Defense & Aerospace Report Defense & Aerospace Air Power Podcast [Aug 07, 25] Season 3 E30: Summer Breeze
Aug 7, 2025
Doug Birkey, Executive Director of the Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies, shares his expertise on U.S. airpower and current defense dynamics. He discusses the implications of recent munitions contracts and labor disputes at Boeing. The conversation also touches on military readiness, particularly regarding the F-35, while drawing historical comparisons. Additionally, Birkey highlights the significance of air shows in preserving aviation history and the role of innovations like AI in keeping military legacies alive.
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Secure Munitions Supply Now
- The multi-year munitions contract is crucial to ensure sustained production and supply.
- Early investment secures raw materials and supply chains necessary to replenish depleted stocks quickly.
Speed Vital for Unmanned AI
- Speed is critical in unmanned combat aircraft development to gather AI operational data.
- Slowing test flights delays risk reduction since live data is essential for AI fine-tuning.
Air Force Fleet Aging Crisis
- Air Force fleet is in a death spiral with divestitures outpacing new aircraft purchases.
- The aging fleet and slow replacements risk losing critical airpower and trained personnel.