In its 20th assessment of Chinese military power, the Pentagon said China is leading the U.S. and the world in shipbuilding, ballistic missiles, and air defenses. Its combined air and naval air forces are the third-largest in the world and the largest in the Indo-Pacific region, and China is seeking to develop a system of worldwide bases and power projection capabilities. While its newest bomber is still a retread of the old Soviet “Badger” series, it is working on a new stealth bomber, as well as upgrading its stealth fighter, the J-20, now operational. Along with longer-ranged and precise cruise missiles, China has an effective nuclear “triad,” according to the report.

The approximately 2,400 Active-duty Airmen in the space systems operations and space operations career fields selected to join the Space Force will formally swear in to the new service this month in public and private ceremonies, highlighted by a large virtual swearing-in by the Chief of Space Operations. The Airmen, officers and enlisted members in the 13S and 1C6 career fields, were initially selected to join the new service in July. CSO Gen. John W. “Jay” Raymond will address the new members and lead a virtual swearing in during the Air Force Association’s virtual Air, Space & Cyber Conference on Sept. 15.

Three USAF B-52s flew through the Baltic Sea region on Aug. 31, training with aircraft from six nations and flying over Latvia just days after a Russian aircraft reportedly violated NATO airspace to intercept another B-52. During the Aug. 31 flight, the B-52s, which are deployed as part of the bomber task force at RAF Fairford, England, trained with aircraft from Belgium, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Italy, Germany, and Portugal, then flew over Riga, Latvia, according to a U.S. Air Forces in Europe-Air Forces Africa release. A USAF KC-135 from RAF Mildenhall, England, supported the bomber flight.

Chief Master Sgt. Erik C. Thompson, Air Education and Training Command’s newest command chief, doesn’t want to reinvent the way the command does business. Instead, he wants to back up its already innovative educators—whom he said are driving training change on a daily basis—in their efforts to reach AETC’s Airmen. Further, he said, the entire service can learn from how 19th Air Force—where he last served as command chief master sergeant—tackled sexism and related climate issues within its 47th Flying Training Wing to foster a healthier culture overall.

On March 23, the Air Force Association's Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies will host a virtual Nuclear Deterrence Series event featuring Scowcroft Group Principal Frank Miller. At a time when nuclear modernization programs are accelerating around the world, proposals to recapitalize the U.S. nuclear arsenal are at the forefront of debates over defense spending. Miller will share his insights into the prospects for U.S. nuclear modernization programs and the value of nuclear deterrence in today's competitive security environment. The think tank will post event video on its website and YouTube page after the live event.