The Mitchell Institute’s Aerospace Nation Podcast

Policy Paper Release: Fighting the Air Base: Ensuring Decisive Combat Sortie Generation Under Enemy Fire

Jul 11, 2024

Brig Gen Michael Winkler and J. Michael Dahm discuss the importance of protecting air bases from enemy threats in the policy paper 'Fighting the Air Base'. They emphasize the need for cost-effective defense strategies, generating combat sorties under attack, enhancing combat capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region, repurposing existing systems for missions, and strategizing defense spending priorities.

01:01:32

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Episode guests

Brig Gen Michael “Jekyll” Winkler, USAF (Ret.)

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Quick takeaways

Proper airbase defense is crucial for enabling the Air Force to deliver decisive air power.

A blend of active and passive defenses is essential to counter sophisticated adversary threats.

Inter-service agreements and collaboration are important for enhancing airbase defense capabilities.

Deep dives

Air Base Defense Key to Maintaining Combat Readiness

Defending overseas air bases is vital as adversaries like China and Russia pose significant threats with long-range missiles and drone attacks. Without proper airbase defense, the Air Force may not be capable of delivering decisive air power. Targeted investments in airbase defense are crucial for sustained combat effectiveness.

Intro

3min

Importance of Air Force Relevance and Defense Strategies

18min

Importance of Generating Combat Sorties for Base Defenses

3min

Enhancing Combat Capabilities and Base Defense in the Indo-Pacific Region

29min

Exploring the Repurposing of Existing Systems for Combat Missions

4min

Strategizing Defense Spending Priorities for Combat Operations

4min

Brig Gen Michael “Jekyll” Winkler, USAF (Ret.), the Deputy Director for Air and Cyberspace Operations of the Pacific Air Forces, and Mitchell's J. Michael Dahm explore how the Department of Defense and Congress can and must prepare the Air Force to fight from their forward air bases to generate combat effects while under attack.

Link to the report