US Strategic Command has seen a significant evolution in its capabilities and responsibilities since the end of the Cold War, and is applying its capabilities on a daily basis across the spectrum, often in support of other commands, Gen. Robert Kehler, STRATCOM commander, told attendees at AFA’s Air Warfare Symposium on Thursday. This goes beyond the nuclear deterrent, he said, noting that it is important that the United States makes investments in the areas laid out in the nation’s new defense strategy—specifically defeating cyber aggression and operations in anti-access and area-denial environments. Airpower and STRATCOM’s portfolio are “all over” the capabilities required by the new strategy, said Kehler. In addition to modernizing the nuclear triad and improving space awareness and electronic warfare capabilities, the United States must also emphasize modernization of the processing, dissemination, and exploitation element of its global intelligence-surveillance-reconnaissance products and tools since networked sensors and intelligence products will have a far greater effect on operations for combatant commanders, he said.
Work Has Begun to Adapt Qatari 747 to Fly as Air Force One
Sept. 15, 2025
The Air Force has started modifying a Boeing 747 donated by Qatar for "executive airlift," a spokesperson said Sept. 15. President Donald Trump has said he wants to fly the jet as “Air Force One” since new presidential transports, held up by delays, won't be ready until after his term…
