The vice chairman’s remarks reflected the Rumsfeld Pentagon’s well-known antipathy for tactical fighters and enthusiasm for long-range systems, especially if the latter don’t require onboard pilots. A big thrust of the QDR, he said, entails “orienting joint air capabilities to favor increased range and persistence, larger and more flexible payloads for surveillance or strike, and the ability to penetrate and sustain operations in denied areas.” All of those words add up to unmanned combat air systems. This mindset is one reason that the F-22 and F-35 fighters have hit such headwinds in the Pentagon.
Planning an Air Show Is Hard. At Andrews, It’s Even Harder
Sept. 17, 2025
Joint Base Andrews opened its flightline this month to thousands of civilians, exposing a normally restricted airbase that regularly hosts the president and foreign dignitaries to a curious public eager to see current and historic military aircraft up close and in action.
