Readiness Precipice, FY26 Budget Pressures, and E-7 on the Line: The Rendezvous — Ep. 244

Episode Summary:

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

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

Credits:

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

Producer: Shane Thin 

Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey

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

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

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

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

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

Read:

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

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

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