Decoding Geopolitics Podcast with Dominik Presl #61 Justin Bronk: Why America Is Rethinking Air Power
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Apr 30, 2025 In this discussion, Justin Bronk, a military aviation expert and Senior Research Fellow at RUSI, engages in a fascinating exploration of air power's future. He examines the competition between the U.S. and China over 6th generation fighter jets, revealing how these advancements could redefine warfare. Bronk highlights the integration of drones with manned aircraft, and addresses the challenges NATO faces in air defense. He also touches upon the importance of Europe developing its own next-gen capabilities to keep pace in a rapidly evolving geopolitical landscape.
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Land Combat Transformed More Than Air
- Land combat has changed more radically than air combat due to massed use of small UAS and loitering munitions.
- Air combat evolution is more about improved data sharing, longer range weapons, and contested electronic warfare environments.
F-47 Designed for Extended Range
- The F-47 will feature significantly greater internal range to reduce tanker dependency in the Indo-Pacific theater.
- Larger size and more internal fuel will support long-range missiles and advanced sensors for contested environments.
Next-Gen Stealth Broadens Radar Spectrum
- Fifth-generation stealth is mostly optimized for X-band radar; next-gen fighters aim for low observability across broader radar spectrums.
- This new stealth approach impacts aircraft design, increasing size, shape complexity, and maintenance costs.