USAF Chief Wilsbach on lessons from Iran, T

Key Points:

• US Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Kenneth Wilsbach emphasized the creation of a new career field focused on point defense to protect airbases from threats like ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones, especially in light of ongoing conflicts such as with Iran.
• Wilsbach expressed skepticism about investing heavily in hardened shelters for aircraft, advocating instead for cost-effective air and ground defense systems, including directed energy weapons and electronic warfare measures, to protect valuable assets.
• The new T-7 Red Hawk training jet impressed Wilsbach for its ease of flight compared to the T-38, with hopes it could become the single trainer aircraft to reduce training time and costs, despite current flight envelope restrictions.
• Regarding the F-35 program, Wilsbach noted that delays in Block 4 upgrades and radar deliveries have not significantly impacted operational use due to flexible asset management, but stressed the need for Lockheed Martin and subcontractors to meet delivery timelines to fully realize the aircraft's capabilities.
• Lockheed Martin responded that TR-3 development was completed in 2025 and that Block 4 modernization, which includes over 70 major upgrades, continues to enhance the F-35's capabilities to maintain air dominance.