The US Air Force is changing its strategy for modern warfare by combining both high-cost platforms and more cost-effective systems. On June 1, the service announced contracts to develop and produce two new types of Collaborative Combat Aircraft. These aircraft are designed to work alongside piloted fighters, forming tactical formations instead of acting alone. The shift marks a departure from previous strategies that relied on a few high-end systems to dominate the battlefield.
Transition away from exclusive platforms
The military is moving away from the belief that only the most advanced systems can win wars. While stealth fighters and nuclear submarines remain important, they are not sufficient on their own. The Air Force's new strategy aims to reduce risk by avoiding rigid development cycles. For example, the FQ-44 separates hardware and autonomy software, allowing multiple companies to be involved and preventing a single contractor from controlling the entire development process.
This approach helps the military avoid potential bottlenecks in production and development. Instead of relying on one company to handle all aspects of a system, the Air Force can involve different contractors for different parts of the process. The result is a more flexible and scalable system that can adapt to changing circumstances on the battlefield.
The Navy is also making changes, though it is moving more slowly. It is testing the MQ-25A Stingray, a drone designed to extend the range of carrier-based aircraft. However, progress has not been smooth. According to a July report from the Government Accountability Office (GAO), the Stingray's initial operational capability has been delayed by over two years, and its initial operational testing is also behind schedule.
The Navy's evolving role for carriers is outpacing the traditional shipbuilding system. As a result, the service may struggle to keep up with the demands of modern warfare. The GAO's report highlights the need for the Navy to accelerate its acquisition processes to match the pace of technological change.
Stockpiles are more critical than technical specs
After a platform is in use, its survival depends not only on performance but also on the ability to replace its ammunition. The US military faces a second major challenge: it must restock missiles, seekers, and rocket motors faster than adversaries can deplete them. By early August, the Pentagon had signed approximately a dozen agreements to speed up the production of PAC-3 and THAAD components.
These agreements include contracts with L3Harris and Northrop Grumman to scale up the production of rocket motors and seeker systems. The goal is to ensure that the military can maintain its ability to launch interceptors throughout a prolonged conflict. A system that runs out of missiles becomes a system that fails. Production facilities are now as crucial as the battlefield.
The Pentagon is starting to view manufacturing as a vital part of its military structure. By treating factories and production lines as part of the force, the military can ensure that it has the resources needed to sustain operations in the long term.
The risk of turning affordable into exclusive
As the US develops more affordable systems, there is a risk that these could eventually become the next generation of exclusive platforms. If requirements continue to increase, an initially inexpensive drone could transform into a system too complex and costly to replace. This would recreate the same issues the military currently faces—just with more contracts. The old model of high-cost, high-risk weapons is returning under a different label.
The transition is about more than just platforms. It is about endurance. The US no longer needs to destroy every enemy system. It only needs to outlast the enemy in terms of stockpiles. That is why the Pentagon is expanding production lines and entering into long-term agreements. The war in the future may not be won by the first salvo, but by the last.
The Pentagon's recent agreements show that it has begun treating this as a system-wide problem. The agreements cover not only finished missiles but also components that determine how many can actually be built. By addressing production bottlenecks, the military can ensure that it has the necessary resources to sustain operations in the long term.
The factory is now part of the force. This means that the ability to manufacture weapons and components is as critical as the ability to deploy them. The Pentagon's approach to procurement and production is becoming a key part of its overall strategy for modern warfare.
As the military continues to adapt, it will need to balance the need for high-performance platforms with the need for affordable, scalable systems. The goal is to create a force that is both effective and sustainable over the long term.
