Hearings to examine the posture of the Department of the Air Force in review of the Defense Authorization Request for Fiscal Year 2026 and the Future Years Defense Program; to be immediately followed by a closed session in SVC-217.

2025-05-20

Summary

This meeting focused on the current posture and future needs of the Department of the Air Force and the Space Force, highlighting the critical challenges posed by a rapidly evolving global threat environment and the need for significant modernization and sustained investment to maintain national security and technological superiority[ 00:10:59 ]

[ 00:11:18 ] [ 00:12:27 ] . Witnesses provided insights into strategic priorities, budgetary constraints, and efforts to enhance readiness and address emerging threats across air and space domains[ 00:12:00 ] [ 00:12:07 ] .

Themes

Modernization and Readiness Challenges

The United States faces its most dangerous threat environment since World War II, driven by technological advances in areas like AI, hypersonic weapons, and sixth-generation aircraft[ 00:10:59 ]

[ 00:11:18 ] . The Air Force is grappling with unacceptably low mission capability rates for many platforms, including the F-35 fleet, which is available only 54% of the time, posing a significant readiness issue[ 00:13:19 ] [ 00:13:36 ] [ 00:13:43 ] . Efforts are underway to modernize the bomber force, intercontinental ballistic missile force, and advanced battle management systems, alongside the development of the F-47 and collaborative combat aircraft, with a new acquisition approach aimed at greater control and agility to benefit taxpayers and warfighters. Investments are also being made in nuclear modernization programs like Sentinel and the B-21 bomber, which must stay on schedule to deter nuclear threats[ 00:14:12 ] [ 00:14:37 ] . The discussion also touched upon the critical need for more fighter aircraft and improved tanker capacity, noting that many older aircraft are becoming increasingly expensive to maintain and have lower mission-capable rates[ 00:13:02 ] [ 00:54:04 ] [ 00:54:10 ] [ 00:55:17 ] .

Space Force Evolution and Resource Needs

The U.S. Space Force has grown significantly over the past five years and is vital for maintaining space superiority, which is deemed a "no-fail mission". Despite its indispensable role in national security and modern power projection, the Space Force operates with a small fraction of the DoD budget and personnel, and has experienced shrinking resources while taking on new missions and responsibilities, including the space-based technology for the Golden Dome program. There is a clear disconnect between the value provided by the Space Force and the investment it receives, creating risks for the nation. Leadership emphasized the need for more resources to develop comprehensive domain awareness, deploy resilient mission architectures, and build capacity to hold adversary space assets at risk, confirming that they are not adequately funded for these new missions[ 01:26:16 ]

Budgetary Constraints and Workforce Challenges

Budget limitations, including the impact of year-long continuing resolutions, have negatively affected recruitment, facility maintenance, and overall readiness for both the Air Force and Space Force. Cuts due to continuing resolutions led to a reduction of nearly half a billion dollars in military personnel accounts, preventing the recruitment of 3,000 potential airmen. Additionally, the facilities sustainment, restoration, and modernization account was decreased by $642 million, impacting the quality of life for airmen. The Department of the Air Force and Space Force also face challenges with civilian workforce reductions, losing skilled personnel who are highly competitive in the job market[ 00:35:27 ]

[ 00:37:02 ] . There is a recognized need to streamline forces by divesting aging systems and unused infrastructure, while investing in platforms and personnel that enhance warfighting capacity.

Strategic Posture and Geopolitical Competition

The strategic landscape has dramatically shifted, with China rapidly modernizing its military to challenge the international order, and other adversaries like Russia and Iran developing cutting-edge systems. The Department of the Air Force's top priority is defending the homeland and deterring China, which influences its fiscal priorities. This involves modernizing nuclear forces, supporting the Golden Dome missile defense program, and investing in personnel readiness and posture within the Indo-Pacific region. The importance of maintaining air power dominance and projecting power globally was underscored, with a focus on both current "fight tonight" capabilities and future advancements.

Tone of the Meeting

The tone of the meeting was largely serious and concerned, reflecting the gravity of the national security challenges discussed[ 00:10:59 ]

[ 00:13:43 ] . There was a clear sense of urgency regarding modernization and readiness, coupled with frustration over budgetary limitations and bureaucratic hurdles like continuing resolutions[ 00:13:02 ] . Speakers often expressed a collaborative spirit, seeking to work with Congress to address critical issues, though some members also conveyed impatience and direct challenges to the witnesses regarding specific delays or policies[ 01:17:13 ] . Concerns about operational security and efficient use of taxpayer dollars were also prominent, occasionally leading to pointed questions[ 00:13:52 ] [ 01:30:43 ] [ 02:14:47 ] .