The aerospace and defense sectors are witnessing significant shifts in retirement dynamics, particularly among military personnel and aircraft. As the industry grapples with modernization and procurement challenges, understanding these trends is vital for stakeholders. This article delves into recent developments, legislative actions impacting aircraft retirements, and advancements in related technologies.

Personnel Retirements: Key Figures Leaving the Industry

In December 2025, Gordon Kordyak, the Deputy Program Executive Officer (PEO) for Command, Control, Communications and Battle Management (C3BM) within the Department of the Air Force, commenced his terminal leave. With over 19 years of dedicated service, Kordyak has been instrumental in integrating capabilities of the Air Force and Space Force into the Department of the Air Force Battle Network. His departure marks the end of an era for many initiatives aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and interoperability in defense operations.

Additionally, Chief Master Sgt. Eric Carver recently retired from the New York Air National Guard after an impressive 39 years of service. Renowned for his technical expertise in aircraft maintenance and leadership in mentoring Airmen, Carver’s retirement reflects the ongoing transition in defense personnel as seasoned leaders step down and new generations rise to fill the gaps.

Aircraft Retirement and Congressional Oversight

The legislative landscape is also significantly shaping aircraft retirement strategies. The 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) has introduced critical provisions aimed at delaying the retirement of several key aircraft to maintain operational readiness.

Congress has blocked the retirement of all 162 A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft, originally slated for a 2026 divestment, due to concerns about the Air Force’s capacity to meet operational demands without fully fielded replacements. Furthermore, the retirement of the F-15E Strike Eagle fleet has been postponed until fiscal years 2027 and 2028, reflecting a cautious approach to recapitalization amid evolving global threats.

Moreover, the NDAA has extended the moratorium on retiring the RQ-4 Global Hawk ISR aircraft until September 2030. This decision underscores the necessity of maintaining intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities, crucial for strategic decision-making in an increasingly complex global landscape.

Defense Procurement and Technological Innovations

Amid these personnel and legislative shifts, the aerospace sector is simultaneously advancing in technology and procurement. Recent announcements include the Netherlands’ acquisition of additional NH90 maritime helicopters to bolster their naval capabilities. In contrast, China is progressing with flight tests of the R6000 tiltrotor drone, designed for long-range uncrewed airlift operations, showcasing the rapid evolution of drone technology in defense applications.

Russia, too, is making headlines with upgraded UAVs and combat aircraft revealed at the 2025 Dubai Airshow, emphasizing the global arms race in aerial capabilities. In response to heightened defense priorities across Europe, Boeing is ramping up production of the Patriot PAC-3 missile seekers, a critical component in modern air defense systems. These procurement moves illustrate the urgent need for enhanced defense capabilities amid geopolitical tensions.

Legislative Support for Transition Programs

In addition to addressing aircraft retirements, the FY26 NDAA enhances Transition Assistance Programs (TAP) aimed at facilitating smoother transitions for retiring service members into defense sector careers. This initiative is crucial for maintaining workforce continuity in the aerospace and defense industries, ensuring that experienced personnel can leverage their skills in civilian roles, thereby enriching the sector with seasoned expertise.

The integration of advanced technologies, such as high-performance MEMS accelerometers and precision gyroscopes, will be essential as these transitioning individuals enter roles that increasingly rely on sophisticated systems for navigation and surveillance. For example, systems like the Advanced Sensor Module—featuring a 9-DOF MEMS IMU—can significantly enhance situational awareness and operational efficacy in defense environments.

Safety and Regulatory Considerations

While these developments are promising, they are not without challenges. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has cautioned that certain provisions within the defense bill may undermine critical aviation safety improvements, particularly in light of a recent crash incident. This highlights the ongoing need to balance defense priorities with stringent safety regulations to protect both personnel and the integrity of aerial operations.

Conclusion

As the aerospace and defense sectors navigate these complex retirement trends, stakeholders must remain vigilant. The interplay between personnel retirements, legislative actions, and technological advancements will shape the future landscape of defense capabilities. With experienced leaders transitioning out and new technologies being integrated, the industry is at a pivotal juncture that requires strategic foresight and adaptive planning to ensure continued operational readiness and safety.

In summary, the current retirement trends reveal a sector in flux, poised for transformation through legislative support and innovative advancements. The focus on maintaining aircraft capabilities and enhancing career transition programs is indicative of a broader commitment to sustaining a robust defense posture in a rapidly changing global environment.

References

1. East Patchogue resident Eric Carver retires from the New York Air … (www.dvidshub.net) - 12/11/2025 Eric Carver, an East Patchogue, New York resident, marked the end of a 39-year military career with a retirement ceremony on Dec. 7, 2025, at …

2. House Passes FY26 NDAA with Major Hampton Roads and … (kiggans.house.gov) - 12/11/2025 Strengthens the Transition Assistance Program (TAP) by allowing retiring servicemembers to immediately move into careers in the defense …

3. Inside NDAA 2026: Congress blocks retirement of core USAF aircraft (aerospaceglobalnews.com) - 12/10/2025 Congress slows USAF divestments in the 2026 defence bill, keeping fighters, tankers and ISR aircraft in service as modernisation slips.

4. NTSB warns that defense bill could undermine aviation safety … (www.wunc.org) - 12/10/2025 NTSB warns that defense bill could undermine aviation safety changes after DCA crash. NPR. By Joel Rose. Published December 10, 2025 at 6:03 PM …

5. C3BM Deputy PEO set to retire - AFLCMC (www.aflcmc.af.mil) - 12/9/2025 Gordon Kordyak began terminal leave in December after more than 19 years of government service. Kordyak served as deputy PEO for three years and …

6. Congress Moves to Block A-10, F-15E Divestments in NDAA (www.airandspaceforces.com) - 12/9/2025 The bill, unveiled Dec. 7, rejects the Air Force plan to retire all 162 A-10s still flying along with 21 F-15Es in 2026. If passed into law, the …

7. Defense News Aerospace 2025 - Army Recognition (armyrecognition.com) - 11/19/2025 On December 9, 2025, the Netherlands Ministry of Defence announced the purchase of three additional NH90 maritime combat helicopters, with an optio… Read more.