2025 Air and Space Forces Association Conference: General Saltzman’s Address on Space Force Transformation

2025 Air and Space Forces Association Conference
The 2025 Air and Space Forces Association (AFA) Air, Space, and Cyber Conference served as a defining platform for U.S. military leaders to share their vision for the future. Among the most anticipated moments was the keynote by Chief of Space Operations (CSO), General Chance Saltzman. His remarks highlighted not only the importance of leadership within the U.S. Space Force but also the critical role of space in America’s national security strategy.

Setting the Stage: Leadership and Gratitude

General Saltzman began his address by expressing gratitude to senior leaders, including Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall and General B. Chance Allvin, Chief of Staff of the Air Force. He emphasized how their mentorship and leadership have shaped Space Force’s trajectory, especially in its early years as the newest branch of the U.S. military.

He also thanked Congress, allied partners, interagency representatives, and industry leaders for their collaboration. This acknowledgment reflected the broader theme of partnership, innovation, and joint responsibility that ran through the 2025 Air and Space Forces Association Conference.

Making the Invisible Visible: Space as the Silent Backbone

In his remarks, Saltzman underscored a paradox at the heart of Space Force’s mission: when it succeeds, its work is almost invisible.

• Satellites enable phone calls and GPS signals without most people realizing the military systems behind them.
• Guardians track missile launches silently, ensuring deterrence while remaining unseen.
• Cyber and communication infrastructure powered by space operations underpins global commerce and daily civilian life.

This “invisible backbone” of national security, Saltzman noted, often goes unnoticed by the public — but its importance cannot be overstated. At the 2025 AFA Conference, he sought to shine a light on this hidden but vital domain.

From Force Generation to Force Development

While previous addresses had focused on creating and deploying a “combat-ready space force,” this year, Saltzman shifted attention toward force design and development. He stressed that delivering capabilities through acquisition, modernization, and rapid fielding of systems will define the Space Force’s success.

“National security and our way of life rely on space every day,” he stated, highlighting that everything from e-commerce to critical infrastructure depends on reliable satellite systems. For the joint force to project power globally, America must sustain its space superiority.

The “Why” Behind Space Force’s Mission

To illustrate his point, Saltzman presented a short video vignette demonstrating missile warning systems. He explained:

“Acquisition and sustainment are not just support functions; they are essential for fighting wars.”

By tying abstract strategy to real-world outcomes, Saltzman reminded the audience that the Space Force’s mission is about saving lives, deterring adversaries, and securing America’s technological edge.

Bridging Policy, Technology, and Innovation

Saltzman described how he has engaged with multiple audiences — from Congress to Silicon Valley startups — to emphasize the urgency of advancing space capabilities.

• On Capitol Hill, he advocated for funding, staffing, and acquisition workforce training.
• At Space Systems Command in Los Angeles, he met Guardians developing the future architecture.
• In Silicon Valley, he encouraged startups to bring cutting-edge technology into national defense.
  2025 Air and Space Forces Association Conference

This outreach reflects a deliberate effort to bridge policy, technology, and innovation — ensuring that the Space Force can adapt quickly to a rapidly changing strategic environment.

A Generational Opportunity

General Saltzman described this moment as a “once-in-a-generation opportunity” to revolutionize how the U.S. develops and delivers space systems. The urgency stems from the growing challenges posed by adversaries like China and Russia, who have demonstrated anti-satellite weapons and aggressive space strategies.2025 Air and Space Forces Association Conference

The 2025 Air and Space Forces Association Conference made clear that the U.S. cannot afford complacency. Space is no longer a benign domain; it is contested, and maintaining leadership requires decisive action.

Partnerships and Global Alliances

Saltzman also highlighted the importance of allied cooperation. International partners — from NATO to Indo-Pacific allies — are increasingly part of U.S. space operations. This global network strengthens resilience and ensures burden-sharing in defending shared space assets.

Industry partnerships are equally crucial. Defense contractors, research institutions, and emerging space companies all play a role in ensuring that the U.S. stays ahead in both innovation and operational readiness.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Space Force

As the conference continued, Saltzman’s message was clear: the U.S. Space Force must focus on capability delivery, rapid acquisition, and future-ready systems. Success will depend on agility, strong leadership, and unwavering support from Congress and allies.

The speech concluded on a note of optimism and urgency — reminding attendees that the choices made today will determine America’s strategic position in space for decades to come.

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