The Aerospace Advantage

Episode Summary: America’s ability to secure its interests, whether deterring conflict or fighting and wining, demands a robust Air Force. The current security environment will tolerate nothing less. The service has traditionally measured its prowess via capacity, capabilities, and readiness. The Air Force currently lags in each of these three areas. Want proof? The service’s FY 2025 budget request sought to divest 250 aircraft, while only procuring 91. The FY 2026 request seeks to divest 340 aircraft, while only acquiring 76. It is essential that the Trump administration and Congress reverse the service’s decline in capacity, capability, and readiness. In this episode, Lt. Gen. David 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 the top findings. The time for concerted action is now. Credits: Host: Douglas Birkey, Executive Director, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies Producer: Shane Thin Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey Guest: Lt. Gen. David Deptula, USAF (Ret.), Dean, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies Guest: John "JV" Venable, Senior Fellow for Airpower Studies, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies Guest: Robert "Otis" Winkler, Vice President, Corporate Development and National Security Programs, Kratos Defense and Security Solutions Links: Subscribe to our Youtube Channel: https://bit.ly/3GbA5Of Website: https://mitchellaerospacepower.org/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/MitchellStudies Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Mitchell.Institute.Aerospace LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3nzBisb Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mitchellstudies/ #MitchellStudies #AerospaceAdvantage #China #readiness

Episode Summary: This week we’re talking about what it’ll take to project airpower into the heart of the fight in a conflict with China. Most of the time we think about enemy fighter planes, surface-to-air missiles, and AAA, but the biggest challenge might come down to electromagnetic spectrum operations. China has long-studied US warfighting constructs and they know that our forces are highly reliant on networked operations. Whether thinking about command and control, teaming mission assets real-time, or taking advantage of connectivity to space… the American way of war, especially airpower, requires a lot of connectivity. They’ve 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. Credits: Host: Douglas Birkey, Executive Director, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies Producer: Shane Thin Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey Guest: J. Michael "JDAM" Dahm, Senior Fellow for Aerospace and China Studies, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies Guest: Col. Russell "Big" Badowski, Assistant Professor, Eisenhower School for National Security and Resource Strategy, National Defense University Links: Subscribe to our Youtube Channel: https://bit.ly/3GbA5Of Website: https://mitchellaerospacepower.org/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/MitchellStudies Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Mitchell.Institute.Aerospace LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3nzBisb Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mitchellstudies/ #MitchellStudies #AerospaceAdvantage #China #fifthgenerationaircraft

Episode Summary: During the Cold War, all eyes faced north anticipating a Soviet attack across the North Pole. The U.S. Air Force was front and center operating air defense radars and sitting alert. Decades later, America finds itself coming full circle. 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. Credits: Host: Heather "Lucky" Penney, Director of Research, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies Producer: Shane Thin Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey Guest: Maj. Gen. Larry Stutzriem, USAF (Ret.), Executive Vice President, Air & Space Forces Association Guest: Brig. Gen. Houston Cantwell, USAF (Ret.), Senior Resident Fellow for Airpower Studies at the Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies Guest: Maj. Gen. Pete Fesler, Deputy Director of Operations, Headquarters North American Aerospace Defense Command Links: Subscribe to our Youtube Channel: https://bit.ly/3GbA5Of Website: https://mitchellaerospacepower.org/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/MitchellStudies Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Mitchell.Institute.Aerospace LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3nzBisb Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mitchellstudies/ Image Credit: U.S. Department of Defense #MitchellStudies #AerospaceAdvantage #ArcticDomain #ColdWar #AirDefense

Episode Summary: America is running short on munitions. With so many conflicts ongoing, our consumption is outpacing what we can build, and we are digging into their stockpiles to sustain current operations. And to be clear…if America is in a fight, we can’t stop until we win. This episode explores this the munitions gap and what folks are doing to try and fix it. And we’re doing this through a case study approach by speaking 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 is important because it’s rapidly adding more domestic munitions production capacity, while also on-ramping in some new capabilities that are important for the modern combat environment. Credits: Host: Douglas Birkey, Executive Director, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies Producer: Shane Thin Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey Guest: Nick Bucci, Vice President, Defense Systems & Technologies, General Atomic Electromagnetic Systems Links: Subscribe to our Youtube Channel: https://bit.ly/3GbA5Of Website: https://mitchellaerospacepower.org/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/MitchellStudies Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Mitchell.Institute.Aerospace LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3nzBisb Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mitchellstudies/ #MitchellStudies #AerospaceAdvantage #EMS #AirForce #DefenseIndustry

Episode Summary: In this episode, Heather “Lucky” Penney talks to Lt. Gen. David Deptula, USAF (Ret.), Jen Reeves, and Anthony “Lazer” Lazarski about the top defense issues this month in Washington, D.C. and beyond. Our team digs into the status of the defense bills on Capitol Hill. This includes a discussion on spacepower policy and investment decisions, plus a focus on fighter recapitalization and E-7. We also explore President Trump’s new approach when it comes to Ukraine. The team also discusses recent Air Force and Space Force leadership changes. We wrap by explaining the significance of the latest X-37B mission as well as the US Space Force practicing 'orbital warfare' in its largest-ever training event. Credits: Host: Heather "Lucky" Penney, Director of Research, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies Producer: Shane Thin Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey Guest: Lt Gen David A. Deptula, USAF (Ret.), Dean, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies Guest: Jennifer Reeves, Senior Resident Fellow for Space Studies, The Mitchell Institute Spacepower Advantage Center of Excellence (MI-SPACE) Guest: Anthony “Lazer” Lazarski, Principal, Cornerstone Government Affairs Links: Subscribe to our Youtube Channel: https://bit.ly/3GbA5Of Website: https://mitchellaerospacepower.org/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/MitchellStudies Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Mitchell.Institute.Aerospace LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3nzBisb Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mitchellstudies/ #MitchellStudies #AerospaceAdvantage #TheHill #Rendezvous #Budget

Episode Summary: Spacepower is fundamentally reliant on the cyber domain—it is the backbone of connectivity for constellations on orbit, their ground stations, and connectivity to warfighters. Point blank: every bit of data and every command sent to space systems transits the cyber domain. Tackling the challenges of leading cyber and data efforts of the Space Force falls on the small, but mighty team of the S6. From administrative to mission networks and data repositories, ensuring Guardians have reliable, capable, and secure cyber connectivity underpins our nation’s ability to achieve space superiority. Join Heather Penney as she explores this fascinating topic with Col. Nathan “Crazy” Iven, the acting Deputy Chief of Space Operations for Cyber and Data; and Seth Whitworth, the Associate Deputy Chief of Space Operations for Cyber and Data. Credits: Host: Heather "Lucky" Penney, Director of Research, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies Producer: Shane Thin Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey Guest: Charles Galbreath, Senior Resident Fellow for Space Studies, The Mitchell Institute Spacepower Advantage Center of Excellence (MI-SPACE) Guest: Jennifer "Boots" Reeves, Senior Resident Fellow for Space Studies, The Mitchell Institute Spacepower Advantage Center of Excellence (MI-SPACE) Guest: Col. Nathan “Crazy” Iven, acting Deputy Chief of Space Operations for Cyber and Data, USSF Guest: Seth Whitworth, Acting Deputy S6 (DCSO for Cyber & Data), USSF Links: Subscribe to our Youtube Channel: https://bit.ly/3GbA5Of Website: https://mitchellaerospacepower.org/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/MitchellStudies Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Mitchell.Institute.Aerospace LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3nzBisb Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mitchellstudies/ #MitchellStudies #AerospaceAdvantage #SpaceForce #Space

Episode Summary: As America’s interests in space grow and humanity ventures further from Earth, the need to have Guardians in space to secure and protect U.S. interests will likely stand as an emerging requirement. We’ve seen this with every form of exploration: human presence will be interlinked with national standing, economic expansion, setting norms, and guarding security interests. That said, there’s a lot on the Space Force’s plate and they don’t have the resources to cover down on all their currently assigned missions. Balancing future investments against current demands is a perennial challenge. Partnerships with commercial organizations may help unravel this Gordian Knot. Join Heather Penney as she explores this fascinating topic with Max Haot, Chief Executive Officer for Vast, a private U.S. company building next-generation space stations, and John “Slick” Baum. Credits: Host: Heather "Lucky" Penney, Director of Research, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies Producer: Shane Thin Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey Guest: Max Haot, Chief Executive Officer, Vast Guest: John "Slick" Baum, Vice President of Business Development, Vast Links: Subscribe to our Youtube Channel: https://bit.ly/3GbA5Of Website: https://mitchellaerospacepower.org/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/MitchellStudies Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Mitchell.Institute.Aerospace LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3nzBisb Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mitchellstudies/ #MitchellStudies #AerospaceAdvantage #IndoPacom #MiddleEast

Episode Summary: The Air Force increasingly needs a broader set of munitions to achieve mission effects in the modern age. Combat operations in Afghanistan and Iraq required a specific range of capabilities. Tomorrow’s fights will be different. We need to ensure that we evolve our munitions toolkit to cover these new mission demands. This is especially true when looking at missions in the Indo Pacific—where the threat environment, factors involving range, weather, and mission performance are going to demand a broader range of technical solutions. Join Heather Penney as she speaks with Raytheon’s Maj. Gen. Jon Norman, USAF (Ret.) about how he and his team are responding to this new paradigm. Credits: Host: Heather "Lucky" Penney, Director of Research, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies Producer: Shane Thin Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey Guest: Maj. Gen. John Norman, USAF (Ret.), VP, USAF Air Power Requirements & Capability, Raytheon Missiles & Defense Links: Subscribe to our Youtube Channel: https://bit.ly/3GbA5Of Website: https://mitchellaerospacepower.org/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/MitchellStudies Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Mitchell.Institute.Aerospace LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3nzBisb Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mitchellstudies/ #MitchellStudies #AerospaceAdvantage #IndoPacom #MiddleEast

Episode Summary: In this episode, Heather “Lucky” Penney talks to Lt. Gen. David Deptula, USAF (Ret.), Charles Galbreath, Todd “Sledge” Harmer, Anthony “Lazer” Lazarski, JV Venable, and Jeff Rowlison about the top defense issues this month in Washington, D.C. and beyond. Our team digs into newly released FY26 budget details. There are some key issues to track for both the Air Force and Space Force. Seeking to retire 340 aircraft, while only procuring 76 is a high-risk strategy. Will Congress buy into it? Putting so much of the Space Force’s budget in reconciliation is proving contentious. They also explore comments by DARPA leadership regarding the future of stealth and discuss whether it’s smart to kill the E-7. We wrap with an extensive conversation regarding readiness: the numbers are bleak. Credits: Host: Heather "Lucky" Penney, Director of Research, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies Producer: Shane Thin Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey Guest: Lt Gen David A. Deptula, USAF (Ret.), Dean, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies Guest: Charles Galbreath, Senior Resident Fellow for Space Studies, The Mitchell Institute Spacepower Advantage Center of Excellence (MI-SPACE) Guest: Todd “Sledge” Harmer, Senior Vice President, American Defense International Guest: Guest: Jeff "Rowli" Rowlison, VP, Space & Intel Programs, American Defense International Guest: Anthony “Lazer” Lazarski, Principal, Cornerstone Government Affairs Read: 1. A spectacular airstrike on Iran — and a sobering warning 2. Why Airpower Plays A Key Role In Israel’s Military Campaign Links: Subscribe to our Youtube Channel: https://bit.ly/3GbA5Of Website: https://mitchellaerospacepower.org/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/MitchellStudies Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Mitchell.Institute.Aerospace LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3nzBisb Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mitchellstudies/ #MitchellStudies #AerospaceAdvantage #TheHill #Rendezvous #Budget

Episode Summary: This week, we're shining a spotlight on the men and women of the 11th Space Warning Squadron (SWS). They provide theater missile warning to warfighters around the world. Given the nature and intensity of the threat environment, they have been incredibly busy. The 11 SWS is the inaugural recipient of the General Atomics United States Space Force Unit of the Year Award. Join Heather Penney, Charles Galbreath, and Jennifer "Boots" Reeves as they chat with 11 SWS commander Lt Col Amanda Manship; Capt Abigail “Fizzle” Flannery, the 11 SWS Weapons Officer; and Sgt Jonathan Stark, a Crew Chief in the 11 SWS. Credits: Host: Heather "Lucky" Penney, Director of Research, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies Producer: Shane Thin Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey Guest: Charles Galbreath, Senior Resident Fellow for Space Studies, The Mitchell Institute Spacepower Advantage Center of Excellence (MI-SPACE) Guest: Jennifer "Boots" Reeves, Senior Resident Fellow for Space Studies, The Mitchell Institute Spacepower Advantage Center of Excellence (MI-SPACE) Guest: Lt Col Amanda Manship, Commander, 11th Space Warning Squadron, United States Space Force Guest: Capt Abigail "Fizzle" Flannery, Weapons Officer, 11th Space Warning Squadron, United States Space Force Guest: Sgt Jonathan Stark, Crew Chief, 11th Space Warning Squadron, United States Space Force Links: Subscribe to our Youtube Channel: https://bit.ly/3GbA5Of Website: https://mitchellaerospacepower.org/ X: https://x.com/MitchellStudies Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Mitchell.Institute.Aerospace LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3nzBisb Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mitchellstudies/ #AerospaceAdvantage #SpaceForce #Military #Leadership

Episode Summary: We’re bringing you a special edition of the Aerospace Advantage to discuss Saturday’s strike on Iran’s nuclear enrichment facilities. Everyone has read the news by now—the story of the 7 B-2s flying from Whiteman Air Force Base, numerous aerial refuelings along the way, air superiority aircraft joining the raid, tomahawk missiles fired from a submarine, and significant support from space assets. This episode brings key insights and observations from our team members—each of whom brings unique operational experience to the mix. We discuss strategic context, the operational aspects of the mission, and how this raid should inform policy and budget objectives. We’ve heard enough from the talking heads…it’s time for airpower and spacepower practitioners to join the conversation. Credits: Host: Heather "Lucky" Penney, Director of Research, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies Producer: Shane Thin Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey Guest: Lt Gen David A. Deptula, USAF (Ret.), Dean, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies Guest: Brig Gen Houston "Slider" Cantwell, USAF (Ret.), Senior Resident Fellow, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies Guest: Douglas Birkey, Executive Director, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies Guest: Mark "Gonzo" Gunzinger, Director of Future Concepts and Capability Assessments, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies Guest: Charles Galbreath, Senior Resident Fellow for Space Studies, The Mitchell Institute Spacepower Advantage Center of Excellence (MI-SPACE) Links: Subscribe to our Youtube Channel: https://bit.ly/3GbA5Of Website: https://mitchellaerospacepower.org/ X: https://x.com/MitchellStudies Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Mitchell.Institute.Aerospace LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3nzBisb Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mitchellstudies/ #MitchellStudies #AerospaceAdvantage #Iran #MiddleEast #Nuclear #Bomber

Episode Summary: This week we’re taking a deep dive into deterrence, specifically deterring China from using force in space. Air University’s China Aerospace Studies Institute (CASI), in partnership with the Center for Naval Analysis (CNA), just released a new report exploring this topic. Results suggest that the U.S. security establishment has serious room for growth. Their experts analyzed ten different factors that assessed how the U.S. can deter China, but only two were rated in a favorable light. The rest need more development. While conflict in space is not inevitable, the folks at CNA and CASI found that we’ve got a long way to go when it comes to boosting our ability to deter conflict on orbit. To help us understand the report, its findings, and its recommendations, Charles Galbreath and Jennifer Reeves of the Mitchel Institute chat with Dr. Kevin Pollpeter of CASI, plus Dr. April Herlevi and Elizabeth Barrett of CNA. Credits: Host: Douglas Birkey, Executive Director, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies Producer: Shane Thin Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey Guest: Charles Galbreath, Senior Resident Fellow for Space Studies, The Mitchell Institute Spacepower Advantage Center of Excellence (MI-SPACE) Guest: Jennifer "Boots" Reeves, Senior Resident Fellow for Space Studies, The Mitchell Institute Spacepower Advantage Center of Excellence (MI-SPACE) Guest: Dr. Kevin Pollpeter, Director of Research, China Aerospace Studies Institute (CASI) Guest: Dr. April Herlevi, Senior Research Scientist, Center for Naval Analysis Guest: Elizabeth Barrett, Project Manager, China & Indo-Pacific Security Affairs, Center for Naval Analysis Read: Deterring China's Use of Force in the Space Domain Links: Subscribe to our Youtube Channel: https://bit.ly/3GbA5Of Website: https://mitchellaerospacepower.org/ X: https://x.com/MitchellStudies Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Mitchell.Institute.Aerospace LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3nzBisb Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mitchellstudies/ #MitchellStudies #AerospaceAdvantage #China #Space

Episode Summary: Combat operations in Ukraine and the Red Sea clearly demonstrate the impact of small lethal drones as portable precision-guided munitions. Some have suggested that their use has made such a change in the character of war that a new category of airspace must be introduced. Casting it as the “air littoral,” they claim the military should move beyond traditional notions of air superiority. Others recognize the significance of lethal drones have their greatest impact on traditional infantry and armor operations. Lt. Gen. Dave Deptula, USAF (Ret.), Lt. Col. Grant Georgulis, and Heather "Lucky" Penney dive into an incredibly insightful discussion on these volatile topics. Credits: Host: Heather "Lucky" Penney, Director of Research, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies Producer: Shane Thin Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey Guest: Lt Gen David A. Deptula, USAF (Ret.), Dean, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies Guest: Lt Col Grant "SWAT" Georgulis, Air Force Fellow, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies Links: Subscribe to our Youtube Channel: https://bit.ly/3GbA5Of Website: https://mitchellaerospacepower.org/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/MitchellStudies Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Mitchell.Institute.Aerospace LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3nzBisb Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mitchellstudies/ #MitchellStudies #AerospaceAdvantage #AirSuperiority #Airpower

Episode Summary: In this episode, Heather "Lucky" Penney talks to Lt. Gen. David Deptula, USAF (Ret.), Charles Galbreath, and Anthony "Lazer" Lazarski about the top defense issues this month in Washington, D.C. and beyond. They unpack how the FY26 defense budget is unfolding—what is good and where is it falling short? The factors involving reconciliation versus the standard budget are throwing in some unpredictable factors to consider. They also discuss Golden Dome from a challenges and opportunities perspective. Past that, news coverage suggests that E-7 might be on the chopping block. Are we ready for a set of capabilities that are entirely space-based? Our experts also discuss a broad range of spacepower developments, plus they evaluate Ukraine’s novel strike on Russian bombers. Join us to learn about the latest when it comes to air and space power! Credits: Host: Heather "Lucky" Penney, Director of Research, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies Producer: Shane Thin Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey Guest: Douglas Birkey, Executive Director, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies Guest: Charles Galbreath, Senior Resident Fellow for Space Studies, The Mitchell Institute Spacepower Advantage Center of Excellence (MI-SPACE) Guest: Anthony “Lazer” Lazarski, Principal, Cornerstone Government Affairs Read: 1. Air Force and Space Force Vectors for the Incoming Trump Defense Team 2. Want Combat Airpower? Then Fix the Air Force Pilot Crisis 3. Air Force Reserve faces steep fighter cuts, uncertain future Links: Subscribe to our Youtube Channel: https://bit.ly/3GbA5Of Website: https://mitchellaerospacepower.org/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/MitchellStudies Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Mitchell.Institute.Aerospace LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3nzBisb Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mitchellstudies/ #MitchellStudies #AerospaceAdvantage #TheHill #Rendezvous #Budget

Episode Summary: With threats surging around the world, the Air Force must figure out how to reset and do it fast. They can’t just buy more of what the service fielded in past decades. Fighting and winning tomorrow will require new operational concepts and technologies that’ll give airmen an edge. That’s where CCA come into the mix. They’re designed to bring new capabilities, more capacity, and empower new ways of fighting. But just like the rest of the Air Force aircraft inventory, just buying CCA won’t be enough. Credible, sustainable combat air forces require logistics—personnel, fuel, munitions, ground handling equipment, and other materiel—to generate sorties at scale. Mitchell Institute executed a major exercise in 2024 looking at logistical requirements for CCA—to assess challenges and opportunities. This involved operators, industry, planners, and logisticians. We recently released the report. Join us as we hear from report author Col Mark Gunzinger along with workshop participants Robert “Otis” Winkler of Kratos, Andrew “Scar” VanTimmeren of Anduril, and Scott “Fug” Gilloon of General Atomics. Credits: Host: Douglas Birkey, Executive Director, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies Producer: Shane Thin Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey Guest: Mark Gunzinger, Director of Future Concepts and Capability Assessments, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies Guest: Robert “Otis” Winkler, Vice President, Corporate Development and National Security Programs, Kratos Guest: Andrew “Scar” VanTimmeren, Director of Air Dominance Systems, Anduril Guest: Scott “Fug” Gilloon, Sector Vice President of Air Force Strategic Development and Capability Assessments, General Atomics Links: Subscribe to our Youtube Channel: https://bit.ly/3GbA5Of Website: https://mitchellaerospacepower.org/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/MitchellStudies Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Mitchell.Institute.Aerospace LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3nzBisb Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mitchellstudies/ #MitchellStudies #AerospaceAdvantage #CollaborativeCombatAircraft #CCA #Leadership

Episode Summary: Fighting and winning in the twenty first century requires next gen electronic attack capabilities. Designing that technology and developing effective concepts of operation demands operational analysis. Heather Penney discusses this reality with Lt Gen David “Kooler” Krumm, USAF (Ret.) of BAE Systems. It comes down to empowering strategists, operational leaders, and technology experts to better understand how these functions can best empower overarching tactics, techniques, procedures, and investment decisions. Electronic attack is an incredibly complex, multi-dimensional capability. It’s not binary—like a light switch that’s on or off. Instead, there are incredibly nuanced effects in play, especially if various mission systems are brought together in a collaborative fashion. Major shortfalls exist in this area and it’s time to lean into developing the operational analysis required to ensure the U.S. maintains its electronic attack advantage. Credits: Host: Heather "Lucky" Penney, Director of Research, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies Producer: Shane Thin Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey Guest: Lt Gen David "Kooler" Krumm, USAF (Ret.), Vice President, Mission Integration, BAE Systems Links: Subscribe to our Youtube Channel: https://bit.ly/3GbA5Of Website: https://mitchellaerospacepower.org/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/MitchellStudies Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Mitchell.Institute.Aerospace LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3nzBisb Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mitchellstudies/ #MitchellStudies #AerospaceAdvantage #ElectronicAttack #EMSO #Leadership

Episode Summary: Join us to learn more about the latest developments in Chinese airpower and spacepower developments. Heather Penney and Mike "JDAM" Dahm discuss a wide range of topics, including an update on China’s 6th generation fighters and recent PLA exercises in the Taiwan Strait. They discuss what is happening with more missing PLA generals and dynamics between Xi Jinping and Vladamir Putin. The INDOPACOM Commander Admiral Paparo just testified on the Hill about China’s military and the PLA just released a new national security white paper. We also explore Chinese fighter performance in the recent conflict between Pakistan and India. Credits: Host: Heather "Lucky" Penney, Director of Research, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies Producer: Shane Thin Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey Guest: J. Michael "JDAM" Dahm, Senior Resident Fellow for Aerospace and China Studies, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies Links: Subscribe to our Youtube Channel: https://bit.ly/3GbA5Of Website: https://mitchellaerospacepower.org/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/MitchellStudies Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Mitchell.Institute.Aerospace LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3nzBisb Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mitchellstudies/ #MitchellStudies #AerospaceAdvantage #China #Russia

Episode Summary: Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) stand forth as one of the most important airpower developments of the twenty-first century. We learn more about CCA by talking to two of the people involved with developing and building them: Mike Atwood from General Atomics and Andrew “Scar” Van Timmeren of Anduril. CCA’s ability to harness the traditional attributes of range, speed, survivability, and a broad range of mission effects with the power of autonomy, artificial intelligence, and manned-unmanned teaming will yield an incredibly powerful tool for airmen and the broader joint military enterprise. We explain this technological journey, explore where the program currently stands, and discuss the pathway for production, test, and initial operational fielding. Credits: Host: Heather "Lucky" Penney, Director of Research, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies Producer: Shane Thin Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey Guest: Michael Atwood, Vice President, Advanced Programs, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Guest: Andrew "Scar" Van Timmeren, Senior Director - Air Dominance Systems, Anduril Industries Links: Subscribe to our Youtube Channel: https://bit.ly/3GbA5Of Website: https://mitchellaerospacepower.org/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/MitchellStudies Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Mitchell.Institute.Aerospace LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3nzBisb Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mitchellstudies/ #MitchellStudies #AerospaceAdvantage #CCA #Autonomy

Episode Summary: In this Rendezvous episode, we discuss top Air Force and Space Force developments in Washington, D.C., and beyond. Topics include the latest defense budget plus-up via reconciliation and what this means for air and space power. We also discuss INDOPACOM Commander Admiral Paparo’s testimony regarding airpower gaps in the Pacific and Lockheed’s new vision for the F-35 in the wake of Boeing winning the F-47 competition. The team explores two of the Space Force’s new foundational documents: Space Force Doctrine Document 1 and Space Warfighting, a Framework for Planners. The conversation also explains why it’s so consequential that Michigan is going to see the F-15EX, the importance of a new electronic warfare squadron that opened at Eglin AFB, and why it’s a big deal that a new weather capability is now operational in space. Join us to learn more about these topics and more. Credits: Host: Heather "Lucky" Penney, Director of Research, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies Producer: Shane Thin Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey Guest: Douglas Birkey, Executive Director, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies Guest: Jennifer "Boots" Reeves, Senior Resident Fellow for Space Studies, The Mitchell Institute Spacepower Advantage Center of Excellence (MI-SPACE) Guest: Todd “Sledge” Harmer, Senior Vice President, American Defense International Guest: Guest: Jeff "Rowli" Rowlison, VP, Space & Intel Programs, American Defense International Guest: Anthony “Lazer” Lazarski, Principal, Cornerstone Government Affairs Links: Subscribe to our Youtube Channel: https://bit.ly/3GbA5Of Website: https://mitchellaerospacepower.org/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/MitchellStudies Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Mitchell.Institute.Aerospace LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3nzBisb Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mitchellstudies/ #MitchellStudies #AerospaceAdvantage #Rendezvous #Politics

Episode Summary: France is America’s oldest ally. We’ve been through a lot: the American Revolution over 250 years ago, two World Wars, and ongoing worldwide military operations. Our two nations have stood side by side when it mattered most. This connection endures. These days, it’s more important than ever, considering China’s rise, Russia’s aggression in Europe, and other elements of instability we see around the globe. A key component of this security relationship depends on robust aerospace power. Modern military operations don’t work without mastering these domains. Our adversaries know this, and that’s why they’re working hard to challenge us in these realms. Heather Penney discusses these variables with Brig Gen Nicolas Chambaz, the leader charged with overseeing international relations for the French Air and Space Force headquarters. He’s a career pilot with over 4,000 flight hours under his belt, including 50 combat operations. In particular, we explore the French Air & Space Force’s latest Strategic Vision, The Sky as a Battlefield. Credits: Host: Heather "Lucky" Penney, Director of Research, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies Producer: Shane Thin Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey Guest: Brig Gen Houston "Slider" Cantwell, USAF (Ret.), The Air & Space Forces Association Guest: Brig Gen Nicolas Chambaz, General Officer "International Relations" of the Air and Space Force Links: Subscribe to our Youtube Channel: https://bit.ly/3GbA5Of Website: https://mitchellaerospacepower.org/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/MitchellStudies Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Mitchell.Institute.Aerospace LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3nzBisb Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mitchellstudies/ #MitchellStudies #AerospaceAdvantage #Vietnam #POW #History