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The Aerospace Advantage

Episode 198 – Want to Fight and Win? Air and Space Integration is Key

Aug 24, 2024
Heather "Lucky" Penney, a key aerospace thinker, is joined by Robert Lightfoot, president of Lockheed Martin Space; Greg Ulmer, president of Lockheed Martin Aeronautics; and Charles Galbreath from the Mitchell Institute. They discuss the strategic shift from airborne to space-based intelligence and reconnaissance, emphasizing the need for integrated air and space operations to maintain military effectiveness against modern threats. The conversation covers historical advancements, autonomous technologies, and the importance of resilient, multi-domain strategies in ensuring mission success.
01:03:56

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Quick takeaways

  • The trend of shifting airborne ISR missions to space has been ongoing since the Cold War, highlighting a preference for cost-effective space assets.
  • Experts advocate for the integration of air and space operations to enhance resilience, reducing the risks associated with over-reliance on a single domain.

Deep dives

Shift from Airborne to Space-Based ISR

There is a significant trend in defense strategy moving airborne intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions to space-based platforms, which has been noticeable since the end of the Cold War. Iconic aircraft like the SR-71 Blackbird were retired in favor of satellite solutions, highlighting a historical preference for space assets due to budget constraints. Recent retirements, such as the E-8 JSTARS and the U-2, further underscore this trend, as their roles are set to be filled by space-based systems. While space capabilities are impressive, there is concern regarding over-reliance on a single domain, especially given the potential for adversaries to target and disrupt these space assets, prompting a call for more diverse, multi-domain solutions.

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