Defense & Military
Kenneth Wilsbach Confirmed as New US Air Force Chief of Staff
General Kenneth Wilsbach takes command as 24th US Air Force Chief, focusing on readiness and modernization amid strategic challenges.
A New Chief Takes Command: Wilsbach Confirmed to Lead the Air Force
The United States Air Force has a new top uniformed officer. On October 30, 2025, the Senate confirmed General Kenneth S. Wilsbach as the 24th Air Force Chief of Staff, marking a significant leadership transition for the service. This change comes at a critical juncture, as the Air Force navigates complex modernization efforts, persistent readiness challenges, and a demanding global security landscape. General Wilsbach, formerly the head of Air Combat Command (ACC), steps into the role following the surprise retirement of General David W. Allvin, who served approximately two years of a standard four-year term.
The transition is more than just a routine change of command. It occurs amidst a reported shift in strategic direction within the Department of the Air Force, particularly concerning the “re-optimization for great power competition” plan championed by previous leadership. As General Wilsbach takes the controls, the force will be looking to him for stability, clarity, and a vision to guide it through its next chapter. His extensive experience, especially in the Pacific theater, and his vocal advocacy for core warfighting principles will undoubtedly shape the service’s priorities for years to come.
An Experienced Commander Takes the Helm
General Wilsbach brings a formidable resume to the position, defined by decades of command experience at nearly every level. Before his confirmation, he led Air Combat Command, the service’s largest major command, which organizes, trains, and equips the bulk of America’s combat airpower. This role gave him direct oversight of the readiness and operational capabilities of the fighter, bomber, and command-and-control fleets. His leadership philosophy has been heavily influenced by his deep operational background.
A veteran command pilot with over 6,000 flying hours, Wilsbach has flown a range of iconic aircraft, including the F-15C Eagle, F-16C Fighting Falcon, F-22A Raptor, and the MC-12 Liberty. His career is not just measured in hours but also in real-world operations, having flown 71 combat missions in support of operations like the no-fly zone enforcement over Iraq and Operation Enduring Freedom. This hands-on experience as a warfighter provides him with a unique perspective on the needs of today’s airmen.
Beyond his time at ACC, Wilsbach’s career has been heavily focused on the Indo-Pacific, a region central to U.S. national security strategy. He previously served as the commander of Pacific Air Forces (PACAF), where he was responsible for Air Force activities across a theater spanning more than half the globe. His other key assignments include commanding the 7th Air Force in Korea, the 11th Air Force in Alaska, and the 18th Wing at Kadena Air Base in Japan, giving him an unparalleled understanding of the operational challenges and strategic importance of the region.
Wilsbach’s Core Priorities: Readiness and Modernization
Throughout his confirmation process and in previous leadership roles, General Wilsbach has been clear and consistent about his two primary objectives: bolstering readiness and driving forward modernization. For him, readiness is not an abstract concept but a tangible measure of the force’s ability to fight and win. He has been a vocal proponent of increasing flight hours for pilots, arguing that proficiency is built in the cockpit. He has noted the disparity between the training opportunities available today compared to when he was a young officer and has pushed for fighter pilots to fly a minimum of three sorties a week.
This focus on readiness extends to maintenance and standards. As head of ACC, Wilsbach identified what he called a “discernible decline” in Air Force standards and initiated inspections to reverse the trend. He has also highlighted the critical issue of aircraft availability, stating that when roughly half the fleet is mission-capable on any given day, it directly hampers the ability to train effectively. His approach suggests a back-to-basics focus on ensuring both personnel and equipment are prepared for high-end conflict.
On the modernization front, Wilsbach will oversee a vast and expensive portfolio of next-generation programs. These include the B-21 Raider stealth bomber, the continued procurement of the F-35, the troubled KC-46 tanker, the new T-7 trainer, and the development of the next-generation F-47 fighter. During his confirmation hearing, he expressed strong support for the B-21 program, even suggesting he would advocate for procuring more than the planned 100 aircraft if analysis justifies it. His vision is to effectively integrate the Air Force’s core functions, Air Superiority, Global Strike, Rapid Mobility, Command and Control, and ISR, to meet the demands of a peer-level conflict.
“I have full confidence he will work tirelessly to spur innovation and modernization and maintain combat-ready forces, all while prioritizing our airmen.” – Senator Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.)
Navigating a Complex and Shifting Landscape
General Wilsbach inherits leadership of a service in the midst of significant change, underscored by the unexpected departure of his predecessor. General Allvin’s retirement after just two years was unusual, and while no official reason was given, multiple reports suggest it was linked to policy disagreements with the current administration. Specifically, these disagreements appear centered on the “re-optimization for great power competition,” a sweeping reorganization plan designed to streamline how the Air Force presents forces and prepares for a potential conflict with China.
This reorganization, championed by former Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall and supported by General Allvin, aimed to create more agile and mission-focused units. However, key elements of the plan have since been reversed under new leadership. The newly formed Integrated Capabilities Command has been canceled, and the concept of “Deployable Combat Wings” has reportedly met resistance from major commands. This policy reversal creates a complex environment for the new Chief, who must now chart a path forward that aligns with the administration’s vision while addressing the underlying challenges the re-optimization plan sought to solve.
Beyond internal policy debates, the Air Force faces a daunting set of external challenges. The service is struggling with an aging fleet of aircraft, which drives up maintenance costs and negatively impacts readiness. A persistent pilot shortage remains a critical issue, exacerbated by the training limitations Wilsbach has frequently highlighted. Furthermore, severe budget pressures loom over key modernization programs. The Sentinel intercontinental ballistic missile program is reportedly billions over budget, and other flagship programs like the F-35 and KC-46 have faced their own cost and development hurdles. Wilsbach will need to make difficult choices, balancing the urgent need for modernization against the immediate demands of readiness, all within a constrained fiscal environment.
Conclusion: A Steady Hand for a Critical Time
The confirmation of General Kenneth Wilsbach as the 24th Chief of Staff of the Air Force places a seasoned commander and proven operator at the head of the service. His career, marked by extensive experience in the Pacific and a relentless focus on warfighting fundamentals, appears tailor-made for the strategic challenges of the current era. His stated priorities of readiness and modernization are not new, but his direct, no-nonsense approach may bring a renewed sense of urgency and clarity to these enduring issues.
As he takes command, General Wilsbach will be tasked with navigating the aftershocks of a sudden leadership change, managing a portfolio of high-stakes modernization programs, and preparing the force for the rigors of potential great power conflict. His success will depend on his ability to balance competing priorities, secure necessary resources, and inspire the airmen under his command. With his deep operational roots and clear-eyed view of the threats, the Air Force is now under the leadership of a chief who is, first and foremost, a warrior.
FAQ
Question: Who is the new Chief of Staff of the U.S. Air Force?
Answer: General Kenneth S. Wilsbach was confirmed by the U.S. Senate on October 30, 2025, as the 24th Air Force Chief of Staff.
Question: Why did the previous Chief of Staff, General David Allvin, retire early?
Answer: No official reason was provided for General Allvin’s retirement after only two years. However, multiple reports indicate the departure was related to policy disagreements with the current administration over the “re-optimization for great power competition” plan.
Question: What are General Wilsbach’s main priorities for the Air Force?
Answer: General Wilsbach has outlined two central priorities: improving readiness and advancing modernization. Readiness involves increasing pilot flight hours, raising standards, and improving aircraft availability. Modernization focuses on key programs like the B-21 Raider, F-35, and the next-generation F-47 fighter.
Sources
Photo Credit: Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies
Defense & Military
GE Aerospace and Shield AI Complete X-BAT Engine Test
GE Aerospace and Shield AI complete AVEN thrust-vectoring nozzle testing on the F110-GE-129E, keeping X-BAT on track for late 2026 first flight.
GE Aerospace and Shield AI have successfully completed integration, actuation, and engine light-off testing of a multi-axis thrust-vectoring nozzle on an F110-GE-129E engine, clearing a major propulsion hurdle for the X-BAT vertical take-off and landing combat aircraft.
Announced in a July 20, 2026, press release, the testing took place at GE Aerospace’s operations site in Peebles, Ohio. The campaign represents the first fully integrated test of the Axisymmetric Vectoring Exhaust Nozzle (AVEN) hardware and control systems since its original development in the 1990s. The successful light-off keeps the X-BAT program on schedule for a planned first flight in late 2026.
Resurrecting thrust vectoring for vertical flight
The AVEN system pivots engine exhaust in three dimensions, providing the precise directional control required for the aircraft to balance on its tailpipe during vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) maneuvers. Originally designed in the 1990s, the AVEN program accumulated 73 hours of ground testing and 135 flight hours across 95 flights on an experimental F-16 before being shelved.
Shield AI and GE Aerospace are now adapting that legacy hardware to meet the demands of modern autonomous flight. The integration requires the nozzle to execute rapid, coordinated movement sequences driven by Shield AI’s flight control software.
“The AVEN is what makes vertical flight possible on a platform this size and this capable. We’re applying it differently than it was ever used before. Vertical flight requires fast gimbaling to maintain attitude control, a demand the original program never had to meet,” said Armor Harris, Senior Vice President of Aircraft Engineering at Shield AI.
Harris noted that utilizing hardware with a proven track record allowed the engineering teams to bypass the initial stages of clean-sheet development. The next phase of the program will focus on iterating the propulsion approach to reduce weight and increase speed for future variants.
Scaling the X-BAT for contested environments
Shield AI unveiled the X-BAT in Washington, D.C., on October 21, 2025. The aircraft is designed as a Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) capable of operating independently or as a drone wingman in contested airspace. By November 5, 2025, Shield AI and GE Aerospace had signed a Memorandum of Understanding to collaborate on the platform’s propulsion, selecting the F110-GE-129 engine paired with the AVEN system.
The aircraft relies on Shield AI’s Hivemind autonomy software to conduct missions without traditional runway infrastructure. According to reporting by Tectonic Defense, the X-BAT measures 26 feet in length and features a 39-foot wingspan. Naval News estimates the platform will achieve a range exceeding 2,000 nautical miles and an operational ceiling of 50,000 feet, positioning it for both austere land bases and potential naval integration.
Amy Gowder, President and CEO of Defense & Systems at GE Aerospace, stated that pairing the company’s propulsion scaling experience with Shield AI’s vehicle development allows the program to move rapidly from concept to fielded capability.
AirPro News analysis
We view the successful light-off of the AVEN-equipped F110 as a validation of Shield AI’s strategy to integrate mature subsystems rather than developing bespoke hardware. The GE Aerospace F110 engine family has accumulated 11 million flight hours. By pairing a highly reliable, mass-produced core engine with a previously flight-tested 3D vectoring nozzle, the X-BAT program significantly reduces its technical risk profile.
The primary challenge moving forward will be software integration. While the AVEN hardware is proven, the 1990s-era actuators were not designed for the continuous, high-frequency gimbaling required to stabilize a tail-sitting VTOL aircraft in turbulent conditions. Shield AI’s Hivemind system will need to manage these actuation limits carefully to prevent mechanical fatigue while maintaining attitude control during the critical transition between vertical and forward flight.
Sources: GE Aerospace
Photo Credit: GE Aerospace
Defense & Military
Pratt Whitney Completes 3D-Printed TJ150 Turbojet Demo Test
Pratt & Whitney validates additive manufacturing for the TJ150, consolidating 50+ hot section parts into 3D-printed components.
Pratt & Whitney has successfully completed demonstration testing of an additively manufactured TJ150 turbojet engine, a process that consolidated more than 50 individual hot section components into a small number of 3D-printed parts.
The RTX Corporation subsidiary announced the milestone on July 20, 2026, during the Farnborough International Airshow in London. The test results validate the manufacturer’s strategy to use additive manufacturing to simplify design and accelerate production for expendable military propulsion systems.
Consolidating hot section components
According to the press release, nearly 60 percent of the TJ150 engine’s volume was produced using additive manufacturing. This volume includes major static and rotating hardware. By utilizing 3D printing technologies, engineers reduced the complexity of the engine’s hot section and replaced over 50 traditional parts with a handful of consolidated components.
The TJ150 is a 150-pound thrust class turbojet designed for single-use applications.
“For expendable engines like the TJ150, where missions can last minutes or hours, simplifying the design and scaling production quickly is essential to meeting rising demand,” said Jill Albertelli, President of Military Engines at Pratt & Whitney.
Integration with cruise missiles and decoys
The successful demonstration of the 3D-printed TJ150 follows recent contract awards and integration announcements for the engine platform. On March 10, 2026, Pratt & Whitney secured a follow-on contract from Leidos Dynetics to supply TJ150 engines for the AGM-190A small cruise missile.
In a separate announcement on July 15, 2026, Raytheon confirmed plans to prioritize the TJ150 engine for the initial production of the Miniature Air-Launched Decoy (MALD). Raytheon noted that utilizing the existing engine platform keeps restart timelines short while the company explores additively manufactured engines for longer-term opportunities.
Expanding additive manufacturing applications
Pratt & Whitney plans to apply the manufacturing techniques validated during the TJ150 demonstration to other propulsion programs. Albertelli stated that additive manufacturing helps the company move designs from concept to capability faster. She confirmed that the manufacturer is leveraging the TJ150 learnings to benefit other systems, including the Pratt & Whitney Valox engine family.
AirPro News analysis
The successful test of a heavily 3D-printed TJ150 highlights a critical shift in defense aerospace manufacturing. As military operators demand higher volumes of autonomous systems, decoys, and tactical missiles, traditional supply chains for small turbine engines face significant bottlenecks. Casting and machining conventional hot-section components requires extensive tooling and long lead times. By consolidating dozens of parts into a few additively manufactured pieces, we see manufacturers directly addressing the need for rapid scalability.
Expendable engines operate for very short durations, meaning they do not require the same long-term durability as commercial or manned military turbofans. This specific operational profile makes them ideal candidates for additive manufacturing, allowing producers to prioritize production speed and cost reduction over thousands of hours of time-on-wing reliability.
Photo Credit: RTX
Defense & Military
GE Aerospace and Magellan Sign F414 MRO MOU for Canada
GE Aerospace and Magellan Aerospace signed an MOU at Farnborough to establish a Canadian F414 engine MRO center if Canada selects the Gripen E.
GE Aerospace and Magellan Aerospace Corporation signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on July 22, 2026, at the Farnborough International Airshow to establish a Canadian MRO center for the F414-GE-39E engine. The agreement is entirely contingent on the Government of Canada selecting the Saab JAS 39 Gripen E for its future fighter fleet.
Announced in a GE Aerospace press release, the proposed MRO work would take place at Magellan’s facility in Mississauga, Ontario. The partnership aims to position Magellan as Canada’s domestic center of excellence for F414 engine sustainment, guaranteeing sovereign support capabilities for the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) if the Gripen E is acquired.
Industrial offsets and the Gripen E campaign
The MOU represents a calculated component of a broader industrial offset campaign by Saab AB and its suppliers to secure a portion of Canada’s fighter procurement contract. The Canadian government is currently reviewing its fighter jet strategy. While Ottawa previously committed to purchasing a fleet of 88 Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II Military-Aircraft, the government is evaluating a potential mixed fleet that could include domestically built Gripen E fighters.
To strengthen the Gripen’s bid, Saab has been securing agreements with Canadian aerospace firms to promise domestic job creation and technology transfer. This engine sustainment agreement follows a similar MOU signed on July 17, 2026, between Saab and Canadian aviation training firm CAE Inc. to cooperate on advanced fighter pilot Training.
Engine sustainment and domestic capabilities
The F414 engine family has accumulated more than 5 million flight hours globally. The new agreement builds on a 60-year working relationship between GE Aerospace and Magellan Aerospace Corporation.
Paul Ferraro, Vice President of Defense Engines & Services at GE Aerospace, stated that the agreement spans both military and commercial engines and will ensure the RCAF has in-country access to sustainment services to maintain F414 readiness.
Haydn Martin, Vice President of Business Development, Marketing, and Contracts at Magellan Aerospace Corporation, emphasized the operational benefits of the proposed partnership.
“Should the Saab JAS 39 Gripen E aircraft be selected, Magellan Aerospace will be ready to provide world-class engine maintenance, repair and overhaul services that enhance operational readiness for the Royal Canadian Air Force while maintaining highly skilled Canadian jobs, developing advanced technical expertise, and strengthening Canada’s long-term defence industrial capacity,” Martin said.
AirPro News analysis
We view this MOU as a clear signal that the competition for Canada’s fighter fleet remains highly active despite the initial F-35A selection. By lining up domestic heavyweights like Magellan and CAE, Saab is directly addressing Ottawa’s stringent Industrial and Technological Benefits (ITB) policy requirements. If the Government of Canada opts for a mixed fleet, establishing sovereign MRO capabilities for the F414 engine will be a critical factor in mitigating supply chain risks and ensuring RCAF operational independence. Until a formal procurement decision is finalized, these agreements remain strategic positioning rather than guaranteed Contracts.
Sources: GE Aerospace
Photo Credit: GE Aerospace
-
Aircraft Orders & Deliveries2 days agoPhilippine Airlines Orders Up to 20 Boeing 787-10 Dreamliners
-
Defense & Military2 days agoBombardier Defense Signs 10-Year Support Deal With Sweden
-
Defense & Military1 day agoGE Aerospace and Magellan Sign F414 MRO MOU for Canada
-
Aircraft Orders & Deliveries2 days agoRiyadh Air Orders 31 A350-1000s and 67 Boeing 787s
-
Aircraft Orders & Deliveries2 days agoAerCap Orders 15 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners at Farnborough 2026