Power Projections Imperative | 1st Annual Airpower Futures Forum
Mar 7, 2025
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Join Lt Gen Michael Koscheski, Deputy Commander of the Air Combat Command, Maj Gen Jason Armagost, Commander of the 8th Air Force, Doug Young from Northrop Grumman, and Billy Ray Thompson of RTX as they delve into the future of air power. They discuss the shift from traditional air dominance to modern strategies, the evolution of the B21 program, and the importance of unmanned systems. The conversation also highlights advancements in targeting complexities and the necessity for adaptive munitions in an era of great power competition.
The Air Force's ability to project power rapidly on a global scale emphasizes its strategic advantage in deterring threats and safeguarding national interests.
A balanced mix of standoff and stand-in capabilities is essential for the Air Force to effectively respond to contemporary challenges and maintain air security.
Investment in next-generation technologies like hypersonic weapons is crucial for enhancing the Air Force's operational effectiveness and ensuring adaptability in future conflicts.
Deep dives
Air Force Power Projection Capabilities
The Air Force emphasizes five key characteristics of air power: speed, range, flexibility, precision, and authority, which form the foundation of its ability to deter threats and safeguard U.S. national interests. This focus on rapid global power projection is critical as the geopolitical landscape evolves. The Air Force recognizes that the current threat environment aligns with its operational capabilities, enabling it to deliver timely responses to challenges and maintain air security. Unique to the Air Force is its unmatched ability to project power globally within hours, establishing an asymmetric advantage over other military services.
Balancing Standoff and Stand-in Capabilities
The Air Force's approach prioritizes a balanced mix of standoff and stand-in capabilities, essential for adapting to contemporary challenges and countering hostile forces. The distinction between penetrating and non-penetrating forces is key, as the latter group supports operations in contested environments while maintaining a focus on delivering diverse missions effectively. Command and control systems must integrate these capabilities to enhance the operational tempo and effectiveness of air power. This holistic integration will also facilitate the development of long-range kill chains, which are critical to maintaining the nation's military advantage.
Long-Range Strike Operations
The Air Force is committed to maintaining dominance in long-range strike capabilities through a family of systems approach, incorporating modern platforms like the B-21 alongside existing assets like the B-52. This strategic integration enhances mission effectiveness while addressing potential budget constraints and operational demands. Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) are highlighted as essential for achieving long-range strike goals, providing warfighters with flexible, cost-effective tools that complement traditional airpower. Adapting to emerging technologies will be vital in ensuring that these strike operations remain relevant and capable within complex threat environments.
Munitions Inventory for Great Power Conflict
A focus on increasing the munitions inventory is crucial for equipping the Air Force for future great power conflicts, ensuring a range of capabilities for both conventional and strategic operations. Incorporating cost-effective weapons options, such as lower-cost alternatives to traditional precision-guided munitions, enables the Air Force to enhance its firepower while managing budget constraints. Developing new weapons tailored for multi-domain operations will further solidify the capacity to meet evolving combat demands. A re-evaluation of the existing arsenal alongside modern technology integration is necessary to maintain a robust and adaptable munitions portfolio.
Investing in Next-Generation Technologies
Next-generation technologies such as hypersonic weapons and directed energy systems have the potential to revolutionize power projection strategies for the Air Force. Investing in these advanced systems can significantly enhance the capabilities to hold targets at risk and improve overall operational effectiveness. The military's focus on emerging technology should prioritize flexibility and collaboration among platforms to ensure seamless integration and adaptability. By aligning technology investments with strategic objectives, the Air Force can maintain its competitive edge in future conflict scenarios.
Speakers:
Lt Gen Michael Koscheski, Air Combat Command
Maj Gen Jason Armagost, 8th Air Force
Doug Young, Northrop Grumman Aeronautic Systems
Billy Ray Thompson, RTX
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