Kendall Plans to Maintain Position as Air Force Secretary under Incoming Administration
Frank Kendall: Air Force Secretary's Vision Beyond 2025
Frank Kendall, Secretary of the Air Force, has been spearheading a revolutionary makeover for the department and intends to keep that ball rolling well into 2025 and beyond, if given the chance. During the AFA's Air, Space & Cyber Conference, Kendall made it clear that his exit wouldn't signify the end of his ardent work but merely a potential pause.
"I ain't packin' my bags just yet," Kendall told a bustling crowd of Airmen, Guardians, and more, acknowledging the upcoming presidential election and President Joe Biden's impending departure from office. "My hope is that I will have the opportunity to continue to serve," he added.
Kendall's undying devotion to his role is rooted in his central mantra: "China, China, China." Elsewhere in his speech, Kendall warned against dismissing China as an "emerging" or "future" threat, stating, "China is a threat now." He went on to explain how China is rapidly expanding its inventory of advanced aircraft, missiles, and counterspace capabilities, posing a significant risk to U.S. bases and aircraft carriers in the Pacific.
The potential war with the People's Republic of China may not be imminent, but with China's aggressive behavior in territorial disputes and preparation for major conflict—President Xi Jinping has ordered his military to be ready to take Taiwan by force by 2027—the chances seem to be escalating. "The likelihood is increase'n," said Kendall, emphasizing the increasing likelihood of a conflict and the U.S.'s responsibility to be prepared to win.
Russia remains another pressing concern, still posing a significant threat nearly two and a half years into its invasion of Ukraine.
Kendall also delved into several significant initiatives undertaken during his tenure, including his "Operational Imperatives," cross-cutting operational enablers, and recent re-optimization decisions. On a particular note, Kendall asserted that despite the slowdown in the Next-Generation Air Dominance Program, the Air Force is adamant about maintaining its commitment to air superiority. Despite slowing down the NGAD program to incorporate newer technology and manage costs more efficiently, Kendall reiterated that the project is far from being shelved.
The future Air Force envisioned by Kendall includes modernizing existing platforms and integrating new technologies. While not directly affiliated with Kendall's recent statements, the broader Air Force strategy aligns with his leadership's legacy: developing advanced fighters and enhancing platforms like the F-35 with next-gen technologies to achieve efficient and cost-effective air dominance.
Kendall's strategic priorities, such as the advancement of hypersonic weapons, AI integration, and countering the China threat, are expected to significantly influence or be adopted by the incoming administration. As a seasoned thought leader, Kendall has played a crucial role in shaping Air Force modernization and Indo-Pacific security posture, potentially advising or guiding policy in the next administration.
In light of this, Kendall's vision for the Air Force will continue to prioritize hypersonic weapons, AI, and countering the strategic threat posed by China, ensuring that these critical technologies and strategic focuses remain at the forefront of U.S. defense policy.
