America’s ability to secure its interests, whether deterring conflict or fighting and wining, demands a robust Air Force. The current security environment will tolerate nothing less. The service has traditionally measured its prowess via capacity, capabilities, and readiness. The Air Force currently lags in each of these three areas. Want proof? The service’s FY 2025 budget request sought to divest 250 aircraft, while only procuring 91. The FY 2026 request seeks to divest 340 aircraft, while only acquiring 76. It is essential that the Trump administration and Congress reverse the service’s decline in capacity, capability, and readiness.

In this episode, Lt. Gen. David Deptula, USAF (Ret.), JV Venable, and Robert “Otis” Winkler discuss these challenges and outline what needs to be done to reset the Air Force. JV just completed a major report on this topic, and the conversation centers around the top findings. The time for concerted action is now.

Guests

Lt Gen David A. Deptula, USAF (Ret.)Dean, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies

John VenableSenior Fellow for Airpower Studies, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies

Col Robert “Otis” Winkler, USAF (Ret.)Vice President , Corporate Development and National Security Programs, Kratos Defense

Host

Heather PenneyDirector of Research, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies

Credits