Meink sets agenda for innovation, acquisition reform at Spacepower 2025

Published Dec. 11, 2025
Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs

ORLANDO, Fla. (AFNS) -- Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink pressed for faster innovation and acquisition reform during his keynote at the Space Force Association’s Spacepower Conference 2025, Dec. 11, telling Guardians the service is entering a period where timely decisions and operational focus will shape its long-term trajectory.

SECAF delivers keynote address at SFA Spacepower Convention — Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink delivers a keynote address during the Space Force Association’s Spacepower Convention in Orlando, Fla., Dec. 11, 2025. The conference is an opportunity for U.S. Space Force senior leaders to meet and address Guardians, allies, partners and industry leaders. (U.S. Air Force photo by Chad Trujillo)

Meink said the Space Force has built momentum in several mission areas but must continue sharpening how it develops, fields and sustains space capabilities. He noted that the pace of technological change requires better execution and greater urgency across the enterprise.

“The next three or four years are going to define the Space Force,” he said. “We have to innovate faster and deliver capability at the pace the mission demands.”

He pointed to improvements in launch operations, automation and mission integration as signs of progress, saying Guardians have already demonstrated the ability to adapt and streamline how the service operates. Automation, he added, will continue to play a larger role in satellite operations and data processing.

“We used to have more people operating satellites than we had satellites,” Meink said. “That’s changing. Automation has to be part of everything we do.”

A major portion of his address focused on the Department of the Air Force’s acquisition transformation. Meink said structural changes underway — including shifting from program executive officers to portfolio acquisition executives — are designed to accelerate decisions and give leaders clearer authority.

“We’re moving from the old program executive officer model to portfolio acquisition executives, and the whole focus is making sure our people are empowered to do their jobs,” Meink said. “For too long, we’ve had responsibility without the authority to match. We’re fixing that by streamlining oversight and giving PAEs the ability to make decisions quickly — and we’ll have their backs when things don’t go right.”

He stated “PAEs must have authorities, resources and talent to execute some of the most technical programs.”

He expanded on this by saying that PAEs will have the authority to make important decisions within their mission areas. He added that PAEs will be trusted with the resources and will remain in their roles longer so their teams can develop the right talent to deliver systems on schedule.

Meink emphasized that speed must be paired with mission-ready outcomes. Systems that take too long to field, or that get burdened by excessive requirements, cannot keep pace with operational needs.

“It’s not just about moving fast,” he said. “It’s about delivering something that works and solves real problems.”

Throughout the keynote, Meink highlighted the work Guardians are doing across operations, engineering and acquisitions to modernize the force. He pointed to teams improving communication architectures, supporting high tempo launch timelines and refining mission planning tools as examples of progress.

“You’re doing innovative work every day,” he said. “Your efforts are making a difference, and it shows in the advancements we’ve made.” Meink closed by reminding Guardians that their work underpins much of the nation’s security and daily life.

“Space is central to everything we do as a nation,” he said. “Your mission matters, and the work you’re doing now will shape the Space Force for years to come.”