The Aerospace Advantage
The Aerospace Advantage podcast hosts real discussions with the world‘s top aerospace power leaders, both military and civilian, to tackle the most pressing aerospace issues that we face.
Back to the Future: The Origins of Homeland Air and Missile Defense — Ep. 259
Episode Summary:
When the Soviet Union gained atomic weapons technology in the early days of the Cold War, U.S. homeland defense catapulted to the top of America’s security priorities. The idea that Soviet bombers, and later ICBMs, could strike American targets demanded a response. Two primary pathways took shape: 1) strategic deterrence via the nuclear triad, and 2) an incredibly robust set of homeland air defense investments to defeat a hostile Soviet strike. With air and missile defense once returning as a...
Air and Missile Defense: The Imperative for Golden Dome — Ep. 258
Episode Summary:
Adversaries, including China and Russia, possess the means to strike the U.S. through a range of air and missile technologies. While some of these threats, like ICBMs, have existed for decades, a new range of cruise missiles, drones, fractional orbital bombardment technologies, etc. can strike deep within our nation. Given their increasingly aggressive behavior challenging established norms and territorial boundaries, these circumstances demand a serious assessment of the threat and a corresponding look at defensive means to protect...
Government Shutdown and Defense, USSF Force Design, and a new CSAF: The Rendezvous — Ep. 257
Episode Summary:
In this episode, Heather “Lucky” Penney talks to Lt. Gen. David Deptula, USAF (Ret.), Jennifer "Boots" Reeves, Todd “Sledge” Harmer, Anthony “Lazer” Lazarski, Jeff Rowlison, and Brig. Gen. Houston "Slider" Cantwell, USAF (Ret.) about the top defense issues this month in Washington, D.C. and beyond.
Our team digs into what a government closure means for national security and where the defense bills stand in Congress. We also discuss the challenges and opportunities facing Gen. Wilsbach as the Chief of...
Space Warfighting: Key Insights — Ep. 256
Episode Summary:
Major Kyle “Ghengis” Rimando, Chief of the Space Strategy Branch at SF S5/8, and Dr. John J. “Patsy” Klein, Senior Fellow and Strategist at Falcon Research Inc., join host Heather “Lucky” Penney—along with Mitchell Institute Senior Fellows Charles Galbreath and Jen “Boots” Reeves—to discuss key concepts regarding space domain awareness, offensive and defensive counterspace operations, and what it will take to secure space superiority. They explore lessons learned from recent operations; plus, important considerations tied to joint and cyber integratio...
Artificial Intelligence and Aerospace Power: Industry Leadership Insights — Ep. 255
Episode Summary:
Heather Penney explores national security artificial intelligence applications and considerations with Sean Moriarty and Leonard Law of Primer, a leading AI company. We explore how AI can help improve U.S. defense capabilities, discuss how vulnerabilities and challenges can be managed, while also addressing market conditions required to transition this technology to reality. How do we assure quality data and security of the AI tool and its outputs? How do we avoid ingesting bad data without ignoring emerging battlespace...
CCA and Pilots: How Do We Communicate? — Ep. 254
Episode Summary:
AI is one of the hottest topics in defense, especially when it ties to Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA). While seeing these new aircraft fly is super impressive, it’s crucial that we think about all phases of the mission, including how warfighters will interact with the CCA agents. To be clear, this goes beyond the tactical user interface during mission execution – we need to be thinking about how we continue to train the autonomy after landing. This means debriefing. How...
A New CSAF, CCA Airborne, and Starship Success: The Rendezvous — Ep. 253
Episode Summary:
In this episode, Heather “Lucky” Penney talks to Lt. Gen. David Deptula, USAF (Ret.), Charles Galbreath, Todd “Sledge” Harmer, Anthony “Lazer” Lazarski, JV Venable, and Brig. Gen. Houston Cantwell, USAF (Ret.) about the top defense issues this month in Washington, D.C. and beyond.
Our team digs into what a new Chief of Staff of the Air Force will mean for the service and the broader defense environment. They also discuss the CCA’s first flight, plus Gen. Adrian Sp...
Want to Prevail Against China? It’s Time to Reinvest in Air Force Capacity, Capabilities, and Readiness — Ep. 252
Episode Summary:
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...
Disconnected by Design: The Case for 5th and 6th Generation Airpower — Ep. 251
Episode Summary:
This week we’re talking about what it’ll take to project airpower into the heart of the fight in a conflict with China. Most of the time we think about enemy fighter planes, surface-to-air missiles, and AAA, but the biggest challenge might come down to electromagnetic spectrum operations. China has long-studied US warfighting constructs and they know that our forces are highly reliant on networked operations. Whether thinking about command and control, teaming mission assets real-time, or taking adva...
Homeland Sanctuary Lost: The Arctic Domain Awareness Challenge — Ep. 250
Episode Summary:
During the Cold War, all eyes faced north anticipating a Soviet attack across the North Pole. The U.S. Air Force was front and center operating air defense radars and sitting alert. Decades later, America finds itself coming full circle. Modern airborne threats like cruise and hypersonic missiles, plus long-range drones threaten the homeland. Maj. Gen. Pete Fesler, USAF (Ret.), Maj. Gen. Larry Stutzriem, USAF (Ret.), and Brig. Gen. Houston Cantwell, USAF (Ret.) discuss how to ensure we’re prepared for these threats.
Credits:
Host: Heather "Lucky" Penney, Director of Research, Th...
Fixing the Munitions Gap: Building the Bullseye — Ep. 249
Episode Summary:
America is running short on munitions. With so many conflicts ongoing, our consumption is outpacing what we can build, and we are digging into their stockpiles to sustain current operations. And to be clear…if America is in a fight, we can’t stop until we win. This episode explores this the munitions gap and what folks are doing to try and fix it. And we’re doing this through a case study approach by speaking with Nick Bucci, vice p...
Fighter Recapitalization, Trump on Ukraine, and the X-37B Mission: The Rendezvous - Ep. 248
Episode Summary:
In this episode, Heather “Lucky” Penney talks to Lt. Gen. David Deptula, USAF (Ret.), Jen Reeves, and Anthony “Lazer” Lazarski about the top defense issues this month in Washington, D.C. and beyond.
Our team digs into the status of the defense bills on Capitol Hill. This includes a discussion on spacepower policy and investment decisions, plus a focus on fighter recapitalization and E-7. We also explore President Trump’s new approach when it comes to Ukraine. The team also discusses recent Air Force and Space Force leadership changes. We wrap by explaining the signif...
Cyber: The Backbone of Spacepower — Ep. 247
Episode Summary:
Spacepower is fundamentally reliant on the cyber domain—it is the backbone of connectivity for constellations on orbit, their ground stations, and connectivity to warfighters. Point blank: every bit of data and every command sent to space systems transits the cyber domain. Tackling the challenges of leading cyber and data efforts of the Space Force falls on the small, but mighty team of the S6. From administrative to mission networks and data repositories, ensuring Guardians have reliable, capable, and se...
Guardians in Space: The Next Frontier? — Ep. 246
Episode Summary:
As America’s interests in space grow and humanity ventures further from Earth, the need to have Guardians in space to secure and protect U.S. interests will likely stand as an emerging requirement. We’ve seen this with every form of exploration: human presence will be interlinked with national standing, economic expansion, setting norms, and guarding security interests. That said, there’s a lot on the Space Force’s plate and they don’t have the resources to cover down...
Evolving Munitions for Tomorrow’s Fight: Industry Insights — Ep. 245
Episode Summary:
The Air Force increasingly needs a broader set of munitions to achieve mission effects in the modern age. Combat operations in Afghanistan and Iraq required a specific range of capabilities. Tomorrow’s fights will be different. We need to ensure that we evolve our munitions toolkit to cover these new mission demands. This is especially true when looking at missions in the Indo Pacific—where the threat environment, factors involving range, weather, and mission performance are going to demand a br...
Readiness Precipice, FY26 Budget Pressures, and E-7 on the Line: The Rendezvous — Ep. 244
Episode Summary:
In this episode, Heather “Lucky” Penney talks to Lt. Gen. David Deptula, USAF (Ret.), Charles Galbreath, Todd “Sledge” Harmer, Anthony “Lazer” Lazarski, JV Venable, and Jeff Rowlison about the top defense issues this month in Washington, D.C. and beyond.
Our team digs into newly released FY26 budget details. There are some key issues to track for both the Air Force and Space Force. Seeking to retire 340 aircraft, while only procuring 76 is a high-risk strategy. Will Congress buy into it...
11th Space Warning Squadron: Guardian Perspectives — Ep. 243
Episode Summary:
This week, we're shining a spotlight on the men and women of the 11th Space Warning Squadron (SWS). They provide theater missile warning to warfighters around the world. Given the nature and intensity of the threat environment, they have been incredibly busy. The 11 SWS is the inaugural recipient of the General Atomics United States Space Force Unit of the Year Award. Join Heather Penney, Charles Galbreath, and Jennifer "Boots" Reeves as they chat with 11 SWS commander Lt Col Amanda Manship; Capt Abigail “Fizzle” Flannery, the 11 SWS Weapons Officer; and Sgt Jonathan Stark, a Crew Chief in t...
USAF Airpower Over Iran: Key Insights — Ep. 242
Episode Summary:
We’re bringing you a special edition of the Aerospace Advantage to discuss Saturday’s strike on Iran’s nuclear enrichment facilities. Everyone has read the news by now—the story of the 7 B-2s flying from Whiteman Air Force Base, numerous aerial refuelings along the way, air superiority aircraft joining the raid, tomahawk missiles fired from a submarine, and significant support from space assets. This episode brings key insights and observations from our team members—each of whom brings unique operational experience to the mix. We discuss strategic context, the operational aspects of the mission, a...
China In Space: Deterring Hostile Use of Force — Ep. 241
Episode Summary:
This week we’re taking a deep dive into deterrence, specifically deterring China from using force in space. Air University’s China Aerospace Studies Institute (CASI), in partnership with the Center for Naval Analysis (CNA), just released a new report exploring this topic. Results suggest that the U.S. security establishment has serious room for growth. Their experts analyzed ten different factors that assessed how the U.S. can deter China, but only two were rated in a favorable light. The rest need more development. While conflict in space is not inevitable, the folks at CNA...
Quadcopters Do Not Redefine Air Superiority: They Redefine Land Warfare — Ep. 240
Episode Summary:
Combat operations in Ukraine and the Red Sea clearly demonstrate the impact of small lethal drones as portable precision-guided munitions. Some have suggested that their use has made such a change in the character of war that a new category of airspace must be introduced. Casting it as the “air littoral,” they claim the military should move beyond traditional notions of air superiority. Others recognize the significance of lethal drones have their greatest impact on traditional infantry and armor oper...
Episode 239 — Budget Battles, Golden Dome, and Ukraine’s Strike on Russia: The Rendezvous
Episode Summary:
In this episode, Heather "Lucky" Penney talks to Lt. Gen. David Deptula, USAF (Ret.), Charles Galbreath, and Anthony "Lazer" Lazarski about the top defense issues this month in Washington, D.C. and beyond.
They unpack how the FY26 defense budget is unfolding—what is good and where is it falling short? The factors involving reconciliation versus the standard budget are throwing in some unpredictable factors to consider. They also discuss Golden Dome from a challenges and opportunities pe...
Episode 238 - Logistics While Under Attack: Key to a CCA Force Design
Episode Summary:
With threats surging around the world, the Air Force must figure out how to reset and do it fast. They can’t just buy more of what the service fielded in past decades. Fighting and winning tomorrow will require new operational concepts and technologies that’ll give airmen an edge.
That’s where CCA come into the mix. They’re designed to bring new capabilities, more capacity, and empower new ways of fighting. But just like the rest of the Air Force aircraft inventory, just buying CCA won’t be enough. Credible, sustainable combat air forces...
Episode 237 — Want Next Gen Electronic Attack? Better Invest in Operational Analysis
Episode Summary:
Fighting and winning in the twenty first century requires next gen electronic attack capabilities. Designing that technology and developing effective concepts of operation demands operational analysis. Heather Penney discusses this reality with Lt Gen David “Kooler” Krumm, USAF (Ret.) of BAE Systems.
It comes down to empowering strategists, operational leaders, and technology experts to better understand how these functions can best empower overarching tactics, techniques, procedures, and investment decisions. Electronic attack is an incredibly complex, multi-dimensional capability. It’s...
Episode 236 — China Update: 6th Gen Fighters, Russia Relations, and Taiwan Strait Drills
Episode Summary:
Join us to learn more about the latest developments in Chinese airpower and spacepower developments. Heather Penney and Mike "JDAM" Dahm discuss a wide range of topics, including an update on China’s 6th generation fighters and recent PLA exercises in the Taiwan Strait. They discuss what is happening with more missing PLA generals and dynamics between Xi Jinping and Vladamir Putin. The INDOPACOM Commander Admiral Paparo just testified on the Hill about China’s military and the PLA just...
Episode 235 — Understanding the CCA Edge: Innovators’ Insights
Episode Summary:
Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) stand forth as one of the most important airpower developments of the twenty-first century. We learn more about CCA by talking to two of the people involved with developing and building them: Mike Atwood from General Atomics and Andrew “Scar” Van Timmeren of Anduril.
CCA’s ability to harness the traditional attributes of range, speed, survivability, and a broad range of mission effects with the power of autonomy, artificial intelligence, and manned-unmanned teaming will y...
Episode 234 — Defense Budget, Fighter Modernization, and Warfighting in Space: The Rendezvous
Episode Summary:
In this Rendezvous episode, we discuss top Air Force and Space Force developments in Washington, D.C., and beyond.
Topics include the latest defense budget plus-up via reconciliation and what this means for air and space power. We also discuss INDOPACOM Commander Admiral Paparo’s testimony regarding airpower gaps in the Pacific and Lockheed’s new vision for the F-35 in the wake of Boeing winning the F-47 competition. The team explores two of the Space Force’s new...
Episode 233 — Securing Air and Space: Allied Insights
Episode Summary:
France is America’s oldest ally. We’ve been through a lot: the American Revolution over 250 years ago, two World Wars, and ongoing worldwide military operations. Our two nations have stood side by side when it mattered most. This connection endures.
These days, it’s more important than ever, considering China’s rise, Russia’s aggression in Europe, and other elements of instability we see around the globe. A key component of this security relationship depends on robust aer...
Episode 232 — Air Combat Survivability Through a POWs Experience
Episode Summary:
This week, The Aerospace Advantage takes a break for Easter, but that doesn't mean our listeners need to take a pause. In this week's episode we reach back to a previously recorded conversation where the Mitchell team reflects on the air war over Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War and speaks with combat pilot and POW Lt Col Gene Smith, USAF (Ret). Not only did Lt Col Smith fly and fight in some of the most heavily defended airspace...
Episode 231 — The Future of Uncrewed Airpower: Pilot Perspective
Episode Summary:
As the Air Force develops the operational construct for Collaborative Combat Aircraft, Doug Birkey and Brig Gen Houston "Slider" Cantwell, USAF (Ret.) urge the service to tap into two decades of lessons learned flying highly sophisticated uncrewed aircraft like the MQ-1 Predator, MQ-9 Reaper, RQ-4 Global Hawk, and RQ-170. Harnessing his experience as an uncrewed aircraft pilot and commander, Cantwell explores the tremendous insights gained through uncrewed operations and the fundamental differences from traditional crewed combat aircraft operations. While...
Episode 230 — F-47 Insights, Chinese “Dog Fighting in Space,” and DC Defense Developments: The Rendezvous
Episode Summary:
In this Rendezvous episode, we discuss top Air Force and Space Force developments in Washington, D.C., and beyond.
We review key themes from Chief of Space Operations Gen. B. Chance Saltzman's visit with the Mitchell Institute last week, as well as a broad range of spacepower topics, from Chinese “dogfighting” in space to the new lunar landing to new launch contracts and the future of Space Development Agency contracts. On the Air Force side, we discuss how...
Episode 229 — From EW to ISR: the 55th Wing
Episode Summary:
Heather “Lucky” Penney and Col. Mark "Chili" Howard explore one of the Air Force’s largest, most diverse units: the 55th Wing.
Operating from multiple installations, members of the 55th Wing execute everything from the EC-130 and EA-37B Compass Call electronic attack mission to the RC/WC/TC-135 ISR mission and elements of the nuclear command, control, and communications enterprise. They’ve also got a maintenance group, operations group, and medical group. We explore what these Airmen d...
Episode 228 — Remotely Piloted Aircraft in Action: Insights from Air Force RPA Commanders
Episode Summary:
Heather “Lucky” Penney and Senior Fellow Brig Gen Houston "Slider" Cantwell, USAF (Ret.) chat with some of the nation’s top remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) commanders about on-going combat contributions and the Air Force’s future development path for this incredible mission. They are joined by Brig Gen Christopher "Reggie" Hammond, Director of RPA and Airborne ISR Capabilities at Headquarters Air Force; Col Timothy "Tilt" Monroe, Wing Commander of the 319th Reconnaissance Wing; and Col Nicholas "Fever" Pederson, Wing Commande...
Episode 227 — Modern Combat Power: It Takes a Weather Advantage
Episode Summary:
Heather “Lucky” Penney and Col Patrick Williams explores one of the most important make-or-break factors in warfare: weather. Environmental conditions control when and how we employ military power…and what enemies can do to us.
People tend to take weather assessments for granted, but that’s a mistake. Collecting environmental data, analyzing it, and transforming it into actionable knowledge for an advantage at the tactical, operational and strategic levels is incredibly complex. Conflicts erupt at random locations around t...
Episode 226 — AFA Colorado 2025 Recap: Key Takeaways for Air & Space Power
Episode Summary:
The Mitchell Institute team shares insights from the AFA Warfare Symposium, in Aurora, CO—it was the spot for air and space power professionals this week.
Hear from Gen Kevin Chilton, USAF (ret), Lt Gen Dave Deptula, USAF (ret), Heather Penney, and Charles Galbreath as they discuss the crucial messages coming from Chief of Space Operations Gen Chance Saltzman and Chief of Staff of the Air Force Gen David Allvin. We also explore the Air Force’s new f...
Episode 225 — Trump Defense Priorities, Congressional Update, and Ukraine: The Rendezvous
Episode Summary:
In this episode, Heather “Lucky” Penney chats with members of the Mitchell Institute team about the latest air and space power developments in Washington DC.
We explore President Trump’s defense priorities, including recent top defense leadership changes. The team also provides a Ukraine update and assess where defense issues stand in Congress, especially the budget. Another major development includes Secretary of Defense Hegseth’s defense budget guidance and what it means for the Air Force and Space Fo...
Episode 224 — Want Combat Airpower? Then Fix the Air Force Pilot Crisis
Episode Summary:
In this episode, Heather “Lucky” Penney discusses why the Air Force has a chronic pilot shortfall and solutions to solve it with Lt Gen Joseph Guastella, USAF (Ret) and Lt Gen Marc Sasseville, USAF (Ret).
Bottom line: the Air Force’s pilot corps is now too small to sustain a healthy combat force that can prevail in a peer conflict and meet the nation’s other national security requirements. Air Force leaders recognize the shortfall and have worked h...
Episode 223 — Will the Chinese Defense Surge Continue? Insights for 2025
Episode Summary:
In this episode, Heather “Lucky” Penney discusses the latest Chinese security developments with Mitchell Institute Senior Fellow Mike Dahm.
Whether discussing the creation of a new service branch focused on space—the PLA’s Aerospace Force; continued development of their nuclear arsenal; or the “Christmas surprise” flight of multiple new combat aircraft—2024 was a busy and consequential one for the Chinese defense establishment. We explore these developments, take a look at what might transpire in 2025, and consider how this shoul...
Episode 222 — Countering China and Russia in the High North: The Arctic Challenge
Episode Summary:
In this episode, Heather “Lucky” Penney discusses the rising strategic importance of the Arctic with Maj. Gen. Mark Piper, USAF, NORAD Deputy Director of Operations; BGen James Hawthorne, RCAF, NORAD Deputy Director Strategy, Policy and Plans; and Brig. Gen. Houston Cantwell, USAF (Ret.) of our Mitchell Institute team.
With Russia and China aggressively increasing their Arctic military and civilian activities, America must take notice. Although NORAD stands ready to deter and defend from attack, their mission is chal...
Episode 221 — Will Congress Boost Air and Space Power in 2025? The Rendezvous
Episode Summary:
In this episode, Heather “Lucky” Penney chats with members of the Mitchell Institute team about air and space power issues through the congressional lens.
Not only is Washington DC seeing the arrival of President Trump, but the year is also seeing major changes on Capitol Hill. What will this mean for programs like the F-35, B-21, and Sentinel? Will the Space Force be able to move forward developing offensive and defensive capabilities? Questions also exist regarding the budg...
Episode 220 — Airpower Perspectives | Advice for President Trump’s Defense Team
Episode Summary:
In this episode, Doug Birkey chats with Lt. Gen. David Deptula, USAF (Ret.); Maj. Gen. Larry Stutzriem, USAF (Ret.); Mark Gunzinger; and JV Venable about key considerations that President Trump’s defense team, especially the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of the Air Force, should be thinking about when it comes to airpower.
It's clear that the Air Force needs to modernize faster so it can grow its combat capability and capacity. More cannot be done wi...
