Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies

Bringing together national security professionals and aerospace power talent to provide insight that supports America’s global interests.

[Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies @MitchellStudies]

This satellite imagery may reveal the PLA Air Force's largest exercise in years. Based on satellite observations, more than 300 aircraft may be participating, making this one of the largest airpower training events the PLA has conducted in recent years.

These large-force exercises test China's ability to integrate fighters, bombers, intelligence platforms, logistics, maintenance, air defenses, and command-and-control networks into a single warfighting system. For outside observers, exercises like RED SWORD provide a rare look at how the PLA Air Force is preparing for large-scale military operations and what China's future airpower may look like in a high-end conflict.

J. Michael Dahm unpacks what we know about RED SWORD in the latest episode of Eye on China.

[Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies @MitchellStudies]

Chief of Space Operations Gen. Douglas Schiess doubles down on is statement that the US has counterspace weapons deployed--and is prepared to use them. Watch: https://t.co/h5hikuIoi5

[Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies @MitchellStudies]

As threats continue to evolve, so must our approach to defending the homeland.

Brig. Gen. Jon Rice, USAF (Ret.), Chief Architect for Space and Integrated Air & Missile Defense at @LeidosInc, joined our Integrated Air and Missile Defense workshop to help tackle one of the nation’s most pressing security challenges: defending North America against evolving air and missile threats.

Bringing together leaders from government, industry, and the military, the workshop explored innovative, affordable approaches to securing the continent.

[Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies @MitchellStudies]

As North America faces an expanding range of foreign air and missile threats, AFA’s Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies brought together experts to assess the requirements for an integrated homeland defense architecture. Nearly three dozen workshop participants spent the day analyzing the threats and key components needed to identify, target, and intercept attacking missiles and aircraft. Read more: https://t.co/1lzeotLRDu

[Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies @MitchellStudies]

In this episode of America 250: The Air & Space Power Story, the Mitchell team examines the impact of Colorado, and one of its most famous Astronauts—Jack Swigert. Watch: https://t.co/Y4bBFobuJf
#America250 #AirSpacePower250 @America250

[Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies @MitchellStudies]

When long-range kill chains can strike targets hundreds of miles away without being seen, warfare changes.

At #AFANational, Lt. Gen. Christopher Niemi explains why automated target custody could become one of the most decisive military advantages of the next decade.

Watch the full panel: https://t.co/hpBxukr1oD

[Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies @MitchellStudies]

The Mitchell Institute welcomed a cohort of undergrad students from the College of William and Mary. They got a fist hand look at Mitchell's work, think tanks, and war gaming.👍

[Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies @MitchellStudies]

How does the PLA Air Force actually work?

Behind China's growing fleet of fighters, bombers, airborne warning aircraft, and air defenses is a command structure specifically designed to coordinate and control airpower across multiple theaters.

Understanding that structure provides critical insight into how the PLA operates today and how it could fight tomorrow.

Explore more through the China Airpower Tracker: https://t.co/10wv33EFSm

[Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies @MitchellStudies]

A new think tank analysis finds a hypothetical blended-wing body tanker could offer twice as much refueling performance as the KC-46A Pegasus and recommends the Air Force buy scores of them, as the service prepares to evaluate a BWB demonstrator next year and must juggle its future tanker plans with a host of other modernization priorities like fighters and bombers. Read more: https://t.co/ybixypWx10

[Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies @MitchellStudies]

What separates a dictator from a leader in wartime?

Drawing on lessons from The Strategist, our Dean, Lt. Gen. @Deptula_David, USAF (Ret.), highlights how history can help us better understand leadership, strategy, and the challenges facing today's decision-makers.

[Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies @MitchellStudies]

America’s military is not acquiring modern combat aircraft fast enough. The U.S. Air Force inventory is too old, too small, and worn.

Our Dean, Lt. Gen. @Deptula_David, USAF (Ret.), argues that properly structured and funded multiyear purchases of the F-35 and F-15EX can reduce costs, strengthen America’s defense industrial base, and deliver the combat capability needed to deter aggression and prevail if deterrence fails.

Read more: https://t.co/ZpQaOo5z0S

[Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies @MitchellStudies]

In this episode of America 250: The Air & Space Power Story, the Mitchell team looks at the contribution of Nebraska to the early years of Strategic Air Command. Watch: https://t.co/kXk2fgVKYG
#America250 #AirSpacePower250 @America250

[Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies @MitchellStudies]

The Air Force’s future strategy for fighting wars could include arming bombers with air-to-air strike capabilities, the service said in a new report to Congress.

The report, titled “Long-Term USAF Fighter Force Structure” and submitted to lawmakers Oct. 16, said that “developing air-to-air capabilities on bombers” is being considered as a way to expand the service’s combat capabilities. Read more: https://t.co/nP2rD5ChhM

[Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies @MitchellStudies]

Find out more about how the Air Force is pushing the envelope to develop tactics to use new autonomous aircraft like the CCA in episode 310 of the Aerospace Advantage podcast. Listen: https://t.co/bBdj76HfTQ

[Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies @MitchellStudies]

The Mitchell Institute is honored to welcome Chief of Space Operations, General Douglas Schiess, to the Schriever Spacepower Series.

At a pivotal moment for America’s newest military service, General Schiess is leading the Space Force as it accelerates the development of combat-ready capabilities, strengthens its warfighting posture, and expands its role in joint operations. Register: https://t.co/0ZdQK97HP7

[Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies @MitchellStudies]

Why do some satellites circle Earth every 90 minutes while others appear to stand still? 🛰️

Col. Charles Galbreath, USSF (Ret.), breaks down the fundamentals of orbital mechanics, explaining how different orbits support everything from ISR and GPS to communications and missile warning. Understanding space starts with understanding where satellites operate and why.

[Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies @MitchellStudies]

As threats to the homeland grow more advanced, the need for a layered defense has never been greater. At #AFANational, Gen. Kevin Chilton, USAF (Ret.), explains why making Golden Dome a reality is a strategic imperative for protecting the nation, strengthening deterrence, and assuring allies.

Watch the full discussion: https://t.co/edQAOv51eQ

[Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies @MitchellStudies]

The readiness crisis for the Air Force is so grave, a Vermont Guard unit did back-to-back-to-back deployments and had to be backfilled by a Guard unit from Wisconsin. Listen: https://t.co/bBdj76HfTQ

[Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies @MitchellStudies]

As space capabilities become increasingly essential to military operations, questions of authority, oversight, and control carry significant national security implications.

During an appearance on @NewsHour, Charles Galbreath, Senior Resident Fellow, discusses the distinctions between Starlink and Starshield, the role of commercial providers in national security, and why decisions affecting military operations should be made through established government channels.

Watch the full conversation: https://t.co/dCl8Z1JQQw
https://t.co/dCl8Z1JQQw

[Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies @MitchellStudies]

Please join us for a conversation with Brig. Gen. Robert Lyons III, the Portfolio Acquisition Executive for Weapons and Director of the Armament Directorate. In this position, Brig. Gen. Lyons and his team are responsible for the planning and execution of all life cycle activities for air-delivered munitions. The portfolio also includes ammunition, combat training systems, threat emitters for test and training purposes, and aerial targets. Register: https://t.co/rEHZ8z1WwJ