downgrading USAFE to a 3-star billet. We wrap up by highlighting the new small UAS test efforts at Grand Forks AFB and jump into the renewed debate on whether too much is being spent on Air Force R&D vs procurement and readiness.

China, Russia, and other adversaries can strike the U.S. through a range of air and missile technologies. In this episode, we discuss solutions with former NORTHCOM-NORAD commander Gen. Glen VanHerck, USAF (Ret.) and former USAFE commander Gen. Jeff “Cobra” Harrigian, USAF (Ret.); along with Mitchell Institute senior fellows Brig. Gen. Houston Cantwell, USAF (Ret); Charles Galbreath; and host Heather Penney.

When the USSR gained atomic weapons early in the Cold War, the idea that the Soviets could strike American targets demanded a response. Robust air defense investments followed. With current adversary threats driving a renewed air and missile defense response via Golden Dome, it’s important to consider what past eras can teach us. Lessons learned are tremendously important.

Adversaries possess the means to strike the U.S. through a range of air and missile technologies. Their increasingly aggressive behavior demands a threat assessment, plus corresponding defenses. We explore this critical issue with former NORTHCOM-NORAD commander Gen. Glen VanHerck, USAF (Ret) and former STRATCOM commander Gen. Kevin Chilton, USAF (Ret).

In this episode, our team explores the top defense issues this month in Washington, D.C. and beyond. What does a government closure mean for defense and where do the defense bills stand in Congress? What are the challenges and opportunities facing a new CSAF? We also explore the USSF’s new Force Design, plus what it will take to better track threats in space, Space Development Agency’s Tranche 1 satellites on orbit, and recent space-based laser communication advancements. Lastly, what’s up with the Department of War’s increased focus on homeland defense?

We discuss key concepts regarding space domain awareness, offensive and defensive counterspace operations, and what it will take to secure space superiority. This is fundamentally tied to the Space Force’s latest document: Space Warfighting: A Framework for Planners.

We explore national security artificial intelligence applications and considerations with Primer, a leading AI company. How AI can help improve U.S. defense capabilities? What about vulnerabilities and challenges? What market conditions are required to transition this technology to reality?

Heather “Lucky” Penney digs into AI and Collaborative Combat Aircraft, with Mike “Pako” Benitez of Shield AI and Ray “Krypto” O’Mara of the Mitchell Institute.

Our team talks about about what a new Chief of Staff of the Air Force will mean for the service and the broader defense environment, the CCA’s first flight, plus ACC’s focus on readiness.

America’s ability to secure its interests demands a robust Air Force. The current security environment will tolerate nothing less. The service has traditionally measured its prowess via capacity, capabilities, and its readiness. The Air Force currently lags in each of these three areas. Lt Gen Dave Deptula, USAF (Ret), JV Venable, and Robert “Otis” Winkler discuss these challenges and outline what needs to be done to reset the Air Force. JV just completed a major report on this topic and the conversation centers around his discuss the top findings.

This week we’re talking about what it’ll take to project airpower into the heart of the fight in a conflict with China. The American way of war, especially airpower, requires a lot of connectivity. That’s why China has focused a tremendous amount of energy to degrade and deny this communication. That has huge implications for our forces. It’s exactly what Mike Dahm investigated in his latest report—Disconnected by Design—Fifth and Sixth Generation Aircraft in Disaggregated Collaborative Air Operations. The concept relies upon a force of fifth and sixth-generation aircraft, plus CCA, that can penetrate adversary air defenses, sensing, coordinating, and executing individual actions at the tactical edge of the battlespace.

The Arctic remains the most direct path between the U.S. and its adversaries. Modern airborne threats like cruise and hypersonic missiles, plus long-range drones threaten the homeland. Maj Gen Pete Fesler, USAF (Ret), Maj Gen Larry Stutzriem, USAF (Ret), and Brig Gen Houston Cantwell, USAF (Ret.) discuss how to ensure we’re prepared for these threats.

America is running short on munitions. With so many conflicts ongoing, our consumption is outpacing what we can build. This episode explores this the munitions gap and what folks are doing to try and fix it. We speak with Nick Bucci, vice president of defense systems and technologies at General Atomic EMS. They recently partnered with Rafael to build their Bullseye missile here in the United States. This adds more domestic munitions production capacity, while also on-ramping in some new capabilities.

Our team digs into the status of the defense bills on Capitol Hill, spacepower policy, fighter recapitalization and E-7. Plus, President Trump’s new approach to Ukraine, Air Force and Space Force leadership changes and the X-37B mission.

Spacepower is fundamentally reliant on the cyber domain—it is the backbone of connectivity for constellations on orbit, their ground stations,...