In his first public remarks as Chief of Staff, Gen. Kenneth S. Wilsbach urged a 'constant focus' on readiness, making new aircraft procurement and improving falling mission-capable rates immediate priorities for the Air Force. His comments follow a multi-year decline in aircraft mission-capable rates.
Discovered |
Briefing
The Air Force’s emphasis on fixing readiness is a direct response to prolonged declines in mission-capable rates, a vulnerability highlighted during Wilsbach’s confirmation process: the confirmation hearing where senators pressed him on F‑35A readiness.
Wilsbach’s push for new aircraft links to broader force-structure pressures, including a recent congressional review calling for up to 1,558 combat-ready fighters and the USAF’s ten-year fighter roadmap that adjusts planned buys.
The service is already pursuing stop-gap measures to sustain operational capacity, such as solicitations for civilian aircraft leases to preserve pilot flight currency amid readiness shortfalls.
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New U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff Prioritizes Modernization and Readiness • realcleardefense.com
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• Stephen Losey