The Aviationist published an exclusive interview with the Secretary of the U.S. Air Force at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026, where the service’s top civilian leader discussed modernization, readiness, pilot training, artificial intelligence, Space Force growth, recruiting and the future of American airpower. The appearance placed the Air Force’s long-term force-design agenda at one of the world’s largest aviation gatherings, with the conversation framed around how the service intends to balance near-term operational demands with future capability development.
The interview centred on the strategic direction of U.S. airpower rather than a single programme or aircraft. Topics included the pressure to sustain readiness while updating legacy fleets, the role of AI in future operations, and the growing integration of space capabilities into the broader defence mission. Pilot training also featured prominently, reflecting continuing concern over workforce depth and the pipeline needed to support modern combat aviation.
Recruiting formed another part of the discussion, alongside the Air Force’s effort to adapt to a more competitive talent market. The Secretary used the Oshkosh platform to outline priorities that connect aviation, space and personnel planning, with the interview positioning future force design as a central issue for the service.