LONDON—U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Kenneth S. Wilsbach emphasized on July 16 that the airpower contributions of allied nations are essential for deterring potential adversaries. Speaking at the Global Air and Space Chiefs Conference in London, Gen. Wilsbach strongly advocated for deeper interoperability between the United States and its international partners, asserting that collective action amplifies military effectiveness.
“The most effective airpower is combined airpower,” Wilsbach stated to an assembly of military leaders and defense officials. He elaborated that when allied and partner air forces train, plan, and operate together, they generate a range of strategic options, create complex dilemmas for adversaries, and achieve effects that no single nation could produce independently. This synergy, he argued, forms the bedrock of modern deterrence and defense capabilities.
Wilsbach’s remarks come at a pivotal moment for NATO, as the alliance undergoes a significant transformation. European member states are increasingly focused on bolstering their defense capabilities, aiming to compensate for a projected reduction in U.S. air and ground force commitments to the continent. This strategic shift aligns with the U.S. National Defense Strategy, which, published in January, articulates a vision where U.S. allies in Europe gradually assume “primary responsibility for Europe’s conventional defense, with critical but more limited U.S. support.”
Despite this stated shift, General Wilsbach conveyed that the U.S. intends to remain actively engaged in the defense of the alliance. He underscored that ensuring robust interoperability among NATO members and other partners is not merely beneficial but fundamental to the alliance’s sustained success and collective security in the evolving geopolitical landscape.
“Deterrence is often measured in numbers of aircraft, missiles, satellites, or military personnel,” Wilsbach acknowledged, recognizing the traditional metrics of military strength. Indeed, the quantity of high-end military aircraft in Europe is on an upward trajectory. Currently, there are 254 F-35 fighter jets deployed across Europe, with 54 of these belonging to the United States. Projections suggest this number could rise substantially to approximately 720 F-35s based on existing procurement plans by various nations. These fifth-generation aircraft represent a significant enhancement in combat capabilities.
However, Wilsbach emphasized that deterrence extends beyond the mere possession of advanced platforms and sheer numerical superiority. He posited that one of the most potent signals of deterrence that allied nations can transmit is the clear demonstration of their unity, collective capability, and shared preparedness to act in concert. A coalition capable of rapidly generating combat power across multiple domains—air, land, sea, space, and cyber—and across various theaters of operation presents a formidable challenge that any potential adversary must meticulously assess before contemplating aggressive actions.
Historically, interoperability has largely centered on ensuring that allied nations possess common operational procedures, compatible tactics, and synchronized communication systems. Yet, Wilsbach stressed the imperative to expand this conceptualization. He articulated that future conflicts will demand an evolution in how nations share critical information, make rapid decisions, and, crucially, how quickly they can convert situational awareness into decisive military action. In an increasingly contested operational environment, where adversaries seek to disrupt and deny, speed becomes an invaluable asset. The force that can more swiftly comprehend a situation, formulate superior decisions, and execute actions first will inherently gain a significant operational advantage.
To illustrate the practical benefits of enhanced interoperability, Wilsbach cited an example from the Pacific theater. He highlighted a recent certification that allows Koku Jieitai (Japan Air Self-Defense Force) aerial refuelers to perform “hot-pit” refueling of U.S. aircraft. This innovative capability, he explained, dramatically reduces aircraft turnaround times, streamlines logistical processes, and significantly increases the operational tempo of combined forces, allowing more sorties to be flown more efficiently.
Turning to Europe, Wilsbach pointed to Exercise Steadfast Dart as another key example. He noted that this exercise successfully validated the ability of European allies to rapidly mobilize, command, and sustain combat forces across the continent. By effectively deploying forces across multiple national borders and seamlessly integrating land, maritime, and air capabilities, the exercise unequivocally demonstrated that common procedures and robust command and control (C2) structures are vital enablers for forming a cohesive, combat-ready force capable of collective defense.
General Wilsbach also underlined that air operations in the 21st century are profoundly enabled by capabilities from other domains. When questioned about the future of air superiority, he swiftly underscored the critical necessity of sustained investment in space capabilities. This focus aligns strongly with the priorities championed by outgoing Chief of Space Operations Gen. B. Chance Saltzman, emphasizing the indispensable role of space in modern warfare.
“I’m his biggest cheerleader because I need him to get those capabilities because there are so many things that the Air Force requires the Space Force to do,” Wilsbach explained in an interview with Air & Space Forces Magazine. He enumerated various space-based assets crucial for air operations, including Global Positioning System (GPS) for navigation and precision targeting, resilient data links, secure satellite communication, and advanced intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities. These space assets are critical components that “finish the kill chain,” enabling the full sequence from detecting a threat to engaging and assessing the outcome.
Wilsbach concluded by emphasizing the foundational nature of space capabilities for contemporary military operations. “All those things are happening in space in the 21st century, and if you don’t have that, then you’re going to have difficulty doing any kind of military operation,” he asserted, highlighting that without robust and accessible space-based support, even advanced air forces would find themselves severely hampered in their ability to conduct effective missions.
Why This Matters
General Wilsbach’s statements underscore a critical juncture in global security and military strategy. His emphasis on “combined airpower” and deep interoperability reflects a recognition that no single nation, not even a superpower like the United States, can effectively confront complex, multi-domain threats alone. This pivot is particularly significant for NATO, where European allies are being encouraged to shoulder greater responsibility for their own conventional defense, a move driven by evolving U.S. strategic priorities and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
The drive for enhanced interoperability goes beyond mere technical compatibility; it signifies a strategic imperative for seamless information sharing, rapid decision-making, and synchronized action across diverse national forces. This capability is vital for presenting a credible deterrent to potential adversaries, particularly those capable of challenging global stability. The increasing number of F-35s in Europe, while numerically important, is less effective without the underlying unity and operational cohesion Wilsbach advocates.
Furthermore, the explicit link drawn between air superiority and space capabilities highlights the multi-domain nature of modern warfare. As nations become increasingly reliant on satellites for everything from navigation and communications to intelligence and targeting, the security and resilience of space assets are paramount. Wilsbach’s strong endorsement of the Space Force’s mission signals that future military effectiveness, especially in air operations, will be intrinsically tied to robust and protected space infrastructure. This necessitates significant investment and collaboration across military branches and allied nations, shaping defense budgets, technological development, and alliance strategies for decades to come.