Third offset

The Air Force Materiel Command (AFMC) has a devised a strategic plan to help carry the US Air Force (USAF) to Third Offset by developing the next-generation of operational capabilities.

A key element of the US Department of Defense (DoD) strategy, Third Offset will leverage new technologies such as artificial intelligence, autonomous systems and human-machine networks to equalise advances made by the nations opponents in recent years.

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AFMC commander general Ellen Pawlikowski said: "Our Air Force is in high demand around the globe every minute of every day.

While it remains the world’s greatest Air Force, it must become more agile to operate effectively in the dynamic, ever-changing worldwide environment today and tomorrow.

"The expertise in our centres and laboratories puts us in the perfect position to deliver Third Offset capabilities and this strategic plan is the bedrock of our road ahead."

The strategic plan aims at increasing agility of AFMC support to the Air Force enterprise, driving cost-effectiveness into the capabilities.

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"The expertise in our centres and laboratories puts us in the perfect position to deliver Third Offset capabilities and this strategic plan is the bedrock of our road ahead."

Additionally, the strategy aims at recruiting, developing, and retaining a diverse, high-performing, and resilient team.

As part of the strategy, the six centres of AFMC along with the headquarters staff have developed 11 supporting objectives and 35 commitments that will be measured, tracked and assessed throughout this year.

The AFMC First Offset was recommended in the 1950’s when the US developed tactical nuclear weapons to counter forces in Western Europe.

The Second Offset took shape in the 1970’s when the US developed precision-guided weapons in response to the Soviet Union’s nuclear parity.

Image: An F-35A drops a GBU-12 laser-guided bomb at the Utah Test and Training Range. Photo: courtesy of US Air Force photo / Jim Haseltine.

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