Brumby
Major
COMACC talks 5th-generation warfare, innovation at AFA
Gen. Hawk Carlisle, commander of Air Combat Command, addressed advances in fifth-generation warfare and the importance of delivering cutting-edge technology during day two of the Air Force Association's Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition.
Before getting into the specifics of aircraft advancements, Carlisle emphasized the importance of changing the way we think about warfare.
"Fifth generation isn't necessarily about an airframe," Carlisle said. "It's really about technology and thought, and how we move our Air Force to continue to be the best Air Force on the planet and what it takes to get there."
He went on to highlight the performance of the F-22 Raptors, describing the aircraft as an "aerial quarterback" that does more than what was initially expected. When put in the hands of innovative Airmen, it provides situational awareness that makes every aircraft that flies with it better, he said.
Carlisle took a moment to reflect on the progress with the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, which recently was delivered to Hill Air Force Base, Utah.
"It is the most powerful, comprehensive, integrated sensor suite we've ever developed," Carlisle said. Those capabilities, combined with electronic warfare and the ability to play multiple roles in combat, represent a major advancement in operations, he said.
The general stressed the importance of changing traditional approaches to precision attack in the future in order to maintain the technological edge.
"Directed-energy weapons are an area we're headed toward, and we're going there at a fairly good pace," he said. "I think it's a lot closer than people think it is."