Reoptimization for Great Power Competition

“I’m extremely proud of the Space Force and all the good it has accomplished. But, as good as we are, as much as we’ve done, as far as we’ve come, it’s not enough. We are not yet optimized for Great Power Competition.”

~ Chief of Space Operations
Gen. Chance Saltzman

The establishment of the U.S. Space Force was a direct response to threats arising from Great Power Competition in the space domain. Nevertheless, our legacy roots leave us sub-optimized for the security environment confronting us today, and we must finish fine-tuning the service to continue meeting its National Defense Strategy responsibilities

In early 2024, the Department of the Air Force unveiled sweeping plans for reshaping, refocusing, and reoptimizing the Air Force and Space Force to ensure continued supremacy in their respective domains while better posturing the services to deter and, if necessary, prevail in an era of Great Power Competition. Through a series of 24 DAF-wide key decisions, four core areas which demand the Department’s attention will be addressed: Develop People, Generate Readiness, Project Power and Develop Capabilities.

The space domain is no longer benign; it has rapidly become congested and contested.

We must enhance our capabilities, develop Guardians for modern warfare, prepare for the high intensity fight, and strengthen our power projection to thrive and win in this new era of Great Power Competition.

Video by Courtesy

Unmanned Advancements in Warfighting

Defense Media Activity - Navy Production

April 5, 2022 | 01:01:24

Unmanned Advancements in Warfighting
Time: 9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m.

Speakers: Vice Adm. Scott Conn, Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Warfighting Requirements and Capabilities, N9, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations
Dr. Kenneth Plaks, Acting Director, Strategic Technology Office, Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency
Mr. Dave Johnson, Vice President, Strategy, L3Harris
Mr. Jeffrey Hoyle, Vice President of Maritime Systems, Elbit Systems of America

Moderator: Dr. Andrew Mara, Executive Vice President Federally Funded Research and Development Centers, CNA

With an increasing emphasis on distributed forces capable of confusing enemy fires, the advancement and implementation of unmanned weapon systems will prove transformative in the warfighting effort. Such platforms, be they undersea or in the air, will increasingly determine the efficacy of military conflicts by expanding warfighter capabilities while decreasing attrition of troops. As such, these weapon systems will exponentially increase the intensity, duration and lethality that a military force can bring to the battle. Join our expert panel as they discuss the ways in which these technologies have already progressed, the current needs of the industry and the military, and future uses for unmanned weapon systems.