Framing Future Investments

AirSea Battle is not about developing and acquiring new weapons systems. “It’s about making sure we are making the best use of the existing capabilities that exist in a much better way,” said Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz during a May 16 talk at the Brookings Institution in Washington, D.C. However, the Pentagon’s joint office, created late last year to advance the ASB concept, will have a say in future naval and air investments, such as the new long-range-strike bomber, data links, tankers, and anti-surface weapons, said Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Jonathan Greenert, who appeared together with Schwartz. “AirSea Battle is a framework for us to organize, to train, and equip our efforts,” said Greenert. He added: “We will continue to refine it and we’ll continue to apply it. And, at this national security inflection point, it’s essential that we have an effective and efficient means ahead. We think this is one means to get that.” (Schwartz’s prepared remarks) (Brookings webpage with event audio)