Virtual Mission Brief | Innovation and Experimentation: A New Approach for the U.S. Air Force in the Middle East with Lt. Gen. Alexus Grynkewich

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The 2022 National Defense Strategy elevated China and Russia as the top two challenges, shifting the Department’s focus away from ongoing operations in the Middle East. While persistent threats such as Iran and violent extremist organizations remain, these must be addressed by fewer forces and resources. This has led the U.S. Air Force to change its approach in the Middle East, focusing on regional integration, innovation, and experimentation. How is U.S. Air Forces Central building a culture of innovation among regional partners to address potential threats? How is the Air Force testing capabilities in the Middle East that would allow the U.S. military to retain its edge in conflicts in the Indo-Pacific and Europe?

On Monday, February 13, CNAS hosted a virtual event with Lt. Gen. Alexus Grynkewich, Commander, U.S. Air Forces Central, to discuss how U.S. Air Forces Central is innovating and experimenting with new technologies in the Middle East while contributing to regional stability in support of the National Defense Strategy.

This conversation is part of the CNAS Mission Brief speaker series, which features deep-diving discussions with the military and civilian leaders driving strategy and future force planning. Conversations cover a wide array of topics, including future defense strategy and force design, new operational concepts, and balancing readiness with ongoing operations.

Featuring:

Lt. Gen. Alexus Grynkewich
Commander, U.S. Air Forces Central

Hosted by:

Becca Wasser
Senior Fellow, Defense Program, CNAS