Usaf Proves Operational Supremacy In High-Stakes Missions

The USAF’s Operational Readiness: Lessons from Midnight Hammer and Operation Absolute Resolve

The recent successful strike missions, including the notable Operation Midnight Hammer and Operation Absolute Resolve, have been hailed as shining examples of operational readiness by Air Force leaders. These operations showcased the Air Force’s ability to execute complex missions with precision and speed, leveraging a diverse range of aircraft and munitions.

Midnight Hammer, in particular, employed 125 aircraft, including B-2 Spirit bombers, numerous refueling tankers, as well as F-35 Lightning IIs, F-22 Raptors, F-15s, and F-16 Fighting Falcons. The operation’s success was made possible by a massive tanker bridge, with aircraft positioned at key points along the route to refuel bombers en route to the target and back. This intricate logistics effort required meticulous planning, precise execution, and a robust tanker fleet.

The tanker fleet is a critical component of the Air Force’s operational capabilities, and its limitations were starkly highlighted during Midnight Hammer. With approximately 375 KC-135 Stratotankers that average over 63 years old, concerns about reliability and maintainability are growing. This raises questions about the long-term viability of the current tanker force.

“We do things in the United States Air Force that no other country can do,” said Director of Staff Lt. Gen. Scott L. Pleus at the Airpower Forum. “Operation Midnight Hammer and Absolute Resolve are a definition of readiness.” However, this emphasis on operational readiness must be balanced with the need to invest in new technologies and capabilities.

One area where the Air Force is investing heavily is in the Next-Generation Air Refueling System (Negas). This new capability seeks to develop an uncrewed tanker system, potentially using Boeing’s MQ-25 Stingray as a starting point. However, scaling up the MQ-25’s size, capacity, range, and speed to meet USAF requirements will be a significant challenge.

“The first thing I worry about when something like Midnight Hammer starts to take shape is what does the tanker force looking like, what’s the position of it, and how do we posture in the world to actually do this,” said Lt. Gen. Jason R. Armagost, deputy commander of Air Force Global Strike Command and Air Forces Strategic-Air at U.S. Strategic Command. “It’s not an easy thing.”

Munitions flexibility is another critical component of operational readiness. The recent use of the GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP) during Midnight Hammer highlighted the need for a range of munitions that can penetrate deeply underground to destroy facilities. North Korea and other potential adversaries have long been known to bury facilities deep underground as a means of protection.

The MOP, with its 5,740-pound warhead encased in steel and fused to blow up an estimated 200 feet underground, was purpose-built for that application. However, the Air Force requires munitions that can adapt to these changing threats. Maj. Claire Randolph, chief of Weapons and Tactics at Air Forces Central, emphasized the importance of possessing a range of standoff and penetrating munitions.

Surface mobile targets are difficult to hit, as demonstrated by the limitations of current munition options. “You don’t have a lot of things that fit in well there, which is a huge problem,” said Randolph. The B-2 bomber’s ability to carry up to 80 Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAMs) has become increasingly relevant, but its smaller, modular capabilities – such as the 240 GBU-39 Small Diameter Bombs I (SDBs) – offer greater flexibility and range.

Armagost emphasized the importance of possessing a range of standoff and penetrating munitions to increase the Air Force’s deterrent capability. “You have to have proof you can gain access to hold any target at risk, keep it at risk, and then carry out orders that provide options that can happen from standoff and can happen from penetrating,” he said.

In conclusion, the recent success of Operation Midnight Hammer and Operation Absolute Resolve highlights both the challenges and opportunities facing the USAF as it looks to the future. The Air Force’s operational readiness is built on a diverse range of aircraft, munitions, and logistics capabilities, but its reliance on an aging tanker fleet and limited munitions options underscores the need for investment and innovation.

By prioritizing these areas, the Air Force can ensure that it remains a dominant force in the skies, capable of executing complex missions with precision and speed. The lessons learned from Midnight Hammer and Operation Absolute Resolve will inform investment, training, and planning decisions for years to come, shaping the future of the USAF’s operational capabilities.