Air Force to add career field to strengthen defenses against attacks on bases

The Air Force plans to develop a new weapon system and establish a career field dedicated to defending its bases from attack, the service’s top officer announced this week.

Chief of Staff Gen. Ken Wilsbach unveiled the initiatives Monday during his State of the Air Force address at the Air & Space Forces Association’s Air, Space & Cyber Conference at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center in National Harbor, Md.

“For decades, American air and space power has often operated from a position of sanctuary. Those days are over,” he said. “We can no longer treat point defense as a side hustle. We must make it a core function of air and space power.”

Wilsbach offered few details about either initiative but said the new weapon system would combine kinetic and nonkinetic capabilities to protect air bases. The new career field would train airmen specifically to support the point-defense mission and become reality in two years.

The Air Force has described point defense as protection against a range of airborne threats, from small drones to cruise missiles.

“Together, these two new initiatives will strengthen our defenses, reinforce our ability to generate air and space power under fire and protect our greatest advantage, our airmen and guardians,” Wilsbach said.

Point defense gives an air base commander authority to employ “organic air and missile defense capabilities” to protect critical forces or installations, according to an Air Force document published in April 2025.

That document also cited a 1984 memorandum of understanding that gave the Army primary responsibility for the air defense of Air Force bases worldwide. The agreement has since expired.

Wilsbach also used his keynote to honor airmen killed supporting Operation Epic Fury — the U.S. and Israel’s military campaign against Iran — and discuss the operation’s logistical challenges and risks.

Six airmen died March 12 when a KC-135 Stratotanker crashed in western Iraq. U.S. Central Command said the aircraft went down over friendly airspace and that the loss was not caused by hostile or friendly fire.

“Protecting the force and generating combat power are inseparable,” he said. “We need our airmen trained equipped and ready to fight from the opening moments of a conflict.”