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Air Force leaders axe major China-focused organizational efforts
The service continues to unravel its “reoptimization for Great Power Competition” strategy.
December 2, 2025 | Thomas Novelly
Most of the Air Force’s biggest programs will now be overseen by a 4-star under the deputy SecDef
The centralization of the ICBM, B-21, F-47, and Air Force One programs appears at odds with the Pentagon’s professed acquisition approach, one expert said.
November 20, 2025 | Thomas Novelly
Congress supports bare minimum on Navy’s F/A-XX, while fully backing Air Force’s F-47
Appropriators and other lawmakers have pushed for the Navy’s next-gen fighter, but the latest NDAA offers only enough to keep the nascent program warm.
December 9, 2025 | Thomas Novelly
Nearly 300 days after purge, Pentagon taps new Air Force vice chief, JAG
Air Mobility commander nominated to be vice chief; Oklahoma Air National Guard commander to be top judge advocate general.
December 16, 2025 | Thomas Novelly
USAF plan to fly C-5, C-17s even longer elicits concern
Service says it needs to hedge against delays to planned Next-Generation Airlift plane.
November 25, 2025 | Thomas Novelly
Allvin’s surprise exit signals pivot for Air Force, not Hegseth pressure: sources
Former Air Combat Commander Gen. Wilsbach tops the list of potential replacements.
August 21, 2025 | Audrey Decker
The Air Force wants to put private AI data centers on its bases, raising security, land-use fears
The service will offer upwards of 3,000 acres across five U.S. bases to qualified developers.
October 24, 2025 | Thomas Novelly
Hegseth fired the Air Force’s top lawyer. The JAG who took on the job is stepping away.
It’s been eight months since the service had a Senate-confirmed leader in the role.
October 23, 2025 | Thomas Novelly
AFSOC exercise brings concept created for great-power conflict to the Caribbean
Last month, U.S. forces “seized” a St. Croix airport in a demonstration of the Agile Combat Employment maneuver scheme.
September 18, 2025 | Thomas Novelly
Returning the Air Force to its expeditionary roots
Agility and innovation helped win WWII. They will be essential for the next conflict.
September 17, 2025 | Lt. Gen. David A. Harris
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19 Comments
The plan to fly C-5 and C-17 aircraft for an extended period due to potential delays in the Next-Generation Airlift plane is concerning, what are the safety and maintenance implications of this decision?
The Air Force needs to balance the risk of flying older aircraft with the need to maintain its airlift capabilities, it’s a challenging decision.
The nomination of the Air Mobility commander to be vice chief and the Oklahoma Air National Guard commander to be top judge advocate general comes after a significant period of time without a confirmed leader, how will this impact the stability of the Air Force?
The Air Force’s commitment to innovation and adaptability, as demonstrated by the AFSOC exercise in the Caribbean, is a crucial aspect of its strategy, what are the potential applications of this concept in future conflicts?
The departure of the JAG who took on the job after Hegseth fired the Air Force’s top lawyer is concerning, what are the implications for the Air Force’s legal operations and stability?
It’s been eight months since the service had a Senate-confirmed leader in the role, this lack of stability is concerning.
The offer of 3,000 acres across five U.S. bases to qualified developers for private AI data centers is a significant initiative, what are the potential benefits and drawbacks of this partnership for the Air Force and the private sector?
The Air Force’s plan to fly older aircraft for an extended period is a pragmatic decision, but it also raises concerns about safety and maintenance, what are the potential risks and benefits of this decision?
The Air Force needs to carefully weigh the risks and benefits of flying older aircraft and ensure that it has a plan in place for maintenance and safety.
The centralization of the ICBM, B-21, F-47, and Air Force One programs under a 4-star general appears to contradict the Pentagon’s acquisition approach, how will this impact the efficiency of these programs?
The return to the Air Force’s expeditionary roots, as discussed by Lt. Gen. David A. Harris, is a crucial aspect of its strategy, how will the Air Force balance its focus on great-power competition with its need for agility and innovation?
The nomination of new leaders, such as the Air Mobility commander and the Oklahoma Air National Guard commander, is a positive step towards stability and leadership in the Air Force, what are the potential benefits of these appointments?
The proposal to put private AI data centers on Air Force bases raises concerns about security and land use, how will the Air Force address these concerns and ensure the integrity of its operations?
The Air Force’s decision to prioritize the F-47 program over other initiatives is a clear indication of its strategic priorities, what are the potential implications of this decision for the Air Force’s capabilities and budget?
The AFSOC exercise in the Caribbean, which demonstrated the Agile Combat Employment maneuver scheme, shows the Air Force’s commitment to innovation and adaptability, what are the potential applications of this concept in future conflicts?
The surprise exit of Allvin and the potential replacement by former Air Combat Commander Gen. Wilsbach signals a significant pivot for the Air Force, what are the potential consequences of this leadership change?
The decision to axe major China-focused organizational efforts by Air Force leaders seems counterintuitive given the current geopolitical climate, what are the underlying reasons for this strategic shift?
It’s possible that the Air Force is trying to diversify its focus and not prioritize China as the sole great power competitor.
Congress’s support for the Air Force’s F-47 program while only providing minimal funding for the Navy’s F/A-XX program raises questions about the priorities of the defense budget, what are the implications for the Navy’s capabilities?