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Weapons in Space, AI Predictions, and F-35 Readiness Gains: The Rendezvous — Ep. 310
03 October 2026

Weapons in Space, AI Predictions, and F-35 Readiness Gains: The Rendezvous — Ep. 310

The Aerospace Advantage

About

Episode Summary:


This week, we assess what’s going on in our nation’s capital as elections grow near and the window for passing legislation is closing. We also discuss the SECAF's announcement regarding weapons in space, plus his thoughts on the future of AI. Our team reviews the latest fighter aviation news—from F-35 combat readiness rates to the proposed F-16G. Experts then explain what's going on with munitions--from FAM to JATM and JASSM. The EA-37 also takes center stage, with the retirement of the EC-130H. Last but not least, if Sun Tzu said, "Know thy enemy," then why is the Air Force shuttering its China Aerospace Studies Institute?


Credits:


Host: Heather "Lucky" Penney, Director of Research, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies


Producer: Shane Thin


Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey


Guest: Mark "Gonzo" Gunzinger, Director of Future Concepts & Capability Assessments, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies


Guest: Charles Galbreath, Director & Senior Resident Fellow for Space Studies, The Mitchell Institute Spacepower Advantage Center of Excellence (MI-SPACE)


Guest: Douglas Birkey, Executive Director, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies


Guest: Todd "Sledge" Harmer, Senior Vice President, American Defense International


Guest: Anthony "Lazer" Lazarski, Principal, Cornerstone Government Affairs



















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