In light of the Air Force’s financial woes—and its inability to fund even some fundamental requirements—a reporter asked Secretary Michael Donley Friday whether the United States’ ability to project global power is in decline. “I certainly don’t believe that at all,” Donley responded during his media availability at AFA’s Air Warfare Symposium in Orlando, Fla. He added, “The United States is still—and as far as I can tell, will remain—an essential force for stability in international security.”
The Air Force has embraced new technical approaches like open mission systems and rapid software updates for cutting-edge aircraft like the B-21 and Collaborative Combat Aircraft. Increasingly, though, the service is also working to apply these to its older, “legacy” aircraft, officials said this week.