The Aerospace Advantage

Episode Summary: In Episode 154 of the Aerospace Advantage, Understanding the Chinese Challenge: Assessing DoD’s Latest China Military Power Report, Mitchell Institute’s John “Slick” Baum chats with Senior Fellow for Aerospace and China Studies Mike Dahm about key trends and insights shaping the security picture in the Western Pacific and beyond. Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall recently described what keeps U.S. military leaders awake: “China, China, China.” He’s right, the People’s Republic of China is growing its military capabilities at scale while its leaders are beginning to assert themselves in ways that often conflict with American interests and values. Each year, the Department of Defense produces an unclassified report for Congress to explain these variables: Military and Security Developments Involving the People’s Republic of China. This episode explores the 2023 edition with our own China expert, Mike Dahm, providing unique insights and analysis. The conversation focuses on concerning air and space power trends, but also considers factors influencing China’s national security calculus. Credits: Host: John “Slick” Baum, Senior Fellow, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies Producer: Shane Thin Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey Guest: J. Michael 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 #report #military Thank you for your continued support!

Episode Summary: In Episode 153 of the Aerospace Advantage, Congressional Defense Update; Conflict in the Middle East; and a China Threat Update: The Rendezvous, Mitchell Institute’s John “Slick” Baum chats with Lt Gen Dave Deptula, USAF (Ret.), China expert Mike Dahm, plus Washington insiders Anthony Lazarski and Todd Harmer about the latest developments in the beltway and the broader national security community. We discuss what new leadership in the House of Representatives will mean for defense equities on The Hill, including the likelihood for another continuing resolution and the risks that will drive. Panelists also explore the latest developments regarding the conflict between Israel and Hamas, plus what this will mean for America’s broader national security interests around the globe. We wrap with an extensive national security assessment regarding China, especially given DoD’s newly released 2023 edition of Military and Security Developments Involving the People’s Republic of China. As always, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. Credits: Host: John “Slick” Baum, Senior Fellow, 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: J. Michael Dahm, Senior Resident Fellow for Aerospace and China Studies, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies Guest: Todd “Sledge” Harmer, Senior Vice President, 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 Thank you for your continued support!

Episode Summary: In Episode 152 of the Aerospace Advantage, Commander Conversation: The Future of French Airpower, John “Slick” Baum explores the future of fighter aviation with Maj Gen Jean-Luc Moritz, head of the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) program for the French Air and Space Force. The FCAS is a next-generation fighter aircraft and the associated set of collaborative systems that France, Germany, and Spain are developing to replace types currently in service, like the Rafale, Typhoon, and Hornet. The U.S. Air Force has its Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD)—this is one of the European equivalents. The air superiority mission is critical for achieving success in modern warfare. Anyone who doubts the need for air superiority can see what has happened in Ukraine. Reverting to WWI-like trench warfare, with neither side controlling the sky, is beyond brutal. No one wins fighting like that, which is why it’s crucial to constantly push the state of the art with new design concepts, technologies, and employment concepts when it comes to next-generation fighter aircraft and associated systems. Join us to learn more from one of the key allied leaders charting the future of this crucial mission. Credits: Host: John "Slick" Baum, Senior Fellow, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies Producer: Shane Thin Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey Guest: Maj Gen Jean-Luc Moritz, Future Combat Air System Operational Project Director, French Air & 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 #France #Europe #Airpower Thank you for your continued support!

Episode Summary: In Episode 151 of the Aerospace Advantage, The Backbone of Aerospace Production: Understanding the Supplier Base, John “Slick” Baum discusses what it’ll take to ensure America’s aerospace industrial base can meet demand with industry expert Richard Aboulafia, Managing Director at AeroDynamic Advisory, and Karl Hutter, President & CEO of Click Bond, a leading supplier. The U.S. and its allies are in the middle of rebuilding their air forces to meet the challenges of an evolving threat environment. Considering that these countries largely still fly aircraft from the Cold War, the need for this modernization is acute. Everyone wants new aircraft now, but manufacturing lines can only accommodate so much, so fast—especially with a concurrent surge in demand for commercial airliners. Companies are trying to expand their capacity to produce, but that’s far easier said than done. In this episode, hear directly from the individuals deep in the industrial base who literally build the future of airpower—we’ll explore how they contribute, their strengths, and the risks that are in play so that we better understand what it’ll take to ensure we have an industrial base that can meet demand. Credits: Host: John "Slick" Baum, Senior Fellow, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies Producer: Shane Thin Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey Guest: Richard Aboulafia, Managing Director, AeroDynamic Advisory Guest: Karl Hutter, President & CEO, Click Bond 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 #space Thank you for your continued support!

Episode Summary: In Episode 150 of the Aerospace Advantage, The USSF’s Theory of Competitive Endurance: Expanding the Discussion, Tim Ryan sits down with Brian “Flasher” Goodman, a seasoned space operator and Guardian; Tom “Pumper” Nichols, Co-Founder and Chief Product Officer at True Anomaly; and Mitchell’s Charles Galbreath to explore ideas around Competitive Endurance and how it can be applied in today’s contested space domain. With threats on orbit on the rise, it is crucial to define this strategic concept and explore how it ties to key concepts integrated defense, space superiority, and maintaining the sustainability of the space domain. Additionally, our guests discuss the principles underpinning this theory—Avoiding Operational Surprise, Denting First-Mover Advantage, and Responsible Counterspace Campaigning. When Chief of Space Operations Gen “Salty” Saltzman released his vision, he also challenged Guardians and members of the space national security community to discuss and further develop a conceptual foundation. This is the first of what will be many future Mitchell discussions doing just that. Credits: Host: Tim Ryan, Senior Fellow for Spacepower Studies, The Mitchell Institute Spacepower Advantage Center of Excellence (MI-SPACE) Producer: Shane Thin Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey Guest: Charles Galbreath, Senior Fellow for Spacepower Studies, MI-SPACE Guest: Brian “Flasher” Goodman, USSF Guest: Tom “Pumper” Nichols, Chief Product Officer, True Anomaly 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 #space Thank you for your continued support!

Episode Summary: In Episode 149 of the Aerospace Advantage, Washington Drama, Boosting Defense Production, Spacepower Update, and Replicator: The Rendezvous, Mitchell Institute’s Doug Birkey chats with Lt Gen Dave Deptula, USAF (Ret.), spacepower expert Charles Galbreath, plus Washington insiders Anthony Lazarski and Todd Harmer about the latest developments in the beltway and the broader national security community. We discuss the national security realities created by a continuing resolution and the looming potential of a government shut down, plus Secretary Kendall’s call for a Department of the Air Force reorganization and the latest developments in spacepower. We consider variables involved in Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment LaPlante’s call for increased defense production and cover Deputy Secretary of Defense Hicks’ initiative termed “replicator,” followed by an update on developments in Ukraine. It has been a busy fall so far, so please join us for a very thought-provoking episode. 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: Charles Galbreath, Senior Fellow for Spacepower Studies, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies Guest: Todd "Sledge" Harmer, Senior Vice President, 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 Thank you for your continued support!

Episode Summary: In Episode 148 of the Aerospace Advantage, Understanding Hostilities in Space Short of War: Harnessing an Irregular Warfare Model on Orbit, Mitchell Institute’s Tim Ryan chats with Commander John ‘Patsy’ Klein, USN (Ret), a noted spacepower expert; Colonel El Gardner, Director Space Strategy, Policy, and Plans HQ USSF; and Henry Heren about what it means to successfully engage in an era of enduring competition in space. The conversation focuses on the findings of Klein’s latest book, 'Fight for the Final Frontier: Irregular Warfare in Space.' Klein argues that hostile actions on orbit normally fall outside the definition of armed conflict, with actions short of overt war as the norm for adversaries seeking to disrupt our ability to engage in this domain. The net effects yield distinct similarities to what we’ve seen in irregular warfare. This discussion opens the aperture for applying lessons learned. Credits: Host: Tim Ryan, Senior Fellow for Spacepower Studies, The Mitchell Institute Spacepower Advantage Center of Excellence (MI-SPACE) Producer: Shane Thin Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey Guest: Henry Heren, Senior Fellow for Spacepower Studies, MI-SPACE Guest: CDR John "Patsy" Kline, USN (Ret.), Senior Fellow, Falcon Research, Inc. Guest: Col El Gardner, Director, Space Strategy, Policy, and Plans, HQ 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 #a8 #budget Thank you for your continued support!

Episode Summary: In Episode 147 of the Aerospace Advantage, No Bucks, No Buck Rogers: Leadership Conversation with Lt Gen Rick Moore, Mitchell’s Maj Gen Larry Stutzriem, USAF (Ret.) explores the fiscal realities facing the USAF. As the Deputy Chief of Staff for Plans and Programs at Headquarters Air Force, Lt Gen Rick Moore oversees building the budgets that are ultimately submitted to top Department of the Air Force leaders, DoD, and the Hill. We frequently talk about hardware like aircraft and munitions, plus the operating concepts and strategies governing their use. But making that happen all comes down to resources and General Moore is the key figure in that realm. Join us to learn more about how he sees the priorities stack, the tough choices that must be made given finite resources, and what this means for the future of the service. Credits: Host: Maj Gen Larry Stutzriem, USAF (Ret.), Director of Research, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies Producer: Shane Thin Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey Guest: Lt Gen Richard G. Moore, Jr., Deputy Chief of Staff for Plans and Programs, Headquarters USAF 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 #a8 #budget Thank you for your continued support!

Episode Summary: In Episode 146 of the Aerospace Advantage, Innovating the Spectrum Warfare Edge: Industry Conversation, Mitchell’s Doug Birkey continues our focus on this topic with Josh Niedzwiecki, vice president and general manager of electronic combat solutions at BAE. As we discussed last week with 350th Spectrum Warfare Wing commander Col Joshua Koslov, this technology, the associated conops, and tactics are crucial for success in modern warfare. The nation has taken too much risk in this area since the end of the Cold War, and now it’s time for the U.S. military to reset. Success demands the recruitment of industry talent who can innovate and produce the tools required to empower this mission—a complex endeavor that should not be taken for granted. The talent needed to help meet these requirements takes years, even decades, to cultivate. The same holds true for the facilities and tools needed for production. This week’s episode covers these essential industry-side factors of the spectrum warfare equation. Credits: Host: Douglas Birkey, Executive Director, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies Producer: Shane Thin Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey Guest: Joshua Niedzwiecki, Vice President & General Manager, Electronic Combat Solutions, 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 #spectrum #ew #bae Thank you for your continued support!

Episode Summary: In Episode 145 of the Aerospace Advantage, Regaining the Spectrum Warfare Advantage: Leadership Conversation, Doug Birkey chats with the commander of the 350th Spectrum Warfare Wing, Col Joshua Koslov to discuss the current state of this mission area, explain challenges and opportunities, define key concepts, and provide insights on future vectors. Spectrum warfare is a crucial element of overall warfighting effectiveness. At its core, it comes down to securing an information advantage, which facilitates more effective decision-making at the strategic, operational, and tactical levels. Spectrum warfare lies at the heart of concepts like JADC2 and ABMS—empowering data gathering, exchange, processing, and collaboration between various team members in the battlespace. It’s also a competitive realm: our adversaries seek to deny us this capability, and our forces seek to deny the same to our opponents. Credits: Host: Douglas Birkey, Executive Director, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies Producer: Shane Thin Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey Guest: Col Joshua Koslov, Commander, 350th Spectrum Warfare Wing 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 #spectrum #ew Thank you for your continued support!

Episode Summary: In Episode 144 of the Aerospace Advantage, Commander Conversation: Royal Canadian Air Force Spacepower, Doug Birkey chats with Brigadier General Mike Adamson, Commander of 3 Canadian Space Division (3 CSD); Brigadier General Chris McKenna, Director General Air and Space Force Development; and Brigadier General Kyle Paul Deputy Commanding General, Transformation, U.S. Space Operations Command. The Royal Canadian Air Force organizes, trains, operates, and equips for a broad range of air and space missions. Building off an earlier podcast episode with Commander of the Royal Canadian Air Force Lt Gen Eric Kenny, this episode seeks to further explore current RCAF activities through the spacepower lens. We discuss challenges and opportunities facing the RCAF in orbit; how Canada sees spacepower missions evolving when it comes to interoperability, protocols, and equipment equity; and how the RCAF can effectively secure desired mission effects given an increasingly contested domain and extend deterrence to space. Credits: Host: Douglas Birkey, Executive Director, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies Producer: Shane Thin Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey Guest: Tim Ryan, Senior Fellow for Spacepower Studies, The Mitchell Institute Spacepower Advantage Center of Excellence Guest: BGen G. Michael Adamson, 3 Canadian Space Division Commander Guest: BGen Chris McKenna, Director, General Air and Space Force Development Guest: BGen Kyle Paul Deputy, Commanding General, Transformation, U.S. Space Operations 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/ #MitchellStudies #AerospaceAdvantage #space #canada Thank you for your continued support!

Episode Summary: In Episode 143 of the Aerospace Advantage, Decoding China's AI Ambitions: The Rise of Informationized and Intelligentized Warfare, John “Slick” Baum chats with Daniel Rice, China Expert at the Brute Krulak Center for Innovation and Future Warfare at Marine Corps University, and Dennis Murphy, who researches the implications emerging technologies will have on international security at Georgia Tech. This discussion takes a deep dive into China’s most cutting-edge concepts that are shaping its vision of future warfare—ideas known as informationization and intelligentization. These concepts represent a shift from the past convention of attrition warfare toward a more dynamic, algorithm-driven model of engagement that leverages the information battlespace and emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and autonomous systems. Said another way, the U.S. military is not alone in focusing on the role information will play in future conflicts. So while concepts like JADC2 and ABMS are shaping the future of the U.S. military, it’s crucial to recognize that China is pursuing similar vectors and that the PLA's evolution is not just about amassing new hardware and weapons platforms. This episode explores these concepts, and our guests explain what they reveal about China's ambitions to become a world-class military. Note: Daniel Rice is the China Political and Military Subject Matter Expert at Marine Corps University's Brute Krulak Center for Innovation & Future Warfare. The views and opinions expressed in this interview are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the U.S. Government, the Department of Defense, the U.S. Marine Corps, or the Marine Corp University. Credits: Host: John "Slick" Baum, Senior Fellow, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies Producer: Shane Thin Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey Guest: Dan Rice, China Expert, Brute Krulak Center for Innovation & Future Warfare, Marine Corps University Guest: Dennis Murphy, PhD Student, Sam Nunn School of International Affairs, Georgia Institute of Technology 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 Thank you for your continued support!

Episode Summary: In Episode 142 of the Aerospace Advantage, A Conversation with Air Marshal Harvey Smyth: Allied Perspective, John “Slick” Baum, Lt Gen Dave Deptula, USAF (Ret), and Gen Kevin Chilton, USAF (Ret) chat with Air Marshal Harvey Smyth, the Royal Air Force’s Air and Space Commander. It’s hard to think about a single time in history when our nation fought alone. It’s no secret why: allies and partners are the key to success as America seeks to engage around the world. It takes a team to win—especially in the modern security environment. Working together with other service branches and international operational commanders, Air Marshal Smyth oversees the generation and employment of airpower for the United Kingdom. During this episode, the Mitchell team explores with Air Marshal Smyth how he sees the global security environment and where the RAF stands from a capabilities perspective. They also discuss future operating concepts and RAF spacepower objectives. Join us for this incredibly insightful dialogue. Credits: Host: John "Slick" Baum, Senior Fellow, 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: Gen Kevin Chilton, USAF (Ret.), Explorer Chair, The Mitchell Institute Spacepower Advantage Center of Excellence (MI-SPACE) Guest: Air Mshl Harvey Smyth, CB, OBE, DFC, Air & Space Commander, Royal Air 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 #allies #uk #raf Thank you for your continued support!

Episode Summary: In Episode 141 of the Aerospace Advantage, Building Counterspace Capabilities: Smart Spacepower, John “Slick” Baum chats with Col Eric Felt, USSF Director of Architecture; Matt Fetrow of the Space Rapid Capabilities Office; Arnie Streland of Northrop Grumman; and Charles Galbreath, Mitchell Institute Senior Fellow for Space Studies, about how the Space Force and industry are responding to the growing threat environment on orbit. Significant improvements and investments are required for nearly every aspect of the military space architecture as the nation works to field defensive and offensive counterspace capabilities. It comes down to addressing the realities of space as a warfighting domain—an imperative that drove the establishment of the Space Force. This podcast brings together expert perspectives from the communities responsible for the building, acquiring, and operating our national security space architecture. The shift to a more resilient hybrid space architecture that leverages proliferated Low Earth Orbit constellations, plus satellites in other orbits, is a critical first step. Additional efforts to improve domain awareness with threat sensors and assure contact with satellites are priorities as well. Above all, we must continue to integrate commercial and international capabilities. Join us for an insightful conversation with some of the top thought leaders in the field. Credits: Host: John "Slick" Baum, Senior Fellow, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies Producer: Shane Thin Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey Guest: Charles Galbreath, Senior Fellow for Spacepower Studies, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies Guest: Col Eric Felt, Director of Space Architecture, USSF Guest: Matt Fetrow, Communications Director, Space Force Rapid Capabilities Office Guest: Arnie Streland, Corporate Lead Executive, Northrop Grumman 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 #space #counterspace Thank you for your continued support!

Episode Summary: In Episode 140 of the Aerospace Advantage, Congressional Defense Priorities, Allies Boost Modernization, China Realities, and Spacepower Perspectives: The Rendezvous, John “Slick” Baum chats with Lt Gen David Deptula, USAF (Ret.), Washington experts Todd Harmer and Anthony Lazarski, plus Mitchell Senior Fellow for Space Studies Tim Ryan about some of the latest national security developments. The last few weeks have been busy, with Congress continuing to advance the defense bills and the looming potential for a government shutdown in the coming months. We’re also seeing a generational wave of modernization with our allies and partners—we discuss what it means for the U.S. from an operational and industrial base set of perspectives. Our experts also assess recent threat developments as Russia continues its war in Ukraine, and as China maintains its assertive stance in the Pacific. On top of all that, we review the latest developments in spacepower—including the Space Command headquarters announcement and how the Space Force continues to evolve meet the threat. Join us for a dynamic, insightful set of conversations. Credits: Host: John "Slick" Baum, Senior Fellow, 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: Tim Ryan, Senior Fellow for Spacepower Studies, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies Guest: Todd "Sledge" Harmer, Senior Vice President, 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 Thank you for your continued support!

Episode Summary: In Episode 139 of the Aerospace Advantage, Flying and Fighting Against the Odds: A Cold War Perspective, John “Slick” Baum chats with Col Robert Graham, USAF (Ret.) about the 500+ combat sorties he flew across four combat tours during the Vietnam War. Surface-to-air missiles (SAMs), anti-aircraft artillery (AAA), air bases under attack, high pilot attrition, tremendous tactical and technical innovation, training shortfalls, and unwavering dedication to duty were all hallmarks of the air war over Vietnam. As the Air Force reorients itself to confront a national security environment defined by peer competition, it is critical we look back in time and learn from the experiences of airmen who confronted and overcame similar threats. Col Graham’s experiences are harrowing, captivating, and incredibly instructive. Having flown the O-1 Bird Dog, F-100 Super Sabre, and F-4 Phantom in combat, he provided close air support in danger-close proximity to friendly units; operated amidst robust enemy air defenses; and got shot down off the end of his own runway by guerilla forces—yet he continued to fly sorties day-after-day as pilot attrition exceeded 20 percent. All the while, Col Graham seasoned a new generation of airmen entering the fight. These are all challenges tomorrow’s airmen will experience. Join us for this incredible conversation. Credits: Host: John "Slick" Baum, Senior Fellow, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies Producer: Shane Thin Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey Guest: Doug Birkey, Executive Director, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies Guest: Col Bob Graham, USAF (Ret.) 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 #veteran #Vietnam Thank you for your continued support!

Episode Summary: In Episode 138 of the Aerospace Advantage, Maintaining the Propulsion Advantage: The Race to Deliver Tomorrow’s Jet Technology, Doug Birkey chats with Mitchell Institute’s Maj Gen Larry Stutzriem, USAF (Ret.), and David Tweedie, GE Edison Works vice president and general manager for advanced products, about a key element of America’s crucial combat aircraft advantage in the sky: engines. No military aircraft design, no matter how good, can execute any mission without its engine. In today’s military, that translates to incredibly sophisticated jet technology. Mission requirements for both today and tomorrow demand enhanced performance, greater efficiency, and continued top-of-the-line reliability. After relying on a relatively limited number of existing engines in its propulsion stable for years, the Air Force is pursuing a new generation of capabilities. This is a positive development given new operational demands and the competition from adversary nations. There is little room for error. The U.S. must double down to ensure it maintains the edge in this key technology arena. Credits: Host: Doug Birkey, Executive Director, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies Producer: Shane Thin Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey Guest: Maj Gen Larry Stutzriem, USAF (Ret.), Director of Research, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies Guest: David Tweedie, Vice President & General Manager for Advanced Products, GE Edison Works 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 #GE Thank you for your continued support!

Episode Summary: In Episode 137 of the Aerospace Advantage, Fighter Modernization Imperative: Defining the Vector, John “Slick Baum” explores the status of the Air Force’s fighter inventory and a path for reset with Maj Gen Charles “Corky” Corcoran, USAF (Ret.); Lt Col Eric Gunzinger, USAF (Ret.); and Douglas Birkey. The United States faces a fighter aviation modernization crisis that, left unchecked, will undermine every facet of joint force operations. The challenge is particularly acute in the U.S. Air Force. The service simply hasn’t acquired enough aircraft since the Reagan-era defense build-up, and, in light of budget constraints, is way behind the curve resetting the force. Given the threat environment, we’re now in an untenable position. This isn’t just about Air Force fighters—it’s about viable joint power projection, and that demands the scale and scope that Air Force fighters uniquely bring to the table—starting with air superiority. This episode is designed to assess the Air Force fighter capacity challenge and then explore options for resetting the force. Credits: Host: John "Slick" Baum, Senior Fellow, 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: Maj Gen Charles “Corky” Corcoran, USAF (Ret.), Senior Fellow, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies Guest: Lt Col Eric "Gunz" Gunzinger, USAF (Ret.), Former Instructor Weapons Systems Operator 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 #modernization Thank you for your continued support!

Episode Summary: In Episode 136 of the Aerospace Advantage, It’s Time to Reset the Force: Leadership Conversation with Lt Gen Mike Loh, Director of the ANG, Doug Birkey explores the modernization challenges facing the Air National Guard and the Air Force as a whole with Lt Gen Mike Loh, along with Mitchell Institute’s Lt Gen David Deptula, USAF (Ret.) and Heather Penney. The Air Force’s fighter inventory is too small and too old to meet demands placed upon it. Aircraft are now physically worn out and must be retired, but the Air Force lacks the necessary funding to procure a sufficient volume of new fighters to ensure the outflow of aging aircraft is matched by new replacements. We saw this in the fall of 2022 when F-15s stationed at Kadena were retired without direct, permanently assigned backfills—the aircraft were simply not available. This will be repeated absent a significant boost in the scale and scope of new aircraft buys. The modernization imperative disproportionately impacts the ANG given that those units generally possess the service’s oldest equipment. Force structure realities see the ANG necessary to meet COCOM demands, especially those tied to homeland defense. It’s time to focus on solutions. 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: Heather Penney, Senior Fellow, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies Guest: Lt Gen Michael Loh, Director, Air National Guard 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 #ANG #force Thank you for your continued support!

Episode Summary: In Episode 135 of the Aerospace Advantage, Hill Update, Budget Caps, Space Trends, and Ukraine Perspectives: The Rendezvous, Doug Birkey chats with Lt Gen David Deptula, USAF (Ret.), Washington expert Todd Harmer, and Mitchell Senior Fellow for Space Studies Henry Heren about some of the latest national security developments. Our conversation begins by exploring recent news from Ukraine, especially the Wagner Group’s rebellion in Russia. We also discuss how the defense bills are progressing through both the Senate and House—evaluating how priorities are faring as they work through the markup process in the various committees. We specifically focus on the modernization accounts, legislation tied to Space Force equities, how the new budget caps are going to impact spending, and whether there’s any hope for a defense supplemental. We also discuss the Hill’s take on “divest to invest.” Join us for unique air and space insights on the issues you’ve seen in the headlines. 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: Henry Heren, Senior Fellow for Spacepower Studies, The Mitchell Institute Spacepower Advantage Center of Excellence (MI-SPACE) Guest: Todd "Sledge" Harmer, Senior Vice President, American Defense International 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 #Russia #space Thank you for your continued support!

Episode Summary: In Episode 134 of the Aerospace Advantage, Charting the Future: Innovating and Building Next Gen UAVs, Douglas Birkey explores the future of uncrewed combat aviation with Mike Atwood, Senior Director of Advanced Programs at General Atomics Aeronautical Systems. UAVs have been a fixture in the U.S. airpower arsenal for over two decades. However, evolving operational demand, paired with new technologies, is rapidly changing the scale and scope of these aircraft. We explore this topic with one of the nation’s leading technical experts to help listeners understand where next gen UAVs fit into the operational equation, discuss the evolution of technology and requirements, while also exploring the challenges and opportunities facing the teams involved innovating and producing these systems. The discussion also outlines factors to consider as the technology evolves from the conceptual, low-rate production realm to the operational flightline in mass. Finally, what steps does industry need to take to make the next generation UAV vision succeed? What is government’s role in this process? This is a conversation you won’t want to miss. Credits: Host: Douglas Birkey, Executive Director, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies Producer: Shane Thin Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey Guest: Michael Atwood, Senior Director, Advanced Programs at General Atomics Aeronautical 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 #UAV #GeneralAtomics Thank you for your continued support!

Episode Summary: In Episode 133 of the Aerospace Advantage, Spacepower and the Commercial Realm: Insider Perspective, Douglas Birkey chats with Even Rogers, CEO of True Anomaly, a former Air Force weapons officer and a contributing author of the inaugural Space Force doctrine; Steve Kitay, Senior Director of Azure Space at Microsoft and a former Deputy Assist Secretary of Defense for Space Policy at DoD; and Mitchell Institute’s Tim Ryan. The combination of an increasingly dangerous threat environment and an insatiable demand for capabilities on orbit launched a new generation of spacepower. A key element to this evolution is the ascent of commercial capabilities to secure national security effects in, through, and by space. Want proof? Just look at operations in Ukraine. Missions that were once the sole domain of government owned and operated military space architectures are now being executed through a hybrid approach highly reliant upon commercial providers. We talk about the rise of private actors in the national security space world—why they developed, how they operate, challenges and opportunities involved in the equation, and key considerations you should be thinking of as we track this important trend. Credits: Host: Douglas Birkey, Executive Director, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies Producer: Shane Thin Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey Guest: Tim Ryan, Senior Fellow for Spacepower Studies, The Mitchell Institute Spacepower Advantage Center of Excellence (MI-SPACE) Guest: Even Rogers, CEO, True Anomaly Guest: Steve Kitay, Senior Director, Azure Space, Microsoft 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 #space #domain Thank you for your continued support!

Episode Summary: In Episode 132 of the Aerospace Advantage, Humans Are More Important Than Hardware: SOF Truth #1, John “Slick” Baum chats with longtime AFSOC pilot Col Sarah Brehm, veteran defense leader Mr. Jim “Hondo” Geurts, and AFSOC Special Tactics Officer Lt Col Steve Cooper about the United States Special Operations Command’s core values, what they call SOF Truths. These tenets have defined the culture of SOCOM since 1987, which means they’ve connected special operators across different service components for generations—and this includes Air Force Special Operations. The first SOF Truth declares that “humans are more important than hardware.” However, given that technology permeates today’s battlefields more than ever, what does this really mean? To this point, how does the Department of Defense emphasize the importance of our human capital when the budget is geared toward the procurement of new hardware? We also explore how this ideal applies to the broader conventional force. Credits: Host: John "Slick" Baum, Senior Fellow, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies Producer: Shane Thin Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey Guest: Col Sarah Brehm, Air Force Fellow, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies Guest: James "Hondo" Geurts, Former Acquisition Executive for the Navy, USMC, and USSOCOM; Distinguished Fellow, Business Executives for National Security Guest: Lt Col Steve Cooper, Special Tactics Officer, National Security Fellow, Harvard Kennedy School, Belfer Center for Science and International 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 #sof #usaf Thank you for your continued support!

Episode Summary: In Episode 131 of the Aerospace Advantage, Defense and the Budget Deal, Hill Update, ANG Fighters, and Space Trends: The Rendezvous, John “Slick” Baum chats with Lt Gen David Deptula, USAF (Ret.), Doug Birkey, Todd Harmer, Anthony Lazarski, and Charles Galbreath about some of the latest national security developments. Our conversation begins by exploring the new budget deal and its implications for defense. How will these new spending levels affect the Air Force and Space Force? Next, we talk about how Air Force and Space Force requests are faring on The Hill as the defense committees advance their annual authorization and appropriations bills. Our panelists also assess the legislation that was introduced by Rep Bacon (R-NE) regarding ANG fighter capacity and provide an update about the latest developments in Ukraine. We wrap with an update regarding national security space issues. Join us for unique aerospace insights on the issues you’ve seen in the headlines. Credits: Host: John "Slick" Baum, Senior Fellow, 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: Douglas Birkey, Executive Director, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies Guest: Charles Galbreath, Senior Fellow for Spacepower Studies, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies Guest: Todd "Sledge" Harmer, Senior Vice President, 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 #thehill Thank you for your continued support!

Episode Summary: In Episode 130 of the Aerospace Advantage, F-16s and Beyond: What’s Next for Ukraine?, John Baum chats with Mitchell Institute’s Lt Gen Dave Deptula, USAF (Ret.), Maj Gen Larry Stutzriem, USAF (Ret.), and Doug Birkey about building out Ukrainian airpower. It all comes down to breaking out of the land-centric war of attrition by striking key battlefield targets, gaining situational awareness to better employ forces, and fighting for control of the sky. The Biden administration’s decision to authorize the transfer of F-16s to Ukraine, plus related efforts to train pilots, is the long-awaited breakthrough moment necessary to empower this possibility. That said, airplanes alone do not manifest effective airpower. It takes the right mix of strategy, tactics, capabilities, and technology to net desired effects. These missions will be incredibly dangerous, but the Russian air defense network does have vulnerabilities that can be exploited. It’s time to lean into sustaining the fight. Credits: Host: John "Slick" Baum, Senior Fellow, 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: Maj Gen Larry Stutzriem, USAF (Ret.), Director of Research, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies Guest: Douglas Birkey, Executive Director, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies Guest: Charles Galbreath, Senior Fellow for Spacepower 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 #f16 #ukraine Thank you for your continued support!

Episode Summary: In Episode 129 of the Aerospace Advantage, Kill Chains: From 5th Gen to JADC2, John Baum chats with Mitchell Institute’s Heather “Lucky” Penney about what it means to secure battlespace effects in the 21st century. Combat aircraft don’t fly sorties for the sake of getting time in the air. It’s all about empowering the broader strategy. That might involve ensuring a munition hits the right aim point—or launching a non-kinetic operation, like electronic attack. Regardless of the means, netting battlespace effects with combat aircraft depends on our kill chains, the systems and processes to Find, Fix, Track, Target, Engage, and Assess adversary targets. The U.S. military has long relied upon its superior ability to rapidly close kill chains, but this advantage is now at risk. China has developed countermeasures to obstruct or even collapse U.S. kill chains, which could lead to combat operational failures that have devastating, long-term consequences. To overcome these challenges, the Air Force must increase the scale, scope, speed, and survivability of its kill chains. That will entail harnessing information age advantages and doubling down on the time-tested effectiveness of fielding highly capable mission aircraft in combat-relevant quantities. Credits: Host: John "Slick" Baum, Senior Fellow, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies Producer: Shane Thin Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey Guest: Heather Penney, Senior 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 #killchain Thank you for your continued support!

Episode Summary: In Episode 128 of the Aerospace Advantage, The B-21 Imperative: America’s Deterrence Bomber, John Baum chats with Maj Gen Larry Stutzriem, USAF (Ret.) and Col Mark Gunzinger, USAF (Ret.) about the USAF’s newest combat aircraft. The ability to conduct long-range strikes anywhere, anytime in large numbers has been a decisive U.S. military advantage for more than 70 years. Today, this dominance is severely diminished given capacity cuts and deferred modernization. Today’s inventory of aging B-1s, B-2s, and B-52s is a third of the size of the nation’s 1989 bomber force. This inventory is simply too small and lacks the attributes necessary to fly against modern threats. The good news is the Air Force will soon field the B-21 Raider, the world’s most advanced stealthy bomber. The continuing challenge will be to ensure the B-21 program is resourced to rapidly acquire an inventory that meets operational demands. We can’t repeat the same kind of budget-driven decisions that cut nearly all the service’s advanced combat aircraft purchases since the Cold War. Join us to learn about what it will take to make B-21 succeed. Credits: Host: John "Slick" Baum, Senior Fellow, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies Producer: Shane Thin Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey Guest: Maj Gen Larry Stutzriem, USAF (Ret.), Director of Research, The Mitchell Institute Guest: Mark Gunzinger, Director of Future Concepts and Capability Assessments, The Mitchell Institute 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 #b-21 #bomber #report Thank you for your continued support!

Episode Summary: In Episode 127 of the Aerospace Advantage, A Conversation with Rep Rob Wittman (R-VA): Congressional Insights, John Baum and Lt Gen Dave Deptula, USAF (Ret.), chat with one of the leading national authorities on defense. After three decades of sole superpower status, the United States finds itself stretched thin as it struggles to deal with the rapid rise of an assertive China and an increasingly aggressive Russia, along with a nuclear weapons ambitious Iran and North Korea. While not existential threats, non-state aggressors in the Middle East, Africa, and beyond demand attention too. This scope of concurrent security demands, ranging the full spectrum of the threat envelope, places an extremely heavy burden on the U.S. defense establishment. Decisions made by Congress are critical to addressing these factors—whether from a policy, budget, or oversight vantage. This episode will explore these challenges through the eyes of Rep Rob Wittman (R-VA), the Chairman of the House Armed Services subcommittee on Tactical Air and Land Forces and a member of the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee. These two committees collectively cover Air Force fighters, bombers, UAVs, airlifters, cargo aircraft, munitions, and much of the R&D portfolio. Credits: Host: John "Slick" Baum, Senior Fellow, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies Producer: Shane Thin Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey Guest: Lt Gen David Deptula, USAF (Ret.), Dean, The Mitchell Institute Guest: Representative Rob Wittman (R-01) 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 #congress Thank you for your continued support!

Episode Summary: In Episode 126 of the Aerospace Advantage, F-35 Update: Test Flight Perspective, John Baum discusses what happens when an F-35 rolls off the production line and executes its first flights with Lockheed Martin F-35 test pilot Tony “Brick” Wilson and J.R. McDonald, Vice President for F-35 Business Development. Back in December, the Mitchell Institute met with the key folks who are building America’s newest fighter, the F-35. We learned about how one factory in Texas is revolutionizing what it means to produce cutting-edge 5th generation combat aircraft at a build rate we haven’t seen since the Cold War. Given the threats facing our nation and the imperative to refresh the Air Force fighter inventory, we need to get these planes on the flightline fast. So do the Marine Corps, Navy, and our allies. Today, we’re going to circle back on this topic to talk about the other half of the equation: what happens to the jets when they first take to the sky, and what do we need to consider when it comes to flight operations? Credits: Host: John "Slick" Baum, Senior Fellow, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies Producer: Shane Thin Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey Guest: Tony "Brick" Wilson, Chief of Fighter Flight Operations, Lockheed Martin Guest: J.R. McDonald, Vice President, F-35 Business Development, Lockheed Martin 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 #lmco #f35 #jets #ftworth Thank you for your continued support!

Episode Summary: In Episode 125 of the Aerospace Advantage, Fighters on the Brink: ANG Flightline Perspective, Doug Birkey discusses a looming capacity cliff with Maj Gen Paul Rogers, the Adjutant General of the Michigan National Guard; Brig Gen Tim Donnellan, Commander of the Idaho Air National Guard; along with Lt Gen Dave Deptula, USAF (Ret.) and Heather Penney of the Mitchell Institute. The Air Force needs new fighters, and it needs them fast. When the Cold War ended, defense leaders cut the Air Force’s fighter inventory by half. Service officials were willing to assume this risk because they were expecting to procure a new generation of highly capable fighters in the form of the F-22 and F-35. The problem is that this plan fell apart. We never bought enough F-22s, and F-35 production hasn’t hit the levels required to reset the inventory. Remember those F-15s that were pulled from Kadena last year—because they were worn out—without a direct replacement? That was a powerful indicator about the scale of the current capacity challenge. The Air Force’s fighter enterprise is literally collapsing, and even though the service is planning on buying 72 jets this year, inventories are so strained that this number falls short. This is a total force problem impacting active duty, reserve, and the Air National Guard. 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 Guest: Heather Penney, Senior Fellow, The Mitchell Institute Guest: Maj Gen Paul Rogers, Adjutant General, Michigan National Guard Guest: Brig Gen Timothy Donnellan, Commander, Idaho Air National Guard 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 #nationalguard #airpower Thank you for your continued support!

See our Spacepower Security Forum coverage here! Episode Summary: In Episode 124 of the Aerospace Advantage, Spacepower Security Forum: Key Takeaways, Doug Birkey chats with Tim Ryan and Charles Galbreath of Mitchell Institute’s Spacepower Advantage Center of Excellence about our second annual Spacepower Security Forum. This event provided one-stop shopping of key space topics by space leaders. From the Chief of Space Operations, Gen B. Chance Saltzman, talking about “Competitive Endurance” and Lt Gen Burt on the critical missile warning and tracking missions, to Maj Gen Miller discussing how to protect and defend space capabilities. If that wasn’t enough, we had the SDA Director, CTIO and key acquisition leaders as well. Tim, Charles, and Doug discuss what the speakers had to say and why it matters. Credits: Host: Douglas Birkey, Executive Director, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies Producer: Shane Thin Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey Guest: Tim Ryan, Senior Fellow for Spacepower Studies, The Mitchell Institute Guest: Charles Galbreath, Senior Fellow for Spacepower Studies, The Mitchell Institute 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 #space #spaceday #spaceforce Thank you for your continued support!

Episode Summary: In Episode 123 of the Aerospace Advantage, The Air Battle for Taiwan: Lessons Learned from Ukraine’s Drone Operations, John Baum chats with drone experts Sam Bendett of the Center for Naval Analysis and Mitchell Institute’s own Dr. Caitlin Lee. The war in Ukraine has turned the world’s attention to the game-changing potential of networked, autonomous drone technologies. But to what extent are the lessons learned from Ukraine relevant to the Indo-Pacific theater? It’s too early to say definitively because the conflict is still ongoing. But this question deserves careful analysis because DOD and the military services are all looking at drones to rapidly increase the capability and capacity of their forces in the Indo-Pacific. In this episode, we’ll discuss the range of drone technologies and concepts that have been employed by both Russia and Ukraine and share some thoughts on how these observations should shape our thinking about the capabilities, forces and postures necessary for drones to make a difference in a US-China conflict. Credits: Host: Lt Col (Ret.) John “Slick” Baum, Senior Fellow, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies Producer: Shane Thin Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey Guest: Dr. Caitlin Lee, Senior Fellow for UAV Studies, The Mitchell Institute Guest: Samuel Bendett, Russia Studies Expert, The Center for Naval Analysis 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 #drones #ukraine Thank you for your continued support!

Episode Summary: In Episode 122 of the Aerospace Advantage, Air and Space in the FY24 Defense Budget, China and Russia Update, and Fighters on the Brink: The Rendezvous, Douglas Birkey chats with Lt Gen David Deptula, USAF (Ret.), Lt Gen Joseph Guastella, USAF (Ret.), Todd Harmer, Anthony Lazarski, and Tim Ryan about some of the latest developments in the national security realm. Our conversation begins with a discussion about Congress’ reaction to the FY24 defense budget submission, with a special focus on air and space power. We then explore China and Russia’s increasing alignment, plus the latest developments in Ukraine. We round out the conversation discussing key trends with the Air Force’s fighter inventories, along with hot button topics that will garner significant attention on Capitol Hill this year, like engine options for the F-35 and future tanker plans. Join us for unique aerospace insights on the issues you’ve seen in the headlines. Credits: Host: Lt Col (Ret.) John “Slick” Baum, Senior Fellow, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies Producer: Shane Thin Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey Guest: Lt Gen (Ret.) David Deptula, Dean, The Mitchell Institute Guest: Lt Gen (Ret.) Joseph Guastella, Senior Fellow, The Mitchell Institute Guest: Col (Ret.) Todd "Sledge" Harmer, Senior Vice President, American Defense International Guest: Col (Ret.) Anthony "Lazer" Lazarski, Principal at Cornerstone Government Affairs Guest: Tim Ryan, Senior Fellow for Space Studies, The Mitchell Institute 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 #thehill Thank you for your continued support!

Episode Summary: In Episode 121 of the Aerospace Advantage, China’s Diplomatic Ascent: Key Observations, John “Slick” Baum talks with China expert Daniel Rice about how the Asian superpower is gaining increased influence around the globe. Much of this ties to China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), a large-scale infrastructure and investment project first put forward by Xi Jinping in 2013. Since then, it has served as a center piece of Chinese foreign policy. This episode explores how China is using BRI to spread its influence abroad and how BRI has evolved over time. We also discuss China’s strategic partnership and support of Russia, including how China is leveraging BRI to further this engagement. Credits: Host: Lt Col (Ret.) John “Slick” Baum, Senior Fellow, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies Producer: Shane Thin Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey Guest: Dan Rice, China Expert, Brute Krulak Center for Innovation and Future Warfare, Marine Corps 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 Thank you for your continued support!

Episode Summary: In Episode 120 of the Aerospace Advantage, Space Security Imperative: Issue Update, John “Slick” Baum talks to Tim Ryan, Henry Heren, and Charles Galbreath of the Mitchell Institute Spacepower Advantage Center of Excellence (MI-SPACE) about the latest spacepower topics you’ve seen in the headlines. There’s a lot to track: adversary threats in orbit, spacepower lessons learned from the conflict in Ukraine, the potential for a Space National Guard, commercial industry’s role in spacepower, and General Saltzman’s lines of effort for the Space Force. Each of these issues promises to be exceedingly impactful. So, if you want to get up to speed on what matters in all things military spacepower, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. Credits: Host: Lt Col (Ret.) John “Slick” Baum, Senior Fellow, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies Producer: Shane Thin Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey Guest: Tim Ryan, Senior Fellow for Space Studies, The Mitchell Institute Guest: Henry "Blue" Heren, Senior Fellow for Space Studies, The Mitchell Institute Guest: Charles Galbreath, Senior Fellow for Space Studies, The Mitchell Institute 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 #space #spacepower Thank you for your continued support!

Episode Summary: In Episode 119 of the Aerospace Advantage, Air Combat Survivability Imperative: Through a POW’s Experience, John “Slick” Baum, Maj Gen Larry “Stutz” Stutzriem, USAF (Ret.), and Heather “Lucky” Penney interview Lt Col Gene Smith, USAF (Ret.) about what it was like to get shot down in his F-105 over downtown Hanoi on October 25, 1967. This was just one of the 1,737 USAF aircraft lost to hostile action over Vietnam. That number equates to roughly 80% of the Air Force’s fighter inventory today. Members of the Mitchell team also discuss steps the Air Force should consider as it prepares for an increasingly hostile future threat environment and speak to a museum leader who is helping educate future generations about this history. As Smith’s story reminds us, effective airpower demands that aircrew fly into harm’s way, execute their missions, and return to base—and then do it all over again to sustain broader air campaign objectives. If attrition grows too high, then sorties cannot be sustained. These sorts of casualty rates are hard to imagine today given that we’ve become used to combat operations in relatively low threat conditions. Tomorrow’s conflicts promise to be far more lethal. Credits: Host: Lt Col (Ret.) John “Slick” Baum, Senior Fellow, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies Producer: Shane Thin Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey Guest: Maj Gen (Ret.) Larry "Stutz" Stutzriem, Director of Research, The Mitchell Institute Guest: Heather Penney, Senior Fellow, The Mitchell Institute Guest: Lt Col (Ret.) Richard "Gene" Smith Guest: Rob Collings, President, The American Heritage Museum 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 #survivor Thank you for your continued support!

Episode Summary: In Episode 118 of the Aerospace Advantage, China Update, FY24 Defense Budget, and Russia’s Intentions: The Rendezvous, Douglas Birkey chats with Lt Gen David Deptula, USAF (Ret.), Lt Gen Joseph Guastella, USAF (Ret.), Todd Harmer, Anthony Lazarski, and Daniel Rice about some of the latest developments in the national security realm. Our conversation begins with a discussion regarding the one-year anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. We then explore China and Russia’s increasing alignment, plus Russia’s decision to suspend its participation in New START. We round out the conversation discussing FY24 defense budget expectations and consider the long-term implications for homeland defense given the Chinese surveillance balloon. Join us for unique aerospace insights on the issues you’ve seen in the headlines. Credits: Host: Douglas Birkey, Executive Director, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies Producer: Shane Thin Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey Guest: Lt Gen (Ret.) David Deptula, Dean, The Mitchell Institute Guest: Lt Gen (Ret.) Joseph Guastella, Senior Fellow, The Mitchell Institute Guest: Col (Ret.) Todd "Sledge" Harmer, Senior Vice President, American Defense International Guest: Col (Ret.) Anthony "Lazer" Lazarski, Principal at Cornerstone Government Affairs Guest: Dan Rice, China Expert, Brute Krulak Center for Innovation and Future Warfare, Marine Corps 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 #rendezvous #china #russia Thank you for your continued support!

Episode Summary: In episode 117 of the Aerospace Advantage, Effective Airpower: It Takes Informed Perspectives, John “Slick” Baum talks to Col Mathew Berry, commandant of the Air Force’s Air Command and Staff College (ACSC), and Col Sarah Bakhtiari, Dean of Education at ACSC about how they are working to train the next generation of airmen. For the past two decades, the United States national security community was predominantly focused on counter insurgency combat operations in Afghanistan and Iraq. With the sunset of those missions and the rise of peer adversaries like China and Russia, paired with the continued threat posed by mid-tier actors like Iran and North Korea, it is critical to ensure airmen understand these new threat paradigms and how best to apply airpower in support of national security objectives. Much of this education takes place at Air University (AU)—the service’s preeminent professional military education institution. This episode will explore how leaders at ACSC, a key component of AU, are facilitating this transition to help cultivate air-minded airmen equipped to meet the challenges that increasingly define the national security environment in which they must operate. Credits: Host: Lt Col (Ret.) John “Slick” Baum, Senior Fellow, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies Producer: Shane Thin Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey Guest: Col Mathew Berry, Commandant, Air Command and Staff College Guest: Col Sarah Bakhtiari, Dean of Education, Air Command and Staff College 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 #acsc #airmen Thank you for your continued support!

Episode Summary: In episode 116 of the Aerospace Advantage, That Others May Live: CSAR in Future Conflicts, John “Slick” Baum talks to Col Russ “Bones” Cook, 23rd Wing Commander of Air Force Rescue at Moody AFB; Lt Col Patrick “TISL” Parrish, National Defense Fellow at the Congressional Research Service and long-time A-10 pilot; and Michael “Mongo” Kingry, Air Force Fellow at the Mitchell Institute, about the challenges facing the USAF’s Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR) mission as it looks to adapt to changing global threats. Bottom line—this is a fantastic opportunity to hear an operator-level perspective from those who are directly engaged with this crucial mission. With the 2022 National Defense Strategy (NDS) focusing on China as the pacing threat and Russia as the acute threat, the CSAR environment transitions from counterinsurgency to highly contested peer conflicts. The team considers what CSAR operations in the Western Pacific theatre will look like, the unique challenges that distance and geography will present, and the importance of preparing and advocating for a rescue force that will be able to recover Americans, allies, and partners in future conflicts. Credits: Host: Lt Col (Ret.) John “Slick” Baum, Senior Fellow, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies Producer: Shane Thin Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey Guest: Michael "Mongo" Kingry, Air Force Fellow, The Mitchell Institute Guest: Col Russ “Bones” Cook, 23rd Wing Commander of Air Force Rescue at Moody AFB Guest: Lt Col Patrick “TISL” Parrish, National Defense Fellow at the Congressional Research Service 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 #csar #usaf #rescue Thank you for your continued support!

Episode Summary: In episode 115 of the Aerospace Advantage, Aerospace Chief Conversation: RCAF Commander Lt Gen Kenny, John “Slick” Baum and Lt Gen Dave Deptula, USAF (Ret.) chat with the Commander of the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF). The RCAF is one of the U.S. Air Force’s and Space Force’s closest partners. We’ve repeatedly gone to war together—going all the way back to the dawn of air combat in WWI. And given that we share the same continent, Canada and the U.S. are fundamentally aligned when it comes to the northern tier defense mission, something that is more relevant than ever given adversary activity we are seeing in the Arctic. Canada, as a key NORAD partner, holds a very special place in the U.S. homeland defense mission. This cooperation also extends on orbit, with the RCAF and Space Force closely aligned, especially with a new memorandum of understanding. Learn more about the RCAF as they undergo a major transformation with their capabilities in air and space. This conversation includes specific focus on Canada’s acquisition of the F-35, remotely piloted aircraft system (RPAS), a new training aircraft, a new aerial tanker, and spacepower initiatives. Credits: Host: Lt Col (Ret.) John “Slick” Baum, Senior Fellow, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies Producer: Shane Thin Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey Guest: Lt Gen (Ret.) David Deptula, Dean, The Mitchell Institute Guest: Lt Gen Eric Kenny, Commander, Royal Canadian Air 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 #rcaf #canada #airforce #partners Thank you for your continued support!

Episode Summary: In Episode 114 of the Aerospace Advantage, Debt Ceiling Debate, Airpower for Ukraine, and DOD’s New AI Policy: The Rendezvous, John Baum chats with Lt Gen David Deptula, USAF (Ret.), Todd Harmer, Anthony Lazarski, and Caitlin Lee about some of the latest developments in the national security realm. Our conversation begins with a discussion regarding the Congressional debt ceiling debate and the potential impact various outcomes could have upon defense. We then examine Turkey’s desire to secure F-16s and how this connects into broader NATO membership plans for Sweden and Finland. The conversation also covers if and how airpower assistance can be provided to Ukraine and DOD’s new policy on AI. We wrap with a look at lower-profile, but consequential, security challenges around the globe. Credits: Host: Lt Col (Ret.) John “Slick” Baum, Senior Fellow, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies Producer: Shane Thin Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey Guest: Lt Gen (Ret.) David Deptula, Dean, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies Guest: Col (Ret.) Todd "Sledge" Harmer, Senior Vice President, American Defense International Guest: Col (Ret.) Anthony "Lazer" Lazarski, Principal at Cornerstone Government Affairs Guest: Dr. Caitlin Lee, Senior Fellow for UAV and Autonomy Studies, The Mitchell Institute Submit Your Questions: [email protected] 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 #speaker #congress #rendezvous #debt Thank you for your continued support!

Episode Summary: In episode 113 of the Aerospace Advantage, Insider Perspective: Innovating and Building Next Gen CCA, John “Slick” Baum chats with Robert “Otis” Winkler from KRATOS Defense about what it’s like to design, develop, and field a next generation UAV, what the Air Force now calls Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA). Uninhabited aircraft have been a fixture in the U.S. airpower arsenal for over two decades. However, evolving operational demand, paired with new technologies, is rapidly changing the scale and scope of these aircraft. We heard from government leaders on this topic last week. This episode looks at the other half of the equation by exploring this topic through an industry lens. Credits: Host: Lt Col (Ret.) John “Slick” Baum, Senior Fellow, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies Producer: Shane Thin Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey Guest: Robert "Otis" Winkler, Vice President, Corporate Development and National Security Programs, KRATOS Defense Guest: Doug Birkey, Executive Director, The Mitchell Institute 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 #uav #cca #drone #kratos Thank you for your continued support!

Episode Summary: In episode 112 of the Aerospace Advantage, Deploying the Swarm: Autonomous Drone Operations in Denied Environments, John Baum chats about the challenges of operating drone swarms during a great power conflict with Dr. Doug Meador, the Autonomous Collaborative Vehicles Portfolio manager within AFRL's Aerospace Systems Directorate; Lt Colonel Ryan “SCUDS” Slaughter, the lead for Autonomous Collaborative Platforms in the Headquarters AF Strategy, Integration and Requirements directorate; plus Caitlin Lee and Mark Gunzinger from the Mitchell Institute team. In popular depictions, drones swarms always seem to show up at exactly the right moment, in seemingly infinite numbers, to attack their targets. But in real life combat, deploying drone swarms will require new, thoughtful and creative approaches to operations, logistics, and maintenance. As the Air Force gets ready to field a new generation of autonomous drones – known as collaborative combat aircraft–CCAs–it will have to address these very practical considerations. On today’s podcast, we bring together operators, scientists and policy experts to identify the challenges of deploying a drone swarm in a combat environment and their implications for CCA design. Credits: Host: Lt Col (Ret.) John “Slick” Baum, Senior Fellow, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies Producer: Shane Thin Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey Guest: Dr. Doug Meador, Autonomous Collaborative Vehicles Portfolio manager, AFRL Aerospace Systems Directorate Guest: Lt Colonel Ryan “SCUDS” Slaughter, Autonomous Collaborative Platforms Lead, Headquarters AF Strategy, Integration and Requirements Directorate Guest: Dr. Caitlin Lee, Senior Fellow for UAV and Autonomy Studies, The Mitchell Institute Guest: Mark Gunzinger, Director, Future Concepts and Capability Assessments, The Mitchell Institute 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 #uav #cca #drone Thank you for your continued support!

Episode Summary: In Episode 111 of the Aerospace Advantage, Congressional Drama and Defense, New F-35 Contract, Space Update, and Ukraine: The Rendezvous, John Baum chats with Lt Gen David Deptula, USAF (Ret.), Todd Harmer, Anthony Lazarski, and Tim Ryan. The churn we all saw in the House of Representative as members struggled to elect the Speaker of the House has implications for defense—our conversation breaks down key perspectives. We also discuss the latest F-35 contract and how new pricing will impact the future of the program. Our team also assesses challenges and opportunities for the Space Force as we look to 2023. The conversation wraps with an update regarding factors to consider as fighting continues in Ukraine. This is an important set of conversations as we consider the vector top defense issues will take as 2023 unfolds. Credits: Host: Lt Col (Ret.) John “Slick” Baum, Senior Fellow, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies Producer: Shane Thin Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey Guest: Lt Gen (Ret.) David Deptula, Dean, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies Guest: Col (Ret.) Todd "Sledge" Harmer, Senior Vice President, American Defense International Guest: Col (Ret.) Anthony "Lazer" Lazarski, Principal at Cornerstone Government Affairs Guest: Tim Ryan, Senior Fellow for Space Studies, The Mitchell Institute Submit Your Questions: [email protected] 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 #speaker #congress #rendezvous #ukraine Thank you for your continued support!

Episode Summary: In Episode 110 of the Aerospace Advantage podcast, Russian Airpower in Ukraine: Lessons for the West, John “Slick” Baum chats with Dr. Justin Bronk of the Royal United Services Institute for Defense and Security Studies along with Heather “Lucky” Penney and Lt Col Michael “Mongo” Kingry of our Mitchell Institute team about key takeaways from the Ukraine-Russia war. Media reports have largely focused on the ground war, but the opening stages of the conflict saw a fierce air battle. And it’s still unfolding. We need to discuss this, because it has challenged a lot of the assumptions about the Russian air force and what a modern air campaign looks like against advanced systems and a determined enemy. Unfortunately, many pundits are drawing the exact wrong conclusion from this fight. This episode explores the strategies and tactics the combatants are employing, the hardware they are bringing to the fight, and what it means for the wider war. We’ll also look at what lessons can be learned by NATO and the United States as war rages in Eastern Europe and adversaries around the globe evaluate the Western response. Credits: Host: Lt Col (Ret.) John “Slick” Baum, Senior Fellow, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies Producer: Shane Thin Producer: Patrick Gensel Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey Guest: Dr. Justin Bronk, Airpower Research Fellow, Military Sciences at Royal United Services Institute Guest: Heather Penney, Senior Fellow, The Mitchell Institute Guest: Lt Col Michael Kingry, Air Force Fellow, The Mitchell Institute 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 #Ukraine #Russia #AirSuperiority #IADs #NATO #UAVs Thank you for your continued support!

Episode Summary: In Episode 109 of the Aerospace Advantage podcast, Strapping into the Cockpit: Mitchell Institute Heads into the Sky Part II, our team members recount some of their most memorable experiences flying and fighting. You normally hear us talking about policy and budget issues, but over the holiday season, we decided it was time to kick back and reflect upon the high adventures of past years. This week, we hear from Gen Kevin Chilton, USAF (Ret.) as he explains what happened when the missile he just launched formed up on him, not the intended target; Maj Gen Larry "Stutz" Stutzriem, USAF (Ret.) talks about leading a 24 ship flight of F-16s in the weather on a comm-out training sortie…and then losing spatial orientation; Chris "Jekyll" Brunner remembers a time when he was flying a B-1 combat sortie with hung bombs, significant diplomatic issues flaring up, and a low fuel situation in play; Heather Penney shares a moment of levity from the middle of a combat sortie over Iraq when she encountered a huge number of enemy tanks; and Slick shares a Thunderbird memory that will make you laugh out loud. Credits: Host: John "Slick" Baum, Senior Fellow, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies Producer: Shane Thin Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey Guest: Gen Kevin Chilton, USAF (Ret.), Explorer Chair at MI-SPACE, The Mitchell Institute Guest: Maj Gen Larry "Stutz" Stutzriem, USAF (Ret.), Director of Research, The Mitchell Institute Guest: Chris "Jekyll" Brunner, Senior Fellow, The Mitchell Institute Guest: Heather Penney, Senior Fellow, The Mitchell Institute Guest: John "Slick" Baum 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 #stories #fighter #usaf #bomber Thank you for your continued support!

Episode Summary: In Episode 108 of the Aerospace Advantage podcast, Strapping into the Cockpit: Mitchell Institute Heads into the Sky, our team members recount some of their most memorable experiences flying and fighting. You normally hear us talking about policy and budget issues, but over the holiday season, we decided it was time to kick back and reflect upon the high adventures of past years. This week, we hear from Lt Gen Joseph Guastella Jr., USAF (Ret.), Lt Gen Dave Deptula, USAF (Ret.), Mark Gunzinger, plus Air Force Fellows Lt Col Michael Kingry and Lt Col Sarah Brehm. So this episode is for you if you want to know what it’s like to attack enemy forces in an A-10, direct strikes as an impromptu forward air controller, make it back to base in a B-52 with a major portion of the tail missing, launch on a nerve-wracking combat search and rescue mission, or fly with Air Force Special Operations in Africa. Credits: Host: Douglas Birkey, Executive Director, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies Producer: Shane Thin Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey Guest: Lt Gen Joseph Guastella Jr., USAF (Ret.), Non-Resident Fellow, The Mitchell Institute Guest: Lt Gen Dave Deptula, USAF (Ret.), Dean, The Mitchell Institute Guest: Col. (Ret.) Mark Gunzinger, Director, Future Concepts and Capability Assessments, The Mitchell Institute Guest: Lt Col Michael Kingry, Air Force Fellow, The Mitchell Institute Guest: Lt Col Sarah Brehm, Air Force Fellow, The Mitchell Institute 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 #stories #fighter #usaf #bomber Thank you for your continued support!

Episode Summary: In Episode 107 of the Aerospace Advantage podcast, Building the Future of Airpower Today: F-35 Production, John “Slick” Baum visits Lockheed Martin’s F-35 production line in Fort Worth, TX, where he chats with Steve Howes, vice president for F-35 production operations, and J.R. McDonald, vice president for F-35 business development. There’s no question that the F-35 is the world’s most lethal, survivable, and connected fighter aircraft. However, it’s one thing to talk about this sort of capability and quite another to actually produce it. Things became even more interesting when fate tossed in curveballs from COVID, global supply chain challenges, and historic levels of inflation. This episode digs into everything from what it takes to build this unrivaled aircraft to how the team has overcome challenges and what it means to insert new capabilities on a production line. This is a unique opportunity to talk to the industry leaders who are actually building tomorrow’s airpower. Credits: Host: Lt Col (Ret.) John “Slick” Baum, Senior Fellow, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies Producer: Shane Thin Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey Guest: Steve Howes, Vice President for F-35 Production Operations, Lockheed Martin Guest: J.R. McDonald, Vice President for F-35 Business Development, Lockheed Martin 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 #F35 #fighter #usaf #allies Thank you for your continued support!

Episode Summary: In Episode 106 of the Aerospace Advantage podcast, We’ve Seen the B-21: What Comes Next?, John “Slick” Baum chats with Lt Gen Dave Deptula, USAF (Ret.), Mark Gunzinger, and Doug Birkey of the Mitchell Institute team about their experiences at the B-21 rollout and what the future will hold for America’s newest bomber. Opening the hanger doors and rolling the aircraft out for public viewing earlier this month marked a key juncture towards rebuilding America’s airpower arsenal. It all comes down to producing the long-range sensor/shooter capabilities in adequate capacity that the nation will need to meet tomorrow’s threats. Combatant commanders simply can’t get enough bombers these days, so we can’t get B-21s on the ramp soon enough. These members of the Mitchell Institute team were part of a select group to see this aircraft during its December 2nd rollout; in this episode, they discuss the event, first impressions of the aircraft, and key factors that will shape the future of the program. Credits: Host: Lt Col (Ret.) John “Slick” Baum, Senior Fellow, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies Producer: Shane Thin Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey Guest: Lt Gen (Ret.) David Deptula, Dean, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies Guest: Mark Gunzinger, Director, Future Concepts and Capability Assessments, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies Guest: Douglas Birkey, Executive Director, 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 #b21 #bomber #usaf #lrs Thank you for your continued support!

Episode Summary: In Episode 105 of the Aerospace Advantage podcast, Congressional Update, B-21 Rollout, & CCA Vectors: The Rendezvous, John “Slick” Baum chats with Lt Gen Dave Deptula, USAF (Ret.), Anthony Lazarski, Todd Harmer, and Caitlin Lee to discuss the air and space topics that you’ve seen in the national security headlines. This week, we consider how the Congressional election results will impact defense priorities on The Hill, thoughts regarding the FY24 defense budget submission, latest developments for collaborative combat aircraft (CCA), the latest news regarding Ukraine, and what it will take for the defense bills to cross the finish line this year. We also share our perspectives on long range strike, given the B-21 debut to the public on 2 December. A lot has happened this month and we break it all down in this episode. Credits: Host: Lt Col (Ret.) John “Slick” Baum, Senior Fellow, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies Producer: Shane Thin Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey Guest: Lt Gen (Ret.) David Deptula, Dean, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies Guest: Col (Ret.) Todd "Sledge" Harmer, Senior Vice President, American Defense International Guest: Col (Ret.) Anthony "Lazer" Lazarski, Principal at Cornerstone Government Affairs Submit Your Questions: [email protected] 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 #b21 #bomber #rendezvous #ukraine Thank you for your continued support!