The Aerospace Advantage

The Readiness Challenge: Can AI Help? — Ep. 308

Episode Summary: Readiness is one of the biggest challenges facing the Air Force as Airmen strive to meet surging demand with an aircraft inventory that is old and small

Air Combat Propulsion Update: Innovator Perspectives — Ep. 307

Episode Summary: Jet propulsion is one of the most important technologies in airpower. Whether you’re going head-to-head with an enemy fighter, crossing an ocean on a mo

Congress Back in Session, Space Launch Surge, and Massed Modular Aircraft: The Rendezvous — Ep. 306

Episode Summary: In this episode, our team reviews what's going on in DC as we enter the fall and election grow near. We also discuss the impact of munitions shortfalls,

Sanctuary Denied: Defending Air Bases from the Small UAV Threat — Ep. 305

Episode Summary: In this episode, Heather "Lucky" Penney and Brig. Gen. Houston Cantwell, USAF (Ret.) discuss the small UAV threat and how the Air Force is fighting back

So Others May Live: Inside the Combat Search and Rescue Mission — Ep. 304

Episode Summary: In this episode, Heather "Lucky" Penney talks combat search and rescue (CSAR) with Col. Michael "Mongo" Kingry, Deputy Commander of the 31st Fighter Win

Inside the EOU: Turning CCA into Combat Power — Ep. 303

Episode Summary: Collaborative combat aircraft are no longer just a concept. Airmen are now loading weapons onto them, controlling them in flight, and flying them alongs

Next Steps in Quantum: Innovator Insights — Ep. 302

Episode Summary: Quantum technologies, including sensing, communication, and computing, are potential game changing breakthroughs identified in the Space Forces’ Future

Hill Update, Chinese Space Progress, and Airpower Attacks Falling Short: The Rendezvous — Ep. 301

Episode Summary: In this episode, our team reviews where the defense bills stand in Congress. We also discuss Lt. Gen. Schiess' confirmation hearing for CSO, as well as

Blueprint for 2040: Inside the Space Force's Objective Force Baseline — Ep. 300

Episode Summary: To secure the growing U.S. interests in space, it is imperative we have a capable and ready Space Force that can meet the challenges of the future. The

Air Force Reserve Update: Lt. Gen. Healy — Ep. 299

Episode Summary: With combatant commands requesting record levels of Air Force airpower, it’s crucial to remember that success comes down to the Total Force: Active, Res

Next Generation Mobility: Blended Wing Body — Ep. 298

Episode Summary: Air Force leaders have clearly stated that it’s time to think about resetting their mobility aircraft inventory—both tankers and airlifters. These missi

Marking America 250: The Air and Space Power Journey — Ep. 297

Episode Summary: As America celebrates its 250th Anniversary, it's crucial to remember that air and space power have manifested some of our nation's most important achie

CCA Update: What Are the Next Steps? — Ep. 296

Episode Summary: Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) represent the next generation of uncrewed autonomous airpower. The Air Force recently awarded a series of contracts

What Lessons is China Taking from Epic Fury? Key Considerations — Ep. 295

Episode Summary: Whether discussing Operation Epic Fury from a strategic, operational, or tactical vantage, there's no doubt that China watched the conflict with extreme

Allied Airpower Perspectives: Brig Gen Pierre Gaudillière, Commander of the French Air Combat Command — Ep. 294

Episode Summary: The ties between the French Air Force and U.S. Air Force go back to the dawn of aviation and have been intertwined ever since: from early Wright Brother

Victory Through Production: Lessons from D-Day — Ep. 293

Episode Summary: When the United States was drawn into WWII, it was wholly unprepared for conflict. By June 6, 1944, America was unleashing its burgeoning military might

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

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

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

Episode Summary: Operation Epic Fury has yielded important lessons learned, especially when it comes to the increasing importance of electronic warfare, the scale and sc

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

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 10

Want to Reset the Air Force? Lessons from the Reagan Build-Up — Ep. 289

Episode Summary: President Trump's defense spending boost presents major opportunities for the Air Force. However, many officials have spent their entire careers living