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

Polish and Romanian F-16s protect NATO airspace (b-roll)

Natochannel

July 16, 2025 | 7:38

Since March 2025, Polish and Romanian F-16s have been conducting NATO’s Baltic Air Policing mission out of Šiauliai Air Base in Lithuania. Poland leads the rotation, its 13th, while Romania’s “Carpathian Vipers” return for their third deployment. Together, they safeguard the skies over the Baltic region, ready to intercept any unidentified aircraft and ensure NATO’s eastern flank remains secure. This round-the-clock mission underscores Allied resolve and regional solidarity, with both NATO member countries working side-by-side under NATO command.
Both Poland and Romania are flying F-16 Fighting Falcons, multi-role combat aircraft known for their speed and manoeuvrability. Equipped with advanced radar and interception systems, the F-16 is ideally suited for NATO’s air policing missions, allowing pilots to react quickly and decisively to any airspace violations.
Footage includes various shots of Polish and Romanian detachment pilots flying F-16s as part of the mission and interviews with detachment commanders.