Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast The Aerospace Advantage

Episode Summary:

Major Kyle “Ghengis” Rimando, Chief of the Space Strategy Branch at SF S5/8, and Dr. John J. “Patsy” Klein, Senior Fellow and Strategist at Falcon Research Inc., join host Heather “Lucky” Penney—along with Mitchell Institute Senior Fellows Charles Galbreath and Jen “Boots” Reeves—to discuss key concepts regarding space domain awareness, offensive and defensive counterspace operations, and what it will take to secure space superiority. They explore lessons learned from recent operations; plus, important considerations tied to joint and cyber integration. This is fundamentally tied to the Space Force’s latest document: Space Warfighting: A Framework for Planners.

Credits:

Host: Heather "Lucky" Penney, Director of Research, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies

Producer: Shane Thin 

Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey

Guest: Charles Galbreath, Senior Resident Fellow for Space Studies, The Mitchell Institute Spacepower Advantage Center of Excellence (MI-SPACE)

Guest: Jennifer "Boots" Reeves, Senior Resident Fellow for Space Studies, The Mitchell Institute Spacepower Advantage Center of Excellence (MI-SPACE)

Guest: Major Kyle “Ghengis” Rimando, Chief, Space Strategy Branch, SF S5/8

Guest: Dr. John J. “Patsy” Klein, Senior Fellow and Strategist at Falcon Research Inc.

Links:

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#MitchellStudies #AerospaceAdvantage #Space

Episode Summary:

Heather Penney explores national security artificial intelligence applications and considerations with Sean Moriarty and Leonard Law of Primer, a leading AI company. We explore how AI can help improve U.S. defense capabilities, discuss how vulnerabilities and challenges can be managed, while also addressing market conditions required to transition this technology to reality. How do we assure quality data and security of the AI tool and its outputs? How do we avoid ingesting bad data without ignoring emerging battlespace information in the battlespace? And perhaps most importantly, how do we generate trust between warfighters and AI? All of this must be generated at the pace of battlespace relevance.

Credits:

Host: Heather "Lucky" Penney, Director of Research, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies

Producer: Shane Thin 

Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey

Guest: Sean Moriarty, Chief Executive Officer, Primer Technologies

Guest: Leonard Law, Chief Product Officer, Primer Technologies

Links:

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#MitchellStudies #AerospaceAdvantage #CCA #AI

Episode Summary:

AI is one of the hottest topics in defense, especially when it ties to Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA). While seeing these new aircraft fly is super impressive, it’s crucial that we think about all phases of the mission, including how warfighters will interact with the CCA agents. To be clear, this goes beyond the tactical user interface during mission execution – we need to be thinking about how we continue to train the autonomy after landing. This means debriefing. How will we debrief CCA after the mission? How should we integrate debriefing CCA with human formations? We must understand how we operated as a team to learn the right lessons for both human pilots and the CCA agents. Joining our host Heather “Lucky” Penney to dig into this are two AI experts: Mike “Pako” Benitez of Shield AI and Ray “Krypto” O’Mara of the Mitchell Institute.

Credits:

Host: Heather "Lucky" Penney, Director of Research, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies

Producer: Shane Thin 

Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey

Guest: Ray “Krypto” O’Mara, Senior Fellow for Airpower Studies, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies

Guest: Mike "Pako" Benitez, Senior Director of Strategic Product Development, Shield AI

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#MitchellStudies #AerospaceAdvantage #CCA #AI

Episode Summary:

In this episode, Heather “Lucky” Penney talks to Lt. Gen. David Deptula, USAF (Ret.), Charles Galbreath, Todd “Sledge” Harmer, Anthony “Lazer” Lazarski, JV Venable, and Brig. Gen. Houston Cantwell, USAF (Ret.) about the top defense issues this month in Washington, D.C. and beyond.

Our team digs into what a new Chief of Staff of the Air Force will mean for the service and the broader defense environment. They also discuss the CCA’s first flight, plus Gen. Adrian Spain’s call for an increased focus on readiness in his new capacity as commander of Air Combat Command. We look at a broad array of spacepower developments—everything from the most recent Starship launch to the X-37B mission and NTS-3.  Added to that, there are also a lot of issues going on with our partners and allies—quite a few are boosting their defense budgets, but some are calling into question buying U.S. systems. What does this mean for the defense ecosystem? We wrap looking at where the Sentinel Program is headed these days and consider the latest with B-21 and B-52 modernization efforts.

Credits:

Host: Heather "Lucky" Penney, Director of Research, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies

Producer: Shane Thin 

Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey

Guest: Lt Gen David A. Deptula, USAF (Ret.), Dean, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies

Guest: Brig. Gen. Houston "Slider" Cantwell, Senior Fellow for Airpower Studies, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies

Guest: John "JV" Venable, Senior Fellow for Airpower Studies, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies

Guest: Charles Galbreath, Senior Resident Fellow for Space Studies, The Mitchell Institute Spacepower Advantage Center of Excellence (MI-SPACE)

Guest: Todd “Sledge” Harmer, Senior Vice President, American Defense International

Guest: Anthony “Lazer” Lazarski, Principal, Cornerstone Government Affairs

Links:

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#MitchellStudies #AerospaceAdvantage #rendezvous

Episode Summary:

America’s ability to secure its interests, whether deterring conflict or fighting and wining, demands a robust Air Force. The current security environment will tolerate nothing less. The service has traditionally measured its prowess via capacity, capabilities, and readiness. The Air Force currently lags in each of these three areas. Want proof? The service’s FY 2025 budget request sought to divest 250 aircraft, while only procuring 91. The FY 2026 request seeks to divest 340 aircraft, while only acquiring 76. It is essential that the Trump administration and Congress reverse the service’s decline in capacity, capability, and readiness.

In this episode, Lt. Gen. David Deptula, USAF (Ret.), JV Venable, and Robert “Otis” Winkler discuss these challenges and outline what needs to be done to reset the Air Force. JV just completed a major report on this topic, and the conversation centers around the top findings. The time for concerted action is now.

Credits:

Host: Douglas Birkey, Executive Director, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies

Producer: Shane Thin 

Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey

Guest: Lt. Gen. David Deptula, USAF (Ret.), Dean, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies

Guest: John "JV" Venable, Senior Fellow for Airpower Studies, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies

Guest: Robert "Otis" Winkler, Vice President, Corporate Development and National Security Programs, Kratos Defense and Security Solutions

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#MitchellStudies #AerospaceAdvantage #China #readiness

Episode Summary:

This week we’re talking about what it’ll take to project airpower into the heart of the fight in a conflict with China. Most of the time we think about enemy fighter planes, surface-to-air missiles, and AAA, but the biggest challenge might come down to electromagnetic spectrum operations. China has long-studied US warfighting constructs and they know that our forces are highly reliant on networked operations. Whether thinking about command and control, teaming mission assets real-time, or taking advantage of connectivity to space… the American way of war, especially airpower, requires a lot of connectivity. They’ve focused a tremendous amount of energy to degrade and deny this communication. That has huge implications for our forces.

It’s exactly what Mike Dahm investigated in his latest report—Disconnected by Design—Fifth and Sixth Generation Aircraft in Disaggregated Collaborative Air Operations. The concept relies upon a force of fifth and sixth-generation aircraft, plus CCA, that can penetrate adversary air defenses, sensing, coordinating, and executing individual actions at the tactical edge of the battlespace.

Credits:

Host: Douglas Birkey, Executive Director, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies

Producer: Shane Thin 

Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey

Guest: J. Michael "JDAM" Dahm, Senior Fellow for Aerospace and China Studies, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies

Guest: Col. Russell "Big" Badowski, Assistant Professor, Eisenhower School for National Security and Resource Strategy, National Defense University

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#MitchellStudies #AerospaceAdvantage #China #fifthgenerationaircraft

Episode Summary:

During the Cold War, all eyes faced north anticipating a Soviet attack across the North Pole. The U.S. Air Force was front and center operating air defense radars and sitting alert. Decades later, America finds itself coming full circle. Modern airborne threats like cruise and hypersonic missiles, plus long-range drones threaten the homeland. Maj. Gen. Pete Fesler, USAF (Ret.), Maj. Gen. Larry Stutzriem, USAF (Ret.), and Brig. Gen. Houston Cantwell, USAF (Ret.) discuss how to ensure we’re prepared for these threats.

Credits:

Host: Heather "Lucky" Penney, Director of Research, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies

Producer: Shane Thin 

Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey

Guest: Maj. Gen. Larry Stutzriem, USAF (Ret.), Executive Vice President, Air & Space Forces Association

Guest: Brig. Gen. Houston Cantwell, USAF (Ret.), Senior Resident Fellow for Airpower Studies at the Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies

Guest: Maj. Gen. Pete Fesler, Deputy Director of Operations, Headquarters North American Aerospace Defense Command

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Image Credit: U.S. Department of Defense

#MitchellStudies #AerospaceAdvantage #ArcticDomain #ColdWar #AirDefense

Episode Summary:

America is running short on munitions. With so many conflicts ongoing, our consumption is outpacing what we can build, and we are digging into their stockpiles to sustain current operations. And to be clear…if America is in a fight, we can’t stop until we win. This episode explores this the munitions gap and what folks are doing to try and fix it. And we’re doing this through a case study approach by speaking with Nick Bucci, vice president of defense systems and technologies at General Atomic EMS. They recently partnered with Rafael to build their Bullseye missile here in the United States. This is important because it’s rapidly adding more domestic munitions production capacity, while also on-ramping in some new capabilities that are important for the modern combat environment.

Credits:

Host: Douglas Birkey, Executive Director, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies

Producer: Shane Thin 

Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey

Guest: Nick Bucci, Vice President, Defense Systems & Technologies, General Atomic Electromagnetic Systems

Links:

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#MitchellStudies #AerospaceAdvantage #EMS #AirForce #DefenseIndustry

Episode Summary:

In this episode, Heather “Lucky” Penney talks to Lt. Gen. David Deptula, USAF (Ret.), Jen Reeves, and Anthony “Lazer” Lazarski about the top defense issues this month in Washington, D.C. and beyond.

Our team digs into the status of the defense bills on Capitol Hill. This includes a discussion on spacepower policy and investment decisions, plus a focus on fighter recapitalization and E-7. We also explore President Trump’s new approach when it comes to Ukraine. The team also discusses recent Air Force and Space Force leadership changes. We wrap by explaining the significance of the latest X-37B mission as well as the US Space Force practicing 'orbital warfare' in its largest-ever training event.

Credits:

Host: Heather "Lucky" Penney, Director of Research, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies

Producer: Shane Thin 

Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey

Guest: Lt Gen David A. Deptula, USAF (Ret.), Dean, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies

Guest: Jennifer Reeves, Senior Resident Fellow for Space Studies, The Mitchell Institute Spacepower Advantage Center of Excellence (MI-SPACE)

Guest: Anthony “Lazer” Lazarski, Principal, Cornerstone Government Affairs

Links:

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#MitchellStudies #AerospaceAdvantage #TheHill #Rendezvous #Budget

Episode Summary:

Spacepower is fundamentally reliant on the cyber domain—it is the backbone of connectivity for constellations on orbit, their ground stations, and connectivity to warfighters. Point blank: every bit of data and every command sent to space systems transits the cyber domain. Tackling the challenges of leading cyber and data efforts of the Space Force falls on the small, but mighty team of the S6. From administrative to mission networks and data repositories, ensuring Guardians have reliable, capable, and secure cyber connectivity underpins our nation’s ability to achieve space superiority.

Join Heather Penney as she explores this fascinating topic with Col. Nathan “Crazy” Iven, the acting Deputy Chief of Space Operations for Cyber and Data; and Seth Whitworth, the Associate Deputy Chief of Space Operations for Cyber and Data.

Credits:

Host: Heather "Lucky" Penney, Director of Research, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies

Producer: Shane Thin 

Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey

Guest: Charles Galbreath, Senior Resident Fellow for Space Studies, The Mitchell Institute Spacepower Advantage Center of Excellence (MI-SPACE)

Guest: Jennifer "Boots" Reeves, Senior Resident Fellow for Space Studies, The Mitchell Institute Spacepower Advantage Center of Excellence (MI-SPACE)

Guest: Col. Nathan “Crazy” Iven, acting Deputy Chief of Space Operations for Cyber and Data, USSF

Guest: Seth Whitworth, Acting Deputy S6 (DCSO for Cyber & Data), USSF

Links:

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#MitchellStudies #AerospaceAdvantage #SpaceForce #Space

Episode Summary:

As America’s interests in space grow and humanity ventures further from Earth, the need to have Guardians in space to secure and protect U.S. interests will likely stand as an emerging requirement. We’ve seen this with every form of exploration: human presence will be interlinked with national standing, economic expansion, setting norms, and guarding security interests. That said, there’s a lot on the Space Force’s plate and they don’t have the resources to cover down on all their currently assigned missions. Balancing future investments against current demands is a perennial challenge. Partnerships with commercial organizations may help unravel this Gordian Knot.

Join Heather Penney as she explores this fascinating topic with Max Haot, Chief Executive Officer for Vast, a private U.S. company building next-generation space stations, and John “Slick” Baum.

Credits:

Host: Heather "Lucky" Penney, Director of Research, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies

Producer: Shane Thin 

Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey

Guest: Max Haot, Chief Executive Officer, Vast

Guest: John "Slick" Baum, Vice President of Business Development, Vast

Links:

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#MitchellStudies #AerospaceAdvantage #IndoPacom #MiddleEast

Episode Summary:

The Air Force increasingly needs a broader set of munitions to achieve mission effects in the modern age. Combat operations in Afghanistan and Iraq required a specific range of capabilities. Tomorrow’s fights will be different. We need to ensure that we evolve our munitions toolkit to cover these new mission demands. This is especially true when looking at missions in the Indo Pacific—where the threat environment, factors involving range, weather, and mission performance are going to demand a broader range of technical solutions.

Join Heather Penney as she speaks with Raytheon’s Maj. Gen. Jon Norman, USAF (Ret.) about how he and his team are responding to this new paradigm.

Credits:

Host: Heather "Lucky" Penney, Director of Research, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies

Producer: Shane Thin 

Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey

Guest: Maj. Gen. John Norman, USAF (Ret.), VP, USAF Air Power Requirements & Capability, Raytheon Missiles & Defense

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#MitchellStudies #AerospaceAdvantage #IndoPacom #MiddleEast

Episode Summary:

In this episode, Heather “Lucky” Penney talks to Lt. Gen. David Deptula, USAF (Ret.), Charles Galbreath, Todd “Sledge” Harmer, Anthony “Lazer” Lazarski, JV Venable, and Jeff Rowlison about the top defense issues this month in Washington, D.C. and beyond.

Our team digs into newly released FY26 budget details. There are some key issues to track for both the Air Force and Space Force. Seeking to retire 340 aircraft, while only procuring 76 is a high-risk strategy. Will Congress buy into it? Putting so much of the Space Force’s budget in reconciliation is proving contentious. They also explore comments by DARPA leadership regarding the future of stealth and discuss whether it’s smart to kill the E-7. We wrap with an extensive conversation regarding readiness: the numbers are bleak.

Credits:

Host: Heather "Lucky" Penney, Director of Research, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies

Producer: Shane Thin 

Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey

Guest: Lt Gen David A. Deptula, USAF (Ret.), Dean, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies

Guest: Charles Galbreath, Senior Resident Fellow for Space Studies, The Mitchell Institute Spacepower Advantage Center of Excellence (MI-SPACE)

Guest: Todd “Sledge” Harmer, Senior Vice President, American Defense International

Guest: Jeff "Rowli" Rowlison, VP, Space & Intel Programs, American Defense International

Guest: Anthony “Lazer” Lazarski, Principal, Cornerstone Government Affairs

Read:

1. A spectacular airstrike on Iran — and a sobering warning

2. Why Airpower Plays A Key Role In Israel’s Military Campaign

Links:

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#MitchellStudies #AerospaceAdvantage #TheHill #Rendezvous #Budget

Episode Summary:

This week, we're shining a spotlight on the men and women of the 11th Space Warning Squadron (SWS). They provide theater missile warning to warfighters around the world. Given the nature and intensity of the threat environment, they have been incredibly busy. The 11 SWS is the inaugural recipient of the General Atomics United States Space Force Unit of the Year Award. Join Heather Penney, Charles Galbreath, and Jennifer "Boots" Reeves as they chat with 11 SWS commander Lt Col Amanda Manship; Capt Abigail “Fizzle” Flannery, the 11 SWS Weapons Officer; and Sgt Jonathan Stark, a Crew Chief in the 11 SWS.

Credits:

Host: Heather "Lucky" Penney, Director of Research, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies

Producer: Shane Thin 

Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey

Guest: Charles Galbreath, Senior Resident Fellow for Space Studies, The Mitchell Institute Spacepower Advantage Center of Excellence (MI-SPACE)

Guest: Jennifer "Boots" Reeves, Senior Resident Fellow for Space Studies, The Mitchell Institute Spacepower Advantage Center of Excellence (MI-SPACE)

Guest: Lt Col Amanda Manship, Commander, 11th Space Warning Squadron, United States Space Force

Guest: Capt Abigail "Fizzle" Flannery, Weapons Officer, 11th Space Warning Squadron, United States Space Force

Guest: Sgt Jonathan Stark, Crew Chief, 11th Space Warning Squadron, United States Space Force

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#AerospaceAdvantage #SpaceForce #Military #Leadership

Episode Summary:

We’re bringing you a special edition of the Aerospace Advantage to discuss Saturday’s strike on Iran’s nuclear enrichment facilities. Everyone has read the news by now—the story of the 7 B-2s flying from Whiteman Air Force Base, numerous aerial refuelings along the way, air superiority aircraft joining the raid, tomahawk missiles fired from a submarine, and significant support from space assets. This episode brings key insights and observations from our team members—each of whom brings unique operational experience to the mix. We discuss strategic context, the operational aspects of the mission, and how this raid should inform policy and budget objectives. We’ve heard enough from the talking heads…it’s time for airpower and spacepower practitioners to join the conversation.

Credits:

Host: Heather "Lucky" Penney, Director of Research, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies

Producer: Shane Thin 

Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey

Guest: Lt Gen David A. Deptula, USAF (Ret.), Dean, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies

Guest: Brig Gen Houston "Slider" Cantwell, USAF (Ret.), Senior Resident Fellow, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies

Guest: Douglas Birkey, Executive Director, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies

Guest: Mark "Gonzo" Gunzinger, Director of Future Concepts and Capability Assessments, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies

Guest: Charles Galbreath, Senior Resident Fellow for Space Studies, The Mitchell Institute Spacepower Advantage Center of Excellence (MI-SPACE)

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#MitchellStudies #AerospaceAdvantage #Iran #MiddleEast #Nuclear #Bomber

Episode Summary:

This week we’re taking a deep dive into deterrence, specifically deterring China from using force in space. Air University’s China Aerospace Studies Institute (CASI), in partnership with the Center for Naval Analysis (CNA), just released a new report exploring this topic. Results suggest that the U.S. security establishment has serious room for growth. Their experts analyzed ten different factors that assessed how the U.S. can deter China, but only two were rated in a favorable light. The rest need more development. While conflict in space is not inevitable, the folks at CNA and CASI found that we’ve got a long way to go when it comes to boosting our ability to deter conflict on orbit.

To help us understand the report, its findings, and its recommendations, Charles Galbreath and Jennifer Reeves of the Mitchel Institute chat with Dr. Kevin Pollpeter of CASI, plus Dr. April Herlevi and Elizabeth Barrett of CNA.

Credits:

Host: Douglas Birkey, Executive Director, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies

Producer: Shane Thin 

Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey

Guest: Charles Galbreath, Senior Resident Fellow for Space Studies, The Mitchell Institute Spacepower Advantage Center of Excellence (MI-SPACE)

Guest: Jennifer "Boots" Reeves, Senior Resident Fellow for Space Studies, The Mitchell Institute Spacepower Advantage Center of Excellence (MI-SPACE)

Guest: Dr. Kevin Pollpeter, Director of Research, China Aerospace Studies Institute (CASI)

Guest: Dr. April Herlevi, Senior Research Scientist, Center for Naval Analysis

Guest: Elizabeth Barrett, Project Manager, China & Indo-Pacific Security Affairs, Center for Naval Analysis

Read:

Deterring China's Use of Force in the Space Domain

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#MitchellStudies #AerospaceAdvantage #China #Space

Episode Summary:

Combat operations in Ukraine and the Red Sea clearly demonstrate the impact of small lethal drones as portable precision-guided munitions. Some have suggested that their use has made such a change in the character of war that a new category of airspace must be introduced. Casting it as the “air littoral,” they claim the military should move beyond traditional notions of air superiority. Others recognize the significance of lethal drones have their greatest impact on traditional infantry and armor operations. Lt. Gen. Dave Deptula, USAF (Ret.), Lt. Col. Grant Georgulis, and Heather "Lucky" Penney dive into an incredibly insightful discussion on these volatile topics.

Credits:

Host: Heather "Lucky" Penney, Director of Research, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies

Producer: Shane Thin 

Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey

Guest: Lt Gen David A. Deptula, USAF (Ret.), Dean, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies

Guest: Lt Col Grant "SWAT" Georgulis, Air Force Fellow, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies

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#MitchellStudies #AerospaceAdvantage #AirSuperiority #Airpower

Episode Summary:

In this episode, Heather "Lucky" Penney talks to Lt. Gen. David Deptula, USAF (Ret.), Charles Galbreath, and Anthony "Lazer" Lazarski about the top defense issues this month in Washington, D.C. and beyond.

They unpack how the FY26 defense budget is unfolding—what is good and where is it falling short? The factors involving reconciliation versus the standard budget are throwing in some unpredictable factors to consider. They also discuss Golden Dome from a challenges and opportunities perspective. Past that, news coverage suggests that E-7 might be on the chopping block. Are we ready for a set of capabilities that are entirely space-based? Our experts also discuss a broad range of spacepower developments, plus they evaluate Ukraine’s novel strike on Russian bombers. Join us to learn about the latest when it comes to air and space power!

Credits:

Host: Heather "Lucky" Penney, Director of Research, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies

Producer: Shane Thin 

Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey

Guest: Lt Gen David A. Deptula, USAF (Ret.), Dean, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies

Guest: Charles Galbreath, Senior Resident Fellow for Space Studies, The Mitchell Institute Spacepower Advantage Center of Excellence (MI-SPACE)

Guest: Anthony “Lazer” Lazarski, Principal, Cornerstone Government Affairs

Read:

1. Air Force and Space Force Vectors for the Incoming Trump Defense Team

2. Want Combat Airpower? Then Fix the Air Force Pilot Crisis

3. Air Force Reserve faces steep fighter cuts, uncertain future

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Episode Summary: With threats surging around the world, the Air Force must figure out how to reset and do it fast. They can’t just buy more of what the service fielded in past decades. Fighting and winning tomorrow will require new operational concepts and technologies that’ll give airmen an edge.

That’s where CCA come into the mix. They’re designed to bring new capabilities, more capacity, and empower new ways of fighting. But just like the rest of the Air Force aircraft inventory, just buying CCA won’t be enough. Credible, sustainable combat air forces require logistics—personnel, fuel, munitions, ground handling equipment, and other materiel—to generate sorties at scale. Mitchell Institute executed a major exercise in 2024 looking at logistical requirements for CCA—to assess challenges and opportunities. This involved operators, industry, planners, and logisticians. We recently released the report. Join us as we hear from report author Col Mark Gunzinger along with workshop participants Robert “Otis” Winkler of Kratos, Andrew “Scar” VanTimmeren of Anduril, and Scott “Fug” Gilloon of General Atomics.

Credits:

Host: Douglas Birkey, Executive Director, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies

Producer: Shane Thin 

Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey

Guest: Mark Gunzinger, Director of Future Concepts and Capability Assessments, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies

Guest: Robert “Otis” Winkler, Vice President, Corporate Development and National Security Programs, Kratos

Guest: Andrew “Scar” VanTimmeren, Director of Air Dominance Systems, Anduril

Guest: Scott “Fug” Gilloon, Sector Vice President of Air Force Strategic Development and Capability Assessments, General Atomics

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Episode Summary:

Fighting and winning in the twenty first century requires next gen electronic attack capabilities. Designing that technology and developing effective concepts of operation demands operational analysis. Heather Penney discusses this reality with Lt Gen David “Kooler” Krumm, USAF (Ret.) of BAE Systems.

It comes down to empowering strategists, operational leaders, and technology experts to better understand how these functions can best empower overarching tactics, techniques, procedures, and investment decisions. Electronic attack is an incredibly complex, multi-dimensional capability. It’s not binary—like a light switch that’s on or off. Instead, there are incredibly nuanced effects in play, especially if various mission systems are brought together in a collaborative fashion. Major shortfalls exist in this area and it’s time to lean into developing the operational analysis required to ensure the U.S. maintains its electronic attack advantage.

Credits:

Host: Heather "Lucky" Penney, Director of Research, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies

Producer: Shane Thin 

Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey

Guest: Lt Gen David "Kooler" Krumm, USAF (Ret.), Vice President, Mission Integration, BAE Systems

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#MitchellStudies #AerospaceAdvantage #ElectronicAttack #EMSO #Leadership

Episode Summary:

Join us to learn more about the latest developments in Chinese airpower and spacepower developments. Heather Penney and Mike "JDAM" Dahm discuss a wide range of topics, including an update on China’s 6th generation fighters and recent PLA exercises in the Taiwan Strait. They discuss what is happening with more missing PLA generals and dynamics between Xi Jinping and Vladamir Putin. The INDOPACOM Commander Admiral Paparo just testified on the Hill about China’s military and the PLA just released a new national security white paper. We also explore Chinese fighter performance in the recent conflict between Pakistan and India.

Credits:

Host: Heather "Lucky" Penney, Director of Research, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies

Producer: Shane Thin 

Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey

Guest: J. Michael "JDAM" Dahm, Senior Resident Fellow for Aerospace and China Studies, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies

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#MitchellStudies #AerospaceAdvantage #China #Russia

Episode Summary:

Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) stand forth as one of the most important airpower developments of the twenty-first century. We learn more about CCA by talking to two of the people involved with developing and building them: Mike Atwood from General Atomics and Andrew “Scar” Van Timmeren of Anduril.

CCA’s ability to harness the traditional attributes of range, speed, survivability, and a broad range of mission effects with the power of autonomy, artificial intelligence, and manned-unmanned teaming will yield an incredibly powerful tool for airmen and the broader joint military enterprise. We explain this technological journey, explore where the program currently stands, and discuss the pathway for production, test, and initial operational fielding.

Credits:

Host: Heather "Lucky" Penney, Director of Research, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies

Producer: Shane Thin 

Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey

Guest: Michael Atwood, Vice President, Advanced Programs, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems

Guest: Andrew "Scar" Van Timmeren, Senior Director - Air Dominance Systems, Anduril Industries

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#MitchellStudies #AerospaceAdvantage #CCA #Autonomy

Episode Summary:

In this Rendezvous episode, we discuss top Air Force and Space Force developments in Washington, D.C., and beyond.

Topics include the latest defense budget plus-up via reconciliation and what this means for air and space power. We also discuss INDOPACOM Commander Admiral Paparo’s testimony regarding airpower gaps in the Pacific and Lockheed’s new vision for the F-35 in the wake of Boeing winning the F-47 competition. The team explores two of the Space Force’s new foundational documents: Space Force Doctrine Document 1 and Space Warfighting, a Framework for Planners. The conversation also explains why it’s so consequential that Michigan is going to see the F-15EX, the importance of a new electronic warfare squadron that opened at Eglin AFB, and why it’s a big deal that a new weather capability is now operational in space. Join us to learn more about these topics and more.

Credits:

Host: Heather "Lucky" Penney, Director of Research, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies

Producer: Shane Thin 

Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey

Guest: Douglas Birkey, Executive Director, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies

Guest: Jennifer "Boots" Reeves, Senior Resident Fellow for Space Studies, The Mitchell Institute Spacepower Advantage Center of Excellence (MI-SPACE)

Guest: Todd “Sledge” Harmer, Senior Vice President, American Defense International

Guest: Guest: Jeff "Rowli" Rowlison, VP, Space & Intel Programs, American Defense International

Guest: Anthony “Lazer” Lazarski, Principal, Cornerstone Government Affairs

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#MitchellStudies #AerospaceAdvantage #Rendezvous #Politics

Episode Summary:

France is America’s oldest ally. We’ve been through a lot: the American Revolution over 250 years ago, two World Wars, and ongoing worldwide military operations. Our two nations have stood side by side when it mattered most. This connection endures.

These days, it’s more important than ever, considering China’s rise, Russia’s aggression in Europe, and other elements of instability we see around the globe. A key component of this security relationship depends on robust aerospace power. Modern military operations don’t work without mastering these domains. Our adversaries know this, and that’s why they’re working hard to challenge us in these realms. Heather Penney discusses these variables with Brig Gen Nicolas Chambaz, the leader charged with overseeing international relations for the French Air and Space Force headquarters. He’s a career pilot with over 4,000 flight hours under his belt, including 50 combat operations. In particular, we explore the French Air & Space Force’s latest Strategic Vision, The Sky as a Battlefield.

Credits:

Host: Heather "Lucky" Penney, Director of Research, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies

Producer: Shane Thin 

Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey

Guest: Brig Gen Houston "Slider" Cantwell, USAF (Ret.), The Air & Space Forces Association

Guest: Brig Gen Nicolas Chambaz, General Officer "International Relations" of the Air and Space Force

Read:

The Sky as a Battlefield Document

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#MitchellStudies #AerospaceAdvantage #Vietnam #POW #History

Episode Summary:

This week, The Aerospace Advantage takes a break for Easter, but that doesn't mean our listeners need to take a pause. In this week's episode we reach back to a previously recorded conversation where the Mitchell team reflects on the air war over Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War and speaks with combat pilot and POW Lt Col Gene Smith, USAF (Ret). Not only did Lt Col Smith fly and fight in some of the most heavily defended airspace in the history of aerial warfare, but he also spent over five years as a POW—facing conditions that pushed him to the brink. Despite these challenges, Lt Col Smith and his fellow POWs prevailed.

The Air Force lost 1,737 aircraft over Vietnam. That’s roughly 80% of the Air Force’s current fighter inventory. Those losses are hard to imagine today given the relatively permissive conditions that our airmen have operated in since the end of the Cold War. Tomorrow’s conflicts, however, promise to be far more costly, which is why it's important to reflect on our history and learn from the past in order to properly leverage the effects of American airpower.

Credits:

Host: John "Slick" Baum, Non-resident Fellow, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies

Producer: Shane Thin 

Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey

Guest: Maj Gen Larry "Stutz" Stutzriem, USAF (Ret.), Executive Vice President, The Air & Space Forces Association

Guest: Heather "Lucky" Penney, Director of Research, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies

Guest: Lt Col Richard “Gene” Smith, USAF (Ret.)

Guest: Rob Collings, President & Financial Director, The American Heritage Museum

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Episode Summary:

As the Air Force develops the operational construct for Collaborative Combat Aircraft, Doug Birkey and Brig Gen Houston "Slider" Cantwell, USAF (Ret.) urge the service to tap into two decades of lessons learned flying highly sophisticated uncrewed aircraft like the MQ-1 Predator, MQ-9 Reaper, RQ-4 Global Hawk, and RQ-170. Harnessing his experience as an uncrewed aircraft pilot and commander, Cantwell explores the tremendous insights gained through uncrewed operations and the fundamental differences from traditional crewed combat aircraft operations. While CCA will execute at an entirely new level of performance, thanks to technologies like artificial intelligence and advanced mission systems, there are also foundational realities tied to uncrewed aviation that will shape how these aircraft fly and fight. Join us to learn more about this aspect of tomorrow’s airpower.

Credits:

Host: Douglas Birkey, Executive Director, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies

Producer: Shane Thin 

Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey

Guest: Brig Gen Houston "Slider" Cantwell, USAF (Ret.), Senior Resident Fellow, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies

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Episode Summary:

In this Rendezvous episode, we discuss top Air Force and Space Force developments in Washington, D.C., and beyond.

We review key themes from Chief of Space Operations Gen. B. Chance Saltzman's visit with the Mitchell Institute last week, as well as a broad range of spacepower topics, from Chinese “dogfighting” in space to the new lunar landing to new launch contracts and the future of Space Development Agency contracts. On the Air Force side, we discuss how the recent F-47 NGAD announcement will shape the future of airpower and how that program could impact the service's Collaborative Combat Aircraft, F-35, and B-21 programs, and more.

Credits:

Host: Heather “Lucky” Penney, Director of Research, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies

Producer: Shane Thin 

Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey

Guest: Brig Gen Houston "Slider" Cantwell, USAF (Ret.), Senior Resident Fellow, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies

Guest: Charles Galbreath, Senior Resident Fellow for Space Studies, The Mitchell Institute Spacepower Advantage Center of Excellence (MI-SPACE)

Guest: Todd “Sledge” Harmer, Senior Vice President, American Defense International

Guest: Anthony “Lazer” Lazarski, Principal, Cornerstone Government Affairs

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Episode Summary:

Heather “Lucky” Penney and Col. Mark "Chili" Howard explore one of the Air Force’s largest, most diverse units: the 55th Wing.

Operating from multiple installations, members of the 55th Wing execute everything from the EC-130 and EA-37B Compass Call electronic attack mission to the RC/WC/TC-135 ISR mission and elements of the nuclear command, control, and communications enterprise. They’ve also got a maintenance group, operations group, and medical group. We explore what these Airmen do and how their contributions connect to the broader national security picture. Every wing in the Air Force is important, but the 55th is key. They’re one of those linchpin units that provide foundational capabilities that empower so much of the broader force. Without them, nothing else works.

Credits:

Host: Heather “Lucky” Penney, Senior Resident Fellow, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies

Producer: Shane Thin 

Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey

Guest: Col. Mark "Chili" Howard, Commander, 55th Wing

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Episode Summary:

Heather “Lucky” Penney and Senior Fellow Brig Gen Houston "Slider" Cantwell, USAF (Ret.) chat with some of the nation’s top remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) commanders about on-going combat contributions and the Air Force’s future development path for this incredible mission. They are joined by Brig Gen Christopher "Reggie" Hammond, Director of RPA and Airborne ISR Capabilities at Headquarters Air Force; Col Timothy "Tilt" Monroe, Wing Commander of the 319th Reconnaissance Wing; and Col Nicholas "Fever" Pederson, Wing Commander of the 432nd Wing. Remotely Piloted Aircraft spent the past two decades affording incredible battlefield persistence and compressed the kill chains unlike any weapon system in history. Airmen are now working to develop new tactics, techniques, and procedures to address challenges of today and tomorrow—including the peer threat. We also explore how RPA operations will help inform emerging technologies like Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA).

Credits:

Host: Heather “Lucky” Penney, Senior Resident Fellow, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies

Producer: Shane Thin 

Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey

Guest: Brig Gen Houston "Slider" Cantwell, USAF (Ret.), Senior Resident Fellow, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies

Guest: Brig Gen Christopher "Reggie" Hammond, Director, RPA and Airborne ISR Capabilities

Guest: Col Timothy "Tilt" Monroe, Commander, 319th Reconnaissance Wing

Guest: Col Nicholas "Fever" Pederson, Commander, 432nd Wing

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Episode Summary:

Heather “Lucky” Penney and Col Patrick Williams explores one of the most important make-or-break factors in warfare: weather. Environmental conditions control when and how we employ military power…and what enemies can do to us.

People tend to take weather assessments for granted, but that’s a mistake. Collecting environmental data, analyzing it, and transforming it into actionable knowledge for an advantage at the tactical, operational and strategic levels is incredibly complex. Conflicts erupt at random locations around the globe, including data starved regions, plus concepts like Joint All Domain Command and Control are demanding even more from the Air Force’s weather experts. Join us for a fascinating conversation with the leader responsible for the development of weather and space environmental doctrine, policies, plans, programs and standards in support of the U.S. Army, Air Force, and Space Force operations.

Credits:

Host: Heather “Lucky” Penney, Senior Resident Fellow, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies

Producer: Shane Thin 

Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey

Guest: Col Patrick Williams, Director of Weather, USAF

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Episode Summary:

The Mitchell Institute team shares insights from the AFA Warfare Symposium, in Aurora, CO—it was the spot for air and space power professionals this week.

Hear from Gen Kevin Chilton, USAF (ret), Lt Gen Dave Deptula, USAF (ret), Heather Penney, and Charles Galbreath as they discuss the crucial messages coming from Chief of Space Operations Gen Chance Saltzman and Chief of Staff of the Air Force Gen David Allvin. We also explore the Air Force’s new force design, the challenges of operating in space as a contested domain, the imperative to enhance space domain awareness, updates on air and missile defense, the nuclear triad, and operational space testing and training, plus logistical challenges in the Pacific, the shortage of munitions, lessons from the front lines in Ukraine, and more.

Credits:

Host: Heather “Lucky” Penney, Senior Resident Fellow, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies

Producer: Shane Thin 

Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey

Guest: Lt Gen David A. Deptula, USAF (Ret.), Dean, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies

Guest: Gen Kevin P. Chilton, USAF (Ret.), Explorer Chair, The Mitchell Institute Spacepower Advantage Center of Excellence (MI-SPACE)

Guest: Charles Galbreath, Senior Resident Fellow for Space Studies, The Mitchell Institute Spacepower Advantage Center of Excellence (MI-SPACE)

Air Force and Space Force Vectors for the Incoming Trump Defense Team

AFA Colorado videos coming soon.

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Episode Summary:

In this episode, Heather “Lucky” Penney chats with members of the Mitchell Institute team about the latest air and space power developments in Washington DC.

We explore President Trump’s defense priorities, including recent top defense leadership changes. The team also provides a Ukraine update and assess where defense issues stand in Congress, especially the budget. Another major development includes Secretary of Defense Hegseth’s defense budget guidance and what it means for the Air Force and Space Force. Part of this includes defense civilian workforce reductions. On the operational front, we discuss the latest Minuteman ICBM test launch and broader triad issues. We also provide a Spacepower update—a lot has been going on in that domain. Finally, we look at the next generation advanced propulsion (NGAP) contract awards and explain why these efforts are critical for tomorrow’s combat airpower.

Credits:

Host: Heather “Lucky” Penney, Senior Resident Fellow, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies

Producer: Shane Thin 

Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey

Guest: Lt Gen David A. Deptula, USAF (Ret.), Dean, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies

Guest: Jennifer "Boots" Reeves, Senior Resident Fellow for Space Studies, The Mitchell Institute Spacepower Advantage Center of Excellence (MI-SPACE)

Guest: Todd “Sledge” Harmer, Senior Vice President, American Defense International

Guest: Anthony “Lazer” Lazarski, Principal, Cornerstone Government Affairs

Trump administration orders Pentagon to plan for sweeping budget cuts

US Space Force reveals 1st look at secretive X-37B space plane in orbit (photo)

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Episode Summary:

In this episode, Heather “Lucky” Penney discusses why the Air Force has a chronic pilot shortfall and solutions to solve it with Lt Gen Joseph Guastella, USAF (Ret) and Lt Gen Marc Sasseville, USAF (Ret).

Bottom line: the Air Force’s pilot corps is now too small to sustain a healthy combat force that can prevail in a peer conflict and meet the nation’s other national security requirements. Air Force leaders recognize the shortfall and have worked hard to address it, but underlying and external factors persist. Effective joint force operations demand robust combat airpower. Pilot experience is critical to this effort. Join us to understand what’s driving these challenges and what defense leaders and Congress need to do to fix it.

Credits:

Host: Heather “Lucky” Penney, Senior Resident Fellow, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies

Producer: Shane Thin 

Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey

Guest: Lt Gen Joseph Guastella, USAF (Ret)

Guest: Lt Gen Marc Sasseville, USAF (Ret)

Link to Related Reading

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Episode Summary:

In this episode, Heather “Lucky” Penney discusses the latest Chinese security developments with Mitchell Institute Senior Fellow Mike Dahm.

Whether discussing the creation of a new service branch focused on space—the PLA’s Aerospace Force; continued development of their nuclear arsenal; or the “Christmas surprise” flight of multiple new combat aircraft—2024 was a busy and consequential one for the Chinese defense establishment. We explore these developments, take a look at what might transpire in 2025, and consider how this should factor into U.S. defense decision making.

Credits:

Host: Heather “Lucky” Penney, Senior Resident Fellow, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies

Producer: Shane Thin 

Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey

Guest: J. Michael "JDAM" Dahm, Senior Resident Fellow for Aerospace and China Studies, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies

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#MitchellStudies #AerospaceAdvantage #China #Update

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Episode Summary:

In this episode, Heather “Lucky” Penney discusses the rising strategic importance of the Arctic with Maj. Gen. Mark Piper, USAF, NORAD Deputy Director of Operations; BGen James Hawthorne, RCAF, NORAD Deputy Director Strategy, Policy and Plans; and Brig. Gen. Houston Cantwell, USAF (Ret.) of our Mitchell Institute team.

With Russia and China aggressively increasing their Arctic military and civilian activities, America must take notice. Although NORAD stands ready to deter and defend from attack, their mission is challenged by aging radar and command and control systems. This episode highlights challenges with domain awareness, air and missile defense, and maintaining relationships with fellow Arctic nations.

Credits:

Host: Heather “Lucky” Penney, Senior Resident Fellow, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies

Producer: Shane Thin 

Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey

Guest: Brig Gen Houston "Slider" Cantwell, USAF (Ret.), Senior Resident Fellow for Airpower Studies, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies

Guest: Maj Gen Mark "Pied" Piper, USAF, NORAD Deputy Director of Operations

Guest: Brig Gen James Hawthorne, RCAF, NORAD Deputy Director of Strategy, Policy, and Plans

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Episode Summary:

In this episode, Heather “Lucky” Penney chats with members of the Mitchell Institute team about air and space power issues through the congressional lens.

Not only is Washington DC seeing the arrival of President Trump, but the year is also seeing major changes on Capitol Hill. What will this mean for programs like the F-35, B-21, and Sentinel? Will the Space Force be able to move forward developing offensive and defensive capabilities? Questions also exist regarding the budget. How will FY25 funding be resolved? Will there be a defense spending boost? We also explore recent remarks by former Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall and Chief of Staff of the Air Force Gen David Allvin—both of whom have been increasingly direct about the need for more resources.

Credits:

Host: Heather “Lucky” Penney, Senior Resident Fellow, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies

Producer: Shane Thin 

Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey

Guest: Lt Gen David A. Deptula, USAF (Ret.), Dean, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies

Guest: Charles Galbreath, Senior Resident Fellow for Space Studies, The Mitchell Institute Spacepower Advantage Center of Excellence (MI-SPACE)

Guest: Todd “Sledge” Harmer, Senior Vice President, American Defense International

Guest: Jeff  "Rowli" Rowlison, VP, Space & Intel Programs, American Defense International

Guest: Anthony “Lazer” Lazarski, Principal, Cornerstone Government Affairs

President Trump—Reverse The Air Force Nosedive & Boost The Space Force

Want Combat Airpower? Then Fix the Air Force Pilot Crisis

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Episode Summary:

In this episode, Doug Birkey chats with Lt. Gen. David Deptula, USAF (Ret.); Maj. Gen. Larry Stutzriem, USAF (Ret.); Mark Gunzinger; and JV Venable about key considerations that President Trump’s defense team, especially the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of the Air Force, should be thinking about when it comes to airpower.

It's clear that the Air Force needs to modernize faster so it can grow its combat capability and capacity. More cannot be done with less any longer. The Mitchell team also discusses the need to improve readiness. For many years, defense officials defended the mantra of divesting to invest in future capabilities. That approach, however, left the Air Force as the smallest, oldest, and least ready than at any other point in its history. This is a recipe for disaster. The Trump Administration and Congress must resource the Air Force sufficiently so it can reverse that decline and rebuild the service to meet its requirements laid out by the National Defense Strategy. Without adequate airpower, the nation risks losing future conflicts. We also explore core factors tied to Air Force identity and how service leaders can best articulate the value that airpower presents to the nation. There’s a lot to discuss, and this is an episode 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: Lt. Gen. David A. Deptula, USAF (Ret.), Dean, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies

Guest: Maj. Gen. Larry "Stutz" Stutzriem, USAF (Ret.), Director of Research, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies

Guest: Mark "Gonzo" Gunzinger, Director of Future Concepts and Capability Assessments, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies

Guest: John "JV" Venable, Senior Resident Fellow, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies

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Episode Summary:

In this episode, Doug Birkey chats with Gen. Kevin Chilton, USAF (Ret.); Lt. Gen. David Deptula, USAF (Ret.); Jennifer "Boots" Reeves; and Charles Galbreath about key considerations President Trump’s defense team, especially the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of the Air Force, should be thinking about when it comes to spacepower.

We all know that President Trump created the Space Force in his first term. It’s been just over five years since that key decision. A lot has happened since then. The next few years are going to be especially impactful when it comes to spacepower. To put it bluntly, every facet of America’s national security requires space. We need to recognize the challenges and opportunities facing Guardians and work to strengthen the hand we’re empowering them to play. Services are not built overnight. We’re playing the long game, but every step matters.

Credits:

Host: Douglas Birkey, Executive Director, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies

Producer: Shane Thin

Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey

Guest: Lt. Gen. David A. Deptula, USAF (Ret.), Dean, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies

Guest: Gen. Kevin P. Chilton, USAF (Ret.), Explorer Chair, The Mitchell Institute Spacepower Advantage Center of Excellence (MI-SPACE)

Guest: Charles Galbreath, Senior Resident Fellow for Space Studies, The Mitchell Institute Spacepower Advantage Center of Excellence (MI-SPACE)

Guest: Jennifer "Boots" Reeves, Senior Resident Fellow for Space Studies, The Mitchell Institute Spacepower Advantage Center of Excellence (MI-SPACE)

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Episode Summary: In this episode, Heather “Lucky” Penney chats with Maj Gen (Ret) Larry “Stutz” Stutzriem, Col (Ret) Barry “Papa” Murphy, Col (Ret) Robert “Otis” Winkler, and Col (Ret) JV Venable about the Air Force’s current readiness crisis. The severity of the global threat environment demands a fix. This isn't just an Air Force problem. Without effective and reliable airpower, no modern combat operation can succeed. Our guests define the scale and scope of the challenge, leading to a robust discussion of solutions.

Credits:

Host: Heather “Lucky” Penney, Senior Resident Fellow, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies

Producer: Shane Thin

Editor: Patrick Gensel

Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey

Guest: Maj Gen Larry Stutzriem, USAF (Ret.), Director of Research, Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies

Guest: Col John "JV" Venable, USAF (Ret.)

Guest: Col Robert “Otis” Winkler, USAF (Ret.)

Guest: Col Barry “Papa” Murphy, USAF (Ret.)

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Episode Summary:

In this episode, Heather “Lucky” Penney chats with Anduril’s Steve Milano—from their Strike and Air Dominance Sector—and our very own Maj Gen (Ret) Larry “Stutz” Stutzriem about what it means to deliver enhanced munitions capabilities at scale.

Anyone who has watched security developments around the globe knows that we’ve got serious issues that risk us being out produced on the war materiel front, especially when it comes to munitions. How the U.S. industrial base can expand its production capacity, while also working to deliver new capabilities that allow air crew the ability to secure a broad range of combat effects? We can’t be complacent building a few hundred munitions a month when the air tasking order will call for tens of thousands over the same period. We all know our stockpiles are at record low levels…so we need to get real about rebuilding and sustaining to meet the new demand signal.

Credits:

Host: Heather “Lucky” Penney, Senior Resident Fellow, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies

Producer: Shane Thin

Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey

Guest: Steve Milano, Anduril

Guest: Maj Gen Larry Stutzriem, USAF (Ret.), Director of Research, Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies

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Episode Summary:

In this episode, Heather “Lucky” Penney chats with members of the Mitchell team about some of their most memorable experiences from their time in uniform.

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. JDAM recounts an ill-conceived field trip to Croatia, Sledge tempts single-engine fate, JV recalls a Christmas story from the desert, Slider tells a “there I was in the control van,” and Boots receives a nuclear missile launch notification. Finally, the team learns a surprising secret about one of our members! (Harumph) These are some fun stories you won’t want to miss.

Credits:

Host: Heather “Lucky” Penney, Senior Resident Fellow, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies

Producer: Shane Thin

Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey

Guest: Brig Gen Houston Cantwell, USAF (Ret.), Senior Resident Fellow for Airpower Studies, Mitchell Institute

Guest: Jennifer Reeves, Senior Resident Fellow for Space Studies, The Mitchell Institute Spacepower Advantage Center of Excellence (MI-SPACE)

Guest: John Venable, Senior Resident Fellow, Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies

Guest: John Michael Dahm, Senior Resident Fellow for Aerospace and China Studies

Guest: Todd “Sledge” Harmer, Senior Vice President, American Defense International

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Episode Summary:

In this episode, Heather “Lucky” Penney and members of the Mitchell Institute team discuss allied spacepower with French Space Command Commander Major General Philippe Adam.

We talk about it all the time: the U.S. will always operate with allies and partners. With space now standing as an ever-crucial domain and with our adversaries seeking to contest it—the notion of allies and partners working together on orbit is fast becoming a new, essential baseline for successful military operations. With France having expanded its Air Force to an Air and Space Force the same year the U.S. created Space Force, our two nations have embarked on a similar parallel journey. Join us as we learn more about French spacepower and what it means for U.S. operations on orbit.

Credits:

Host: Heather “Lucky” Penney, Senior Resident Fellow, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies

Producer: Shane Thin 

Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey

Guest: M.G. Philippe Adam, Commander, French Space Command

Guest: Lt Gen David A. Deptula, USAF (Ret.), Dean, Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies

Guest: Charles Galbreath, Senior Resident Fellow for Space Studies, The Mitchell Institute Spacepower Advantage Center of Excellence (MI-SPACE)

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Episode Summary:

In this episode, Heather “Lucky” Penney explores space launch operations, infrastructure, and technologies with Brad Appel, the Chief Technology Officer of Ursa Major, and Mitchell Institute’s Charles Galbreath.

Today, all U.S. military operations rely on space capabilities and effects delivered from the on-orbit architecture. Assured access to space and robust launch infrastructure are foundational for mission success—especially given growing demand and the realities of a burgeoning threat environment. Launch operations remain a technically challenging mission and must not be taken for granted. Factors like confidence, capacity, cadence, and cost are hugely important for future launch solutions.

Credits:

Host: Heather “Lucky” Penney, Senior Resident Fellow, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies

Producer: Shane Thin 

Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey

Guest: Charles Galbreath, Senior Resident Fellow for Space Studies, The Mitchell Institute Spacepower Advantage Center of Excellence (MI-SPACE)

Guest: Brad Appel, Chief Technology Officer, Ursa Major

Papers and images listed on our site, here!

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Episode Summary:

In this episode, Heather “Lucky” Penney chats with members of the Mitchell Institute team about President Elect Trump’s defense vision and what the DOGE might mean for national security. We also discuss the latest developments in Chinese air and space power, while considering Elon Musk’s comments questioning the need for manned combat aviation. We wrap with a review of the Mitchell Institute’s Airpower Futures Forum.

Credits:

Host: Heather “Lucky” Penney, Senior Resident Fellow, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies

Producer: Shane Thin 

Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey

Guest: Lt Gen David A. Deptula, USAF (Ret.), Dean, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies

Guest: Jennifer "Boots" Reeves, Senior Resident Fellow for Space Studies, The Mitchell Institute Spacepower Advantage Center of Excellence (MI-SPACE)

Guest: J. Michael "JDAM" Dahm, Senior Resident Fellow for Aerospace and China Studies, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies

Guest: Anthony “Lazer” Lazarski, Principal, Cornerstone Government Affairs

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Episode Summary:

In this Aerospace Advantage episode, Heather “Lucky” Penney discusses one of the coolest aircraft to ever fly, the B-2, with Northop Grumman’s Doug Young, the leader in charge of modernizing the B-2, while also overseeing the B-21.

Hands down, the B-2 is one of the most capable aircraft ever invented. It’s hard to believe that it first flew over thirty years ago—in 1989. The aircraft that is on the ramp today is a far cry from the one Northrop Grumman built three decades ago. They’ve teamed with the Air Force to continually modernize the aircraft to ensure it remains relevant and viable in the modern operational world. We explore this modernization process by discussing the various hardware and software improvements that allow the aircraft to remain a cutting-edge airpower asset. An open mission software approach is a key element of this initiative.

Credits:

Host: Heather “Lucky” Penney, Senior Resident Fellow, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies

Producer: Shane Thin 

Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey

Guest: Doug Young, Sector Vice President and General Manager, Strike, Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems

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Episode Summary:

In this Aerospace Advantage episode, Heather “Lucky” Penney chats about how we gain the combination of advanced capabilities and necessary mass for tomorrow’s munition’s inventory with Jeff Peters and Dr. Kathy Bihari of BAE, plus Mitchell Institute’s JV Venable.

There’s no question about it: America requires a large inventory of precision strike munitions to successfully deter opponents, and, if necessary, execute a sustained, high intensity conflict against a peer adversary. The ability to rapidly hit thousands of enemy targets with precision munitions in hundreds of hours is essential to secure victory in the modern era. A variety of factors, especially limited budgets, have long curtailed Department of Defense efforts to secure ample munitions stocks. This is particularly problematic for the Air Force given its responsibilities for projecting the preponderance of striking power over long ranges and behind enemy lines. It’s also important to recognize that all munitions are not created equal. There are various classes and quantities of targets that shape different munitions requirements and costs. This episode will focus on how the Department of Defense and the Air Force work to field a munitions portfolio that provides the necessary mass and achieve the low cost-per-kill and high kills-per-sortie via penetrating aircraft required to defeat peer aggression. Join us to learn from those innovating tomorrow’s solutions.

Credits:

Host: Heather “Lucky” Penney, Senior Resident Fellow, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies

Producer: Shane Thin 

Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey

Guest: Jeff Peters, Deputy Vice President & General Manager, Precision Strike & Sensing Solutions, BAE Systems

Guest: Dr. Kathy Bihari, Technical Director for Precision Guidance & Sensing Solutions, BAE Systems

Guest: John "JV" Venable, Senior Resident Fellow, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies

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Episode Summary:

In this Aerospace Advantage episode, Heather “Lucky” Penney continues the electronic attack conversation with Dave Harrold and Duane Beaulieu of BAE, plus Mitchell Institute’s Mike Dahm. Electronic Attack is an essential twenty-first century mission capability.

The ability to disrupt enemy command, control, communications, radars, and navigation systems allows U.S. forces to maintain a decision advantage, while denying one to the adversary. It all comes down to maintaining a leading electromagnetic-based battlespace capability. The Compass Call system, currently hosted on the EC-130H, executes this mission. It will soon migrate to the EA-37B.  We explore this transition by discussing where the mission has been and where it’s going from a technical perspective. We also explain what it means to secure an electronic attack advantage in the modern era and why this is imperative. Learn more about this crucial mission from the experts developing the essential technology.

Credits:

Host: Heather “Lucky” Penney, Senior Resident Fellow, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies

Producer: Shane Thin 

Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey

Guest: J. Michael "JDAM" Dahm, Senior Resident Fellow for Aerospace and China Studies, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies

Guest: Dave Harrold, Vice President & General Manager, Countermeasure & Electromagnetic Attack Solutions, BAE Systems

Guest: Duane Beaulieu, Tech Director, BAE Systems

Testimony transcript

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Episode Summary:

In this episode, Heather “Lucky” Penney chats with members of the Mitchell Institute team about the what the 2024 election results will mean for spacepower and airpower.

Elections always matter, especially given the national security issues currently in play. The world is an incredibly dangerous place: Russia continues its war in Ukraine, China is pressing hard in the Pacific, Iran continues to destabilize the Middle East and shares nuclear ambitions with North Korea, plus terrorist organizations like Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis pose serious challenges. On top of this, the Air Force is undergoing a historic level of modernization—ranging from two legs of the triad to the B-21, F-35, CCA, KC-46, T-7, and more. Major questions loom for programs like NGAD and NGAS, and things not simple in the Space Force either, as leaders in that service seek to build a new set of capabilities given that the domain is now contested. Mission migration from the air to space also continues, especially or things like ISR. The vector set by Donald Trump and members of Congress in the coming years will shape options available to leaders for decades into the future.

Credits:

Host: Heather “Lucky” Penney, Senior Resident Fellow, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies

Producer: Shane Thin 

Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey

Guest: Lt Gen David A. Deptula, USAF (Ret.), Dean, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies

Guest: Charles Galbreath, Senior Fellow for Spacepower Studies, The Mitchell Institute Spacepower Advantage Center of Excellence (MI-SPACE)

Guest: Todd “Sledge” Harmer, Senior Vice President, American Defense International

Guest: Jeff  "Rowli" Rowlison, VP, Space & Intel Programs, American Defense International

Guest: Anthony “Lazer” Lazarski, Principal, Cornerstone Government Affairs

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Episode Summary:

In this Aerospace Advantage episode, Heather “Lucky” Penney chats about electronic attack with Col JR Smith, commander of the 55th Electronic Combat Group. 

Maintaining an electromagnetic-based battlespace advantage is essential for twenty first century mission success. That’s why the EC-130H and the new EA-37B are so important. They execute a mission the Air Force calls Compass Call: disrupting enemy command, control, communications, radars, and navigation systems. This allows U.S. forces to maintain a decision advantage, while denying this to the adversary. Nor is Compass Call just about the aircraft and mission systems. Highly trained airmen are key. Compass Call assets also partner with EA-18Gs and F-16CJs as part of a team to facilitate the Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses (SEAD). This episode will explore this mission—how it has developed, current considerations, and where it is going from an operator perspective.

Credits:

Host: Heather “Lucky” Penney, Senior Resident Fellow, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies

Producer: Shane Thin 

Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey

Guest: Col Jeremy R "Smitty" Smith, Commander, 55th Electronic Combat Group

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Episode Summary:

In this episode, Heather “Lucky” Penney chats about a key component of the nuclear triad with Chris Adams, sector vice president and general manager for Strategic Space Systems at Northrop Grumman, and Jen "Boots" Reeves, Senior Fellow for Space Studies at Mitchell Institute.

The nuclear triad forms the bedrock of America’s national security. The idea is simple: to hold enemy nations at risk to such a degree that they will never cross certain lines. For this to work, our nuclear enterprise needs to be highly resilient, dependable, and zero fail. We normally focus on the weapons portion of the enterprise: ICBMs, SLBMs, and air launched weapons from bombers and certain fighters. And while those technologies are obviously critical, the ability to use them demands an incredibly safe and secure command and control system—what we call nuclear command, control, and communications—or NC3 for short. People often take that part of the enterprise for granted because it’s largely invisible. Chris and Jen talk about the NC3 enterprise—outlining why it’s so important and explaining why it must be modernized.

Credits:

Host: Heather “Lucky” Penney, Senior Resident Fellow, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies

Producer: Shane Thin 

Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey

Guest: Christopher Adams, Sector Vice President and General Manager, Strategic Space Systems division (SSSD), Space Systems sector, Northrop Grumman

Guest: Jennifer "Boots" Reeves, Senior Resident Fellow for Space Studies, The Mitchell Institute Spacepower Advantage Center of Excellence

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