Capability Planning Archives - The Air Power Journal

Command and Control, Information Superiority

A New Battle Command Architecture for Air Force-Led All Domain Operations

The new American joint warfighting concept intends to optimize the synergy of effects that accrues from operating in an integrated fashion across all domains and the electromagnetic spectrum. To be successful, a new battle command architecture and command and control (C2) paradigm that enables automatic linking and the transfer of data securely, reliably, and seamlessly is essential.

David A. Deptula, Lieutenant General (Ret.), United States Air Force, Dean, Mitchell Institute of Aerospace Studies, United States

AI, Innovation

Leveraging the Defense Metaverse: Unlocking the Power of AI for Force Development

As operational landscapes evolve, militaries recognize the urgent need to harness the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) for adaptable capabilities. Introducing the concept of the “defense metaverse,” this approach constructs a dynamic digital twin of the battlespace, integrating AI and sophisticated models to refine tactical concepts. Highlighting successes like the GhostPlay project, it emphasizes prioritizing experimentation, training, and infrastructure to optimize AI-driven military capabilities.

Heiko Borchert, Co-Director, Defense AI Observatory, Germany

Torben Schütz, Research Fellow, Defense AI Observatory, Germany

Human Factors, Space

Reaching for the Stars: Cultivating a Cadre of Space Specialists for Multi-Domain Operations

Multi-domain operations rely on the space domain as a ‘make-or-break’ enabler and demand space domain expertise at the field grade level. A new cadre of space specialists must be cultivated to exploit space enablers, and demand that air force leaders generate training requirements and begin to develop career pathways for military space officers.

Peter Garretson, Senior Fellow and Co-Director of the Space Policy Initiative, American Foreign Policy Council, United States

Innovation, Space

Implications of Commercial Space: Enabling Capability and Introducing New Dynamics into Competition

The rapid growth of commercial space positions it at the forefront of innovation and activities relating to the expanding use of space. Militaries have much to gain from commercial space as they attempt to unlock the full potential that space-enabled capabilities can provide for military activity, but this will also introduce new dynamics into the competition for dominance.

Dr. Malcolm Davis, Senior Analyst, Australian Strategic Policy Institute, Australia

Innovation

Transforming Ecosystems: Understanding the Dynamics Shaping Innovation Outcomes

The focus on air power innovation highlights its potential for exponential growth and its wide-ranging impacts. Success often extends beyond innovators’ control, underscoring the importance of understanding innovation ecosystems. As air forces transition to next-generation capabilities, strategic alignment and international partnerships are crucial for managing risks and unlocking future gains.

Dr. Andrea Gilli, Senior Researcher, NATO Defense College, Italy

Dr. Mauro Gilli, Senior Researcher, Center for Security Studies, ETH Zürich, Switzerland

Innovation, Space

Space Acquisition Transformation: Leveraging Partnerships with Commercial Providers for Defense

Policy shifts and technological advancements have propelled commercial space activities, outnumbering traditional satellites. Military benefits, including cost savings, hinge on flexible acquisition processes. However, challenges persist, especially in kinetic operations. Adapting requires addressing critical questions about acquisition models and collaboration with commercial providers.

Dr. Jamie M. Morin, Executive Director, Center for Space Policy and Strategy, United States

Sam Wilson, Senior Policy Analyst, Center for Space Policy and Strategy, United States

Command and Control, Space

Joint All-Domain Command and Control
and the Role for Space

Only the space domain can move information at the speed, size, and range required of an effective JADC2 architecture. If the United States hopes to prevail in a peer conflict, foundational space-based capabilities will be essential. The Department of Defense and the Space Force must prioritize a robust space transport layer, sensors, and space superiority to protect these capabilities.

Tim Ryan, Senior Resident Fellow for Spacepower Studies, Mitchell Institute, United States

Human-Machine Teaming, Information Superiority

Future Options for Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Assisted Decision-Making in Air Warfare

AI has well-known problems in that it can be fooled, cannot transfer knowledge gained in one task to another, and is entirely reliant on data for its performance. Although AI will significantly change decision-making in air warfare, not all air forces will use the same technology in the same way – even in the narrow area of decision-making.