The Mitchell Institute’s Aerospace Nation Podcast

Afleveringen

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  Defeating the Drones: The Airman’s Imperative to Defend Against Small UAV 30.07.2026 59min

  United States Air Force forward operating installations face a grave threat given air and missile threats, especially when it comes to small Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (sUAV). Recent combat events in places like Ukraine and the Middle East highlight the significance of this threat. It's time to pursue new operational concepts, tactics, and procure necessary technologies to mitigate this threat. Join us for the release of the Mitchell Institute’s newest report exploring how the U.S. Air Force can address the sUAV threat, Defeating the Drones: The Airman’s Imperative to Defend Against Small UAV, by Brig. Gen. Houston Cantwell, USAF (Ret.), Senior Fellow for the Mitchell Institute Center for Unmanned and Autonomy Studies. Gen. Glen VanHerck, USAF (Ret.), former commander of United States Northern Command (USNORTHCOM) and North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), will join the Mitchell Institute to provide his unique perspectives and insights on the report’s findings and recommendations.
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  Gen. Kevin B. Schneider | Aerospace Nation 27.07.2026 54min

  Few regions are as strategically significant as the Pacific. The persistent challenges posed by adversaries like China and North Korea, the critical importance of alliances and partnerships, and the sheer scale of projecting airpower across this expansive theater make it one of the most complex and consequential areas of responsibility in the world today. Gen. Schneider is responsible for Air Force activities spread over half the globe in a command that supports more than 46,000 Airmen serving principally in Japan, South Korea, Hawaii, Alaska, and Guam. Join us as Gen. Schneider provides an update on airpower and the Pacific theater.
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  Lt. Gen. Gregory J. Gagnon | Schriever Spacepower Series 17.07.2026 1u

  Combat Forces Command is responsible for generating, presenting, and sustaining combat-ready space control, global operations, and combat service support forces capable of defending the nation’s interests in, from, and to space. Lt. Gen. Gagnon’s insights and deep connections with the intelligence community will paint a clear picture of the evolving threat environment and the Space Force’s ability to maintain space superiority for the nation and its warfighters.
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  Autonomy and AI Assessment with Honorable Frank Kendall 16.07.2026 58min

  Autonomy and AI dominate the defense debate. Whether talking about next generation collaborative combat aircraft, command and control decision making aids, or cyberspace tools–there’s no question that these technologies are reshaping national security. Frank Kendall will join us to discuss this topic, which he explored in his recently released book “Lethal Autonomy: The Future of Warfare Whether We Like It Or Not.” During his tenure as the 26th United States Secretary of the Air Force, Kendall was at the leading edge of this discussion. A veteran of the defense industry and former Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics, he spent his tenure overseeing the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Force through a major modernization effort focused on strategic competition. Join us for this important discussion.
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  Lt. Gen. Steven Whitney | Aerospace Nation 15.07.2026 56min

  Lt. Gen. Steve Whitney serves as the Director, Force Structure, Resources and Assessment, J-8. In this position, he oversees the development of capabilities, conducts studies and assessments, and evaluates plans and programs for the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. He also serves as Secretary of the Joint Requirements Oversight Council and Chairman of the Joint Capabilities Board. Lt. Gen. Whitney plays an important role in ensuring that the Air Force and Space Force are properly sized and resourced for future conflicts. He also brings valuable insights from his extensive acquisition experience. Join us for what will be a fascinating discussion with one of the senior Guardians on the Joint Staff.
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  Brig. Gen. Nikki R. Frankino & Ms. Melissa D. Blakesly | Schriever Spacepower Series 01.07.2026 59min

  Through authorization and appropriation, Congress holds the definitive power to shape military growth and readiness. As the nation’s youngest and smallest service, it is vital for the Space Force to have effective advocacy on the Hill. Leading this effort are Brigadier General Nikki Frankino, Legislative Liaison for the U.S. Space Force and Ms. Melissa Blakesly, the Associate Deputy Assistant Secretary for Congressional Budget and Appropriations Liaison. From budget priorities and force design to long-term strategic objectives, congressional decisions will play a decisive role in determining how the Space Force develops in the years ahead. Join us for an inciteful discussion on their work, priorities, and impact shaping the Space Force at this historic moment.
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  Space Superiority Through the Spectrum of Conflict: Findings and Recommendations from the Conflict in Space Workshop 23.06.2026 1u 1min

  Space has become an indispensable element of modern military, economic, and societal functions, yet the character of conflict in the space domain is only just emerging and is not well understood. The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies Spacepower Advantage Center of Excellence (MI-SPACE) held a two-day unclassified workshop that sought to clarify how hostile acts in space might be identified, how escalation thresholds could be assessed, and what effects and response options the United States and its allies should prioritize to achieve and maintain space superiority. Join us to discuss the key findings in our newest report, Space Superiority Through the Spectrum of Conflict: Findings and Recommendations from the Conflict in Space Workshop and gain insight on how the United States must continue to build combat credibility, deter hostile behavior, control escalation, and ensure the United States’ ability to prevail in future space conflict.
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  Gen. John D. Lamontagne | Aerospace Nation 04.06.2026 55min

  Join us to learn more about current Air Force priorities with Vice Chief of Staff Gen. John Lamontagne. As one of the service’s top leaders, Gen. Lamontagne plays an instrumental role in organizing, training, and equipping Airmen across the force. His insights will be incredibly valuable give this year’s historic defense investments and pressing global security requirements. This is a conversation you won’t want to miss!
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  Congressman August Pfluger | Aerospace Nation 02.06.2026 57min

  With the Trump Administration requesting a major defense budget boost, it’s now up to Congress to turn this proposal into reality. To discuss this and a wide variety of national security topics, we are pleased to welcome Congressman August Pfluger (R-TX). Before his time in Congress, Congressman Pfluger graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy and served for over two decades as a fighter pilot–including time as a squadron commander. After 26 years in uniform, August retired as a Colonel from the U.S. Air Force on February 1, 2026. Representing the 11th District of Texas, which includes Goodfellow Air Force Base, Congressman Pfluger is Chairman of the Republican Study Committee, and also serves on the House Energy and Commerce Committee plus is the Chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security’s Subcommittee on Counterterrorism and Intelligence. Additionally, Congressman Pfluger serves as Chairman of the U.S. Air Force Academy Board of Visitors. Join us as we explore national security perspectives as seen from Capitol Hill through the lens of a combat veteran fighter pilot.
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  Military Human Spaceflight: A Key Component to American Space Superiority 22.05.2026 1u 1min

  As the modern space race heats up and more humans venture into orbit and to the Moon, the Space Force will likely need to place Guardians in space to defend American interests. In the latest paper from the Mitchell Institute’s Spacepower Advantage Center of Excellence, Col (ret) Kyle “Puma” Pumroy outlines the conditions requiring future human military spaceflight and the steps the Space Force can take to make it a reality. With increasing competition for positional advantage in space exploration and the burgeoning commercial human spaceflight market, the United States is at a pivotal moment to initiate a program that will provide a crucial element for enduring space superiority. Join us for an in-depth discussion on this thought-provoking paper.
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  Brig. Gen. Christopher Fernengel | Schriever Spacepower Series 15.05.2026 56min

  The Space Force is on the verge of one of the largest percentage budget increases of any military service in history. Brig. Gen. Christopher “Trigger” Fernengel will have a significant role in shaping what the service will prioritize and how it will manage this growth. As Resourcing Lead, he is responsible for executing U.S. Space Force programs across the Future Years Defense Plan and the Program Objective Memorandum. Join us for an in-depth discussion on how the Space Force is seizing this historic opportunity.
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  Gen. Stephen N. Whiting | Schriever Spacepower Series 12.05.2026 59min

  Gen. Stephen N. Whiting, Commander of U.S. Space Command, is responsible for defending U.S. and allied interests in the space domain, while also providing space-enabled combat effects to joint warfighters around the globe. He exercises combatant command authority over Soldiers, Marines, Sailors, Airmen and Guardians operating ground and space-based systems around the world. From growing Multinational Force Operation Olympic Defender, to ongoing combat operations in Iran, and supporting NASA’s return to the Moon, the space domain has never been busier or more critical. Hear first-hand from the leader at the center of it all to learn about progress achieved, challenges remaining, and objectives on the horizon.
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  Col. Corey J. Klopstein & Col. Craig J. Hackbarth | Schriever Spacepower Series 21.04.2026 59min

  Ensuring Guardians and their weapon systems are combat credible demands an innovative, realistic test and training approach. The Operational Test and Training Infrastructure (OTTI) is that approach—combining live and virtual elements to represent the range of threats and operating conditions the Space Force might face. Join us for an in-depth discussion with Colonel Corey Klopstein, the Program Executive Officer for OTTI, and the Commander of System Delta 81, and Colonel Craig Hackbarth, Director of Capability, OTTI, to hear about their progress and the priorities of Space System Delta 81.
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  Lt. Gen. Rebecca J. Sonkiss | Aerospace Nation 20.04.2026 51min

  Mobility is the backbone behind any successful military operation, both in peacetime and war. Whether talking about cargo aircraft, aerial refueling tankers,  or the airmen who empower the logistics enterprise, the Air Force provides fundamental elements of this capability to the nation.  Lt. Gen. Rebecca Sonkiss, Deputy Commander of Air Mobility Command, joins us for a conversation to learn more about current operations and future plans for this critical mission.
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  Rebuilding America’s Air Force: Balancing the Air Force’s Combat Forces for Peer Conflict 10.04.2026 59min

  Whether the U.S. Air Force can succeed in future combat operations will depend on key force design decisions and corresponding modernization choices. The Mitchell Institute assessed these courses of action in its most recent wargame. Join us for the release of our newest report, Rebuilding America’s Air Force: Balancing the Air Force’s Combat Forces for Peer Conflict, to gain insights into what operational concepts and corresponding investment decisions delivered the best mission effects. Mark A. Gunzinger, the Director of Future Concepts and Capability Assessments, will be joined by Lt. Gen. Jason Armagost, Deputy Commander, Air Force Global Strike Command, and Deputy Commander, Air Forces Strategic-Air, U.S. Strategic Command, for this discussion.
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  Maj. Gen. Samuel Keener | Schriever Spacepower Series 18.03.2026 43min

  As the newest combatant command, U.S. Space Command must rapidly advance and integrate spacepower into real world operations, and Maj. Gen. Samuel “Bull” Keener is leading the charge to do just that. He leads efforts with allies and partners to plan, execute, and integrate military spacepower into multi-domain global operations to deter aggression, defend national interests, and when necessary, defeat threats. Join us for this can’t-miss Schriever Spacepower Series to hear first-hand how spacepower is evolving to meet emerging challenges.
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  Lt. Gen. Dennis O. Bythewood | Schriever Spacepower Series 13.03.2026 57min

  Lt. Gen. Dennis Bythewood sits at the nexus between the Space Force and U.S. Space Command. He leads thousands of joint and combined personnel across 50 tactical units with the purpose of protecting and defending our interests in space. Join this upcoming Schriever Spacepower Series to hear about the accomplishments and ongoing efforts of this key component command.
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  Strategic Attack: Maintaining the Air Force’s Capacity to Deny Enemy Sanctuaries 13.02.2026 1u 3min

  Allowing adversaries to operate from operational sanctuaries is a losing proposition. A war-winning strategy for the U.S. military must involve applying long-range penetrating airpower to hold targets at risk – anytime, anywhere. This includes an adversary’s ability to launch air and missile salvos that could cripple U.S. operations. However, decades of force cuts and deferred modernization have reduced the Air Force’s combat capacity to the point where it cannot simultaneously deter nuclear attacks, defend the U.S. homeland, and defeat adversary aggression at acceptable levels of risk. New, long-range stealthy bombers and fighters that can deny sanctuaries to adversary forces wherever they are located are required at scale. A less-capable force cannot achieve peace through strength or win should deterrence fail. This is a strategic choice for the nation, not just the Air Force. The authors examine this topic and solutions with guest, Gen. Tim Ray, USAF (Ret.), former Commander of Air Force Global Strike Command.
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  Charting a Path to Space Superiority: The Cross-Domain Imperative 09.12.2025 59min

  Join the Mitchell Institute as Col. Jen “Boots” Reeves, USAF (Ret.) releases her latest policy paper outlining why space superiority is foundational to America’s ability to fight and win. Achieving this will demand that the other services support the Space Force and Space Command, which is a departure from the traditional notion of spacepower acting to empower terrestrial actions. This necessary evolution has major implications when it comes to strategy, operational concepts, command relations, technology investments, and basic warfighting attitudes. Joining the discussion is Maj. Gen. Brook “Tank” Leonard, USAF (Ret.), the inaugural Chief of Staff of U.S. Space Command. This is a must see deep-dive on the institutional reforms, operational changes, cultural shifts, and new technologies required to achieve space superiority through cross-domain operations.
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  Maj. Gen. Chris Povak | Schriever Spacepower Series 03.12.2025 1u

  The National Reconnaissance Office is leading one of the most ambitious architectural transformations in intelligence history. Join the Mitchell Institute’s discussion with Maj. Gen. Povak for an informative look at dramatic transformation occurring within the NRO.