Frank Kendall, the secretary of the US Air Force, expressed during a speech that the US Air Force should assume the responsibility for air base defense. He says he is ready to support this initiative if the necessary resources, both human and financial, are made available. Kendall emphasizes that this question is crucial given the growing threats weighing on American bases, particularly with the development of Chinese missiles long range. He also affirms that collaboration with the Army is ongoing, but hopes for acceleration of this process.
Kendall: ‘I would feel comfortable if the US Air Force took over air base defense instead of the Army’
During the symposium of the Airlift/Tanker Association in Grapevine, Texas, the Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall expressed his opinion on the defense of air bases. He emphasized that he would feel comfortable if the US Air Force took on this role, provided the necessary resources were made available. Kendall clarified that the base protection in the face of growing threats, particularly those posed by long range missiles, had to be a strategic priority.
Current challenges and need for resources
The challenges related to base defense have intensified with the development of new weapons systems by powers like China, which has significantly strengthened its strike capacity. THE Key West Accords of 1948 stipulate that the Army is responsible for this mission, but Kendall notes that the current model does not respond effectively to threats. For the US Air Force to carry out this task, a clear commitment in terms of human resources and financial is crucial.
The future of air defense
Necessary transformations in the air defense strategy have already been considered by the US Air Force. The Agile Combat Employment (ACE) initiative exemplifies this proactive approach that aims to disperse units across multiple bases, making targets less vulnerable. By exploiting technologies such as directed energy weapons and improved surveillance systems, Kendall advocates a vision where the US Air Force could be better equipped to deal with the growing threat of strategic aggression, while ensuring the base survival.
