The Aerospace Advantage

FY27 Budget, Space Force Launch, and the Future of Airpower — Ep. 292 30.05.2026 54m

Episode Summary: In this episode, our team assesses Congress' response to the FY27 defense budget request. We also discuss SDA's new leadership, as well as Space Force's requirement for a third heavy launch site. When it comes to airpower, we explain the importance of the MQ-9 in current ops, plus the significance of E-7, EA-37B, and B-21 program developments. Our team wraps up exploring the latest trends in the Ukraine conflict. Credits: Host: Heather "Lucky" Penney, Director of Research, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies Producer: Shane Thin Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey Guest: Lt. Gen. David Deptula, USAF (Ret.), Dean, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies Guest: Charles Galbreath, Director & Senior Resident Fellow for Space Studies, The Mitchell Institute Spacepower Advantage Center of Excellence (MI-SPACE) Guest: Doug Birkey, Executive Director, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies Guest: Todd "Sledge" Harmer, Senior Vice President, American Defense International Guest: Anthony "Lazer" Lazarski, Principal, Cornerstone Government Affairs Related Reading: Dynamic Space Operations Paper Military Human Spaceflight Links: Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/3GbA5Of Website: https://mitchellaerospacepower.org/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/MitchellStudies Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Mitchell.Institute.Aerospace LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3nzBisb Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mitchellstudies/ #MitchellStudies #AerospaceAdvantage #rendezvous #budget #capitolhill

Epic Fury Lessons Learned: Lt. Gen. “Kooler” Krumm, USAF (Ret.) — Ep. 291 23.05.2026 48m

Episode Summary: Operation Epic Fury has yielded important lessons learned, especially when it comes to the increasing importance of electronic warfare, the scale and scope of America’s munitions inventories, and the need for radically enhanced base protection measures. Heather "Lucky" Penney discusses these themes with Lt. Gen. David "Kooler" Krumm, USAF (Ret.) of BAE Systems. What are important operational considerations? How does the industrial base help deliver solutions to harness this recent combat experience? Credits: Host: Heather "Lucky" Penney, Director of Research, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies Producer: Shane Thin Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey Guest: Lt. Gen. David "Kooler" Krumm, USAF (Ret.), VP, Mission Integration, BAE Systems Links: Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/3GbA5Of Website: https://mitchellaerospacepower.org/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/MitchellStudies Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Mitchell.Institute.Aerospace LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3nzBisb Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mitchellstudies/ #MitchellStudies #AerospaceAdvantage #electronicwarfare #industry #epicfury

Allied Leadership Conversation: Maj Gen Wickman, Commander of the Swedish AF — Ep. 290 16.05.2026 35m

Episode Summary: As the newest member of NATO, Sweden plays in instrumental role in securing the alliance’s northern flank. With the Swedish Air Force celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, we are excited to chat with Major General Jonas Wikman, Commander of the Swedish Air Force. We discuss the current security environment and how that is shaping decision-making both in Sweden and throughout NATO. This touches upon strategy, operational concepts, and modernization equities. Our conversation also covers lessons learned from ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East. Credits: Host: Heather "Lucky" Penney, Director of Research, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies Producer: Shane Thin Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey Guest: Lt. Gen. David Deptula, USAF (Ret.), Dean, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies Guest: Maj. Gen. Jonas Wikman, Commander, Swedish Air Force Links: Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/3GbA5Of Website: https://mitchellaerospacepower.org/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/MitchellStudies Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Mitchell.Institute.Aerospace LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3nzBisb Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mitchellstudies/ #MitchellStudies #AerospaceAdvantage #allies #europe #airpower

Want to Reset the Air Force? Lessons from the Reagan Build-Up — Ep. 289 09.05.2026 1h 11m

Episode Summary: President Trump's defense spending boost presents major opportunities for the Air Force. However, many officials have spent their entire careers living through extended periods of austerity—with budget toplines driving decisions, not what they really need to meet requirements. Switching gears to grow the force involves a different mindset to address different challenges and maximize opportunities. That’s what we discuss today: how do we grow the Air Force? We are joined by two legends of airpower for this conversation: Gen. Ron Fogleman, USAF (Ret.), the 15th Chief of Staff of the Air Force, and Gen. Mike Loh, USAF (Ret.), who served as the Vice Chief of Staff of the Air Force and later as the first commander of Air Combat Command. They both spent time in key plans and program assignments during the Reagan-era build up, the last time the Air Force saw a surge of investment. Credits: Host: Heather "Lucky" Penney, Director of Research, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies Producer: Shane Thin Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey Guest: Gen. John Michael Loh, USAF (Ret.), Former Vice Chief of Staff of the Air Force & Commander, Air Combat Command Guest: Gen. Ron Fogleman, USAF (Ret.), Former Chief of Staff of the Air Force, #15 Guest: John "JV" Venable, Senior Fellow for Airpower Studies, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies Links: Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/3GbA5Of Website: https://mitchellaerospacepower.org/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/MitchellStudies Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Mitchell.Institute.Aerospace LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3nzBisb Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mitchellstudies/ #MitchellStudies #AerospaceAdvantage #history #airpower #veterans

FY27 Defense Budget, Fighter Support in Congress, Space Update: The Rendezvous — Ep. 288 02.05.2026 52m

Episode Summary: In this episode, our team assesses the FY 27 defense budget request from an air and space set of perspectives. We also explore fighter developments in Congress via legislation introduced by Senators Budd (R-NC) and Shaheen (D-NH), as well as a powerful letter submitted by the Adjutants General calling for more F-35s and F-15EXs. When it comes to space power, we explain the importance of the Future Operating Environment and Objective Force 2040, plus the significance of Space Force selecting Reservists to become part-time Guardians. Our team wraps up exploring the conflict with Iran and America's munitions deficit. Links: Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/3GbA5Of Website: https://mitchellaerospacepower.org/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/MitchellStudies Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Mitchell.Institute.Aerospace LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3nzBisb Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mitchellstudies/ #MitchellStudies #AerospaceAdvantage #thehill #government #rendezvous

Innovate to Survive: Vietnam Air Combat Perspectives Part 2 — Ep. 287 25.04.2026 1h 1m

The air war over Vietnam represents one of the most dynamic, evolutionary periods of airpower innovation. In part two of this conversation, we continue our interview with two legendary Vietnam veteran airmen: Col Leonard “Lucky” Ekman, USAF (Ret) and ace Col Chuck DeBellevue, USAF (Ret). We focus on how air-to-air tactics and technology evolved as well as key details behind the Wild Weasel mission.

Innovate to Survive: Vietnam Air Combat Perspectives Part 1 — Ep. 286 18.04.2026 58m

The air war over Vietnam represents one of the most dynamic, evolutionary periods of airpower innovation. The U.S. entered the conflict optimized to face the Soviet Union, but few Vietnam combat missions matched that paradigm. Airmen had to rapidly adapt and innovate. This episode explores this era by speaking to two legendary Vietnam veteran airmen: Col Leonard “Lucky” Ekman, USAF (Ret) and ace Col Chuck DeBellevue, USAF (Ret).

A Century of Liquid Rockets: Conversation with ULA's Chief Rocket Scientist John Reed — Ep. 285 11.04.2026 55m

2026 marks the 100th anniversary of liquid-fueled rockets. Mitchell Institute experts and John Reed, the Chief Rocket Scientist at United Launch Alliance, discuss this milestone event, launch advancements over the past 100 years, the future of this technology, and why it all matters.

Epic Fury Insights, FY27 Defense Budget, and Spacepower Update: The Rendezvous — Ep. 284 04.04.2026 1h 8m

We discuss Operation Epic Fury, key items to track in the FY27 defense budget, and the latest in spacepower—everything from missile warning & tracking developments to the Geosynchronous Space Situational Awareness Program (GSSAP).

Understanding the Threat Environment in Space: Chief Lerch — Ep. 283 28.03.2026 1h 3m

China is pressing hard to gain a spacepower capability advantage over the United States, including offensive and defensive capabilities on orbit. Our Mitchell Institute team explores these realities with Chief Master Sergeant Ron Lerch, Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Deputy of Chief of Space Operations. This is a crucial conversation you won’t want to miss.

Command and Control Air Battle Management: The Air Layer Still Matters — Ep. 282 21.03.2026 59m

Episode Summary: As the United States military works to ensure its forces can effectively employ military power in an increasingly dangerous threat environment, it is imperative that its command-and-control air battle management (C2ABM) enterprise is postured for success. The ability to ensure forces are positioned at the right time and place to best secure the desired effects, while avoiding undue risk, is crucial and will make the difference between winning and losing in future conflicts. Current C2ABM capabilities are too old, are increasingly fragile, lack sufficient capacity, and are too vulnerable. Heather “Lucky” Penney and Doug Birkey explore this topic with air battle managers Lt. Col. Alex “Big Bobby” Wallis and Lt. Col. Grant “SWAT” Georgulis . The time for change is now. U.S. forces must always retain a tactical decision advantage. Credits: Host: Heather "Lucky" Penney, Director of Research, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies Producer: Shane Thin Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey Guest: Doug Birkey, Executive Director, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies Guest: Lt. Col. Alex "Big Bobby" Wallis, Air Force Strategic Policy Fellow Alumni Guest: Lt. Col. Grant "SWAT" Georgulis, Air Force Senior Developmental Education Fellow Alumni Visit: c2coord.com Links: Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/3GbA5Of Website: https://mitchellaerospacepower.org/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/MitchellStudies Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Mitchell.Institute.Aerospace LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3nzBisb Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mitchellstudies/ #MitchellStudies #AerospaceAdvantage #air #battlemanagement

Frontline Spacepower: Command Perspectives from U.S. Space Forces-Central — Ep. 281 14.03.2026 42m

Episode Summary: Since the end of the Cold War, Central Command (CENTCOM) has been front and center for U.S. combat operations, with space playing an ever-increasing essential role in daily operations. That’s why the Space Force stood up its first component command, U.S. Space Forces-Central (SPACECENT), in this combatant command. We discuss the history, current operations, and future of SPACECENT with its first commander, Col Chris “Tool” Putman.” Learn about how spacepower provided key contributions to defending Isreal from Iranian air and missile strikes, empowered Operation Midnight Hammer, and more. All these experiences have major implications for tactics, planning, operational employment, and integration of spacepower. Credits: Host: Heather "Lucky" Penney, Director of Research, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies Producer: Shane Thin Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey Guest: Col. Chris "Tool" Putman, USSF (Ret.), Former Commander, U.S. Space Forces - Central (SPACECENT) Guest: Jennifer "Boots" Reeves, Senior Resident Fellow for Spacepower Studies, The Mitchell Institute Spacepower Advantage Center of Excellence Guest: Charles Galbreath, Director and Senior Resident Fellow for Spacepower Studies, The Mitchell Institute Spacepower Advantage Center of Excellence Links: Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/3GbA5Of Website: https://mitchellaerospacepower.org/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/MitchellStudies Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Mitchell.Institute.Aerospace LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3nzBisb Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mitchellstudies/ #MitchellStudies #AerospaceAdvantage #space #militaryleadership

Operation Epic Fury: Key Insights and Analysis — Ep. 280 07.03.2026 1h 6m

Join Mitchell Institute fellows for a discussion on the strategic, operational, and tactical dynamics of Operation Epic Fury. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain deeper insight into the ongoing operations.

Top Spacepower Insights: AFA’s Warfare Symposium — Ep. 279 28.02.2026 1h

Episode Summary: Join Mitchell Institute’s Spacepower Advantage Center of Excellence (MI-SPACE) for their key takeaways from this week's Warfare Symposium, in Aurora, Colorado. Get the key takeaways about Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink’s focus on acquisition, Chief of Space Operations Gen. Chance Saltzman's take on growing and modernizing the service, and much, much more. Charles, Jen, and Kyle also dig into insights from the panels and more from behind-the-scenes and what you didn’t hear on stage. Credits: Host: Charles Galbreath, Director and Senior Resident Fellow for Spacepower Studies, The Mitchell Institute Spacepower Advantage Center of Excellence Producer: Shane Thin Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey Guest: Jennifer "Boots" Reeves, Senior Resident Fellow for Spacepower Studies, The Mitchell Institute Spacepower Advantage Center of Excellence Guest: Kyle "Puma" Pumroy, Senior Resident Fellow for Spacepower Studies, The Mitchell Institute Spacepower Advantage Center of Excellence Links: Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/3GbA5Of Website: https://mitchellaerospacepower.org/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/MitchellStudies Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Mitchell.Institute.Aerospace LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3nzBisb Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mitchellstudies/ #MitchellStudies #AerospaceAdvantage #space #warfaresymposium

Want Effective AI? It'll Take Contextualized Mission Data — Ep. 278 21.02.2026 55m

Episode Summary: Autonomy and artificial intelligence are going to have a massive impact upon aircraft, mission systems, weapons, battle management, and other command and control functions. But it isn’t enough to just write the algorithms for the autonomy and AI—we’ll need to train them to effectively coordinate with human teammates, rapidly adjust to a dynamic threat environment, adhere to commander’s intent, and afford sufficient insight for legal and reliability analysis. All of that involves capturing and curating data to promote warfighter context and relevant mission data. Lean more about this as Heather Penney chats with a team of AI experts and former warfighters, including Robert “Bobaloo” Rickard and Mark “Drifter” Valentine. Credits: Host: Heather "Lucky" Penney, Director of Research, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies Producer: Shane Thin Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey Guest: Robert “Bobaloo” Rickard, Founder & CEO, RCG, Inc. Guest: Mark “Drifter” Valentine, Global Head of National Security Strategy, Skydio Links: Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/3GbA5Of Website: https://mitchellaerospacepower.org/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/MitchellStudies Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Mitchell.Institute.Aerospace LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3nzBisb Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mitchellstudies/ #MitchellStudies #AerospaceAdvantage #AI #Data #MilitaryTechnology

Air Superiority: It Takes More Fighters — Ep. 277 14.02.2026 57m

Since the end of the Cold War, Air Force resource shortfalls have hit the fighter inventory hard. Fewer tails carry more sortie demand, which is a recipe for burnout. It’s time for a course correction. We explore this crucial topic with Brig. Gen. Shannon “Sinjin” Smith, Commander of the Idaho Air National Guard.

National Defense Strategy, Budget News, and Spacepower Update: The Rendezvous — Ep. 276 07.02.2026 1h 6m

Episode Summary: In this episode, our team explores the top defense issues in Washington, D.C. and beyond. What are the key details in the defense appropriations legislation that was just signed into law, and what are the important considerations when it comes to the new National Defense Strategy? We also explore the push for acquisition reform in the Department of the Air Force, plus Secretary Hegseth’s focus on the industrial base. The team also covers the latest in spacepower—everything from the SDA tracking layer to congestion with launch. Credits: Host: Heather "Lucky" Penney, Director of Research, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies Producer: Shane Thin Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey Guest: Lt. Gen. David A. Deptula, USAF (Ret.), Dean, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies Guest: J. Michael Dahm, Senior Fellow for Aerospace and China Studies, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies Guest: Jennifer "Boots" Reeves, Senior Resident Fellow for Spacepower Studies, The Mitchell Institute Spacepower Advantage Center of Excellence (MI-SPACE) Guest: Todd "Sledge" Harmer, Senior Vice President, American Defense International Guest: Jeff Rowlison, VP, Space & Intel Programs, American Defense International Guest: Anthony “Lazer” Lazarski, Principal, Cornerstone Government Affairs Links: Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/3GbA5Of Website: https://mitchellaerospacepower.org/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/MitchellStudies Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Mitchell.Institute.Aerospace LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3nzBisb Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mitchellstudies/ #MitchellStudies #AerospaceAdvantage #rendezvous #government #capitolhill

Global Reach, Global Power: B-1 Flightline Update — Ep. 275 31.01.2026 43m

Global Reach, Global Power—you can’t exercise that without Air Force bombers. We explore the long-range strike mission with longtime B-1 pilot and recent 9th BS commander Lt Col Ryan “Duke” Stillwell.

Pacific Threat Update: Taiwan Assessment — Ep. 274 24.01.2026 55m

The global security environment is near a fever pitch, but China remains the focal threat facing the United States. The dominant issue shaping that challenge is Taiwan. Join us for an in-depth assessment as Mitchell Institute’s Mike Dahm discusses his recent trip to the region.

Collaborative Mission Autonomy: The Key to Next Gen Airpower — Ep. 273 17.01.2026 55m

Heather Penney explores collaborative mission autonomy with Steve Fino and Ryan Bunge of Collins Aerospace. This is the technology that teams a crewed aircraft with an uncrewed aircraft, which unlocks greater mission effects than what either plane could realize on its own.