Chris Gordon
Chris Gordon is the Pentagon Editor at Air & Space Forces Magazine. He has broad journalism and communications experience, and developed a keen interest in defense policy and aerospace during a year on Capitol Hill where he worked with the Senate Armed Services Committee. As a reporter, he has covered everything from national security to hockey for a variety of publications, including The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal. Chris serves on the Board of Directors of Military Reporters & Editors, a non-profit organization for journalists covering the military, national security, and homeland defense. Chris can be contacted at cgordon@afa.org.
Recent stories by Chris Gordon
‘Sensing Has Become Ubiquitous’: Satellite Imagery in Ukraine Offers View of Future Warfare
The proliferation of commercial satellites is changing the character of war, a panel of military experts said at AFA’s Air, Space & Cyber Conference on Sept. 18.
PACAF Looks to Australia, Japan for Battle Management Help as It Waits for Wedgetail
PACAF commander Gen. Kevin Schneider wants the new E-7 Wedgetail "sooner rather than later" and plans on leveraging Australia's E-7s and Japanese E-2s for a smooth transition. Schneider also says air domain awareness should be a layered solution, stressing ground-based capabilities.
‘A Fine Balance’: How to Manage More Exercises Versus Readiness
The Air Force and Space Force will have to manage a delicate balance between building readiness and preparing forces as they conduct more realistic, large-scale exercises, senior leaders said Sept. 18 at AFA’s Air, Space & Cyber Conference.
Ukraine, New to F-16s, Takes a Cautious Approach, Says US General
Ukraine is taking a cautious approach toward employing its new F-16s, Gen. James B. Hecker, the head of U.S. Air Forces in Europe, told reporters Sept. 17 at AFA's Air, Space & Cyber conference.
‘We’re Struggling’: Leaders Say Air and Space Forces Need More Resources for Pivotal Stretch
With only a few weeks left before the Department of the Air Force begins fiscal 2025 without a new budget, leaders argued both the Air Force and Space Force are underfunded now and for the foreseeable future at pivotal moments for both services during AFA’s ...
Allvin Announces Standup of Provisional Integrated Capabilities Command
The Air Force stood up a provisional version of the new command to coordinate its ambitious modernization efforts, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David W. Allvin announced. The command is expected to achieve full operational capability in 2025.
Ready Forces in Middle East Deter Iran, Austin Says
The Pentagon still believes Iran presents a threat to Israel and is determined to maintain sufficient forces in the region to deter Iranian aggression, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III said on a visit to Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala., Sept. 13.
Austin, Jill Biden Tout New and Improved Benefits for Troops at Maxwell AFB
Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III unveiled a series of new actions intended to improve living standards for U.S. troops and their families during a Sept. 13 visit to Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala. The initiatives include enabling military families to set aside income-tax-free funds ...
‘We Work in a Memorial’: Pentagon Leaders Remember 9/11
Pentagon leaders honored the victims of 9/11 in multiple ceremonies on the 23rd anniversary of the terrorist attack that killed nearly 3,000 Americans and shaped the U.S. military in the 21st century.
How the Pentagon’s Weapons ‘Production Diplomacy’ Is Helping Arm Ukraine
The U.S. is pushing to expand the production of key munitions for the Ukrainian military, the Pentagon’s top weapons buyer said. “From an industrial base perspective, it’s largely been a battle of attrition,” William A. LaPlante, the undersecretary of defense for acquisition and sustainment, told ...
‘I Urge You to Do More’ for Ukraine Air Defense, Zelenskyy Tells US, Allies
The U.S. and Ukraine’s allies must step up their contribution to Ukraine’s air defense from Russia, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Sept. 6, addressing a meeting of the regular Ukraine Defense Contact Group held at Ramstein Air Base, Germany for the first time.
Austin Arrives in Germany for Pivotal Ukraine Weapons Aid Meeting
Ukraine is expected to make its case for the removal of restrictions placed on Western-provided long-range weapons that bar striking targets in Russia and urge allies to rush more air defense to the country during a key meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group on ...
US Air Force F-35s Touch Down on a Highway in Finland for ‘Historic’ Landing
Two U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II fighters landed on a Finnish highway on Sept. 4, the first time USAF aircraft have operated from a road—not a runway—in Europe. It is part of the service’s push to operate from more locations with less infrastructure in ...
NGA Boss: Intel Community Having ‘Eureka Moment’ Cooperating with the Space Force
The intelligence community is increasing and improving its collaboration with the Space Force, U.S. officials said this week—indicating progress after months of discussions on how to sort out roles in the rapidly changing domain.
Defending NATO’s Flank
Operations in Europe aren’t a summer holiday. The war in Ukraine has turned up the heat. OVER WESTERN GERMANY Our F-16 burst through the clouds above Spangdahlem Air Base on a crisp early morning in June, one of several Fighting Falcons...