Troy Meink: Pioneering Acquisition Reforms and Advancements in U.S. Air Force Capabilities

In recent weeks, Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink has taken center stage in the U.S. Air Force’s strategic initiatives, focusing on acquisition reform, enhancing the production of the B-21 Raider bomber, and advancing Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) technologies. These developments are critical as the Air Force seeks to adapt to emerging global threats and integrate advanced technologies into its operational framework.

Expanding B-21 Raider Production

The U.S. Air Force, in partnership with Northrop Grumman, has reached a significant agreement to boost the production of the B-21 Raider by 25%. This move is pivotal as the Air Force aims for initial operational delivery at Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota, by 2027. Secretary Meink stated, “Accelerating production capacity now ensures we deliver operational capability to combatant commanders faster—strengthening our ability to outpace, deter, and, if necessary, defeat emerging threats.”

This expansion is supported by a substantial investment of $4.5 billion in reconciliation funding allocated in 2025 legislation. Northrop Grumman has committed to investing an additional $2–3 billion in facility enhancements. The B-21 program, which entered low-rate production following successful flight testing in November 2023, is characterized by its advanced stealth capabilities and cutting-edge technology, with per-unit costs estimated at approximately $700 million.

Acquisition Reform and Portfolio-Based Management

Under Secretary Meink’s leadership, the Air Force is implementing a transformative acquisition reform strategy. This reform includes the establishment of 27 Portfolio Acquisition Executives (PAEs) and Direct Reporting Program Managers, including notable leaders overseeing critical programs like the B-21, Sentinel ICBM, and F-47 fighter.

The new strategy allows for a holistic approach to defense acquisitions, enabling program managers to shift funds between various initiatives as needed. This flexible funding model is designed to enhance responsiveness to evolving defense requirements and operational needs. As part of this reform, the Air Force is also overhauling its requirements processes through the A5/7 Next initiative, aimed at modernizing maintenance protocols for stealth aircraft like the B-21, ensuring they are always ready for action.

Advancements in Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA)

On February 12, 2026, the Air Force validated its Autonomy Government Reference Architecture (A-GRA), a modular open-system standard that is critical to the development of Collaborative Combat Aircraft. This architecture will facilitate interoperability among various platforms and vendors, including RTX Collins and Shield AI, while also preventing vendor lock-in.

The CCA initiative is set to revolutionize air combat through semi-autonomous flight testing and the integration of advanced systems such as the General Atomics YFQ-42 and Anduril YFQ-44. By fostering competition and enabling rapid algorithm deployment, the Air Force is positioning itself at the forefront of aerial combat innovation. The A-GRA framework is designed to support a wide range of capabilities, ensuring that the Air Force can adapt to future combat scenarios effectively.

Technical Innovations in Defense Systems

The advancements in the Air Force’s capabilities are bolstered by cutting-edge technologies that enhance operational efficiency and effectiveness. For instance, the integration of precision accelerometers and high-performance MEMS accelerometers is vital in developing advanced navigation systems for modern aircraft. These technologies provide exceptional stability and precision, essential for the demanding environments in which military aircraft operate.

Moreover, the use of advanced sensor modules, featuring a three-axis gyroscope, accelerometer, and magnetic sensor, ensures comprehensive motion sensing capabilities critical for mission success. The Air Force’s commitment to leveraging these advanced systems underscores the importance of technological superiority in maintaining air dominance.

Conclusion

As Secretary Troy Meink spearheads these critical reforms and technological advancements within the U.S. Air Force, the focus on rapid acquisition and operational readiness is evident. The expansion of the B-21 Raider production, the innovative CCA initiatives, and the overarching acquisition reforms not only enhance the Air Force’s capabilities but also ensure that it remains competitive in a rapidly evolving defense landscape. Looking ahead, these initiatives will play a crucial role in shaping the future of U.S. air power and its ability to respond to emerging global threats efficiently and effectively.

References

1. Air Force reaches deal with Northrop to expand B-21 production (www.defenseone.com) - 2/24/2026 AURORA, Colorado—Air Force officials and Northrop Grumman have reached a deal to accelerate B-21 bomber production by 25 percent following …

2. Air Force ramps up B-21 Raider production capacity, aims for 2027 … (breakingdefense.com) - 2/24/2026 A $4.5 billion spending boost for the B-21 program outlined by lawmakers as part of the 2025 reconciliation package will help fund the …

3. Remarks by CSO Gen. Chance Saltzman at the Air and Space … (www.spaceforce.mil) - 2/24/2026 As delivered by Chief of Space Operations Gen. Chance Saltzman Feb. 23, 2026 at the Air and Space Forces Association 2026 Warfare Symposium.

4. Meink Lays Out New Vision for Acquisition (www.airandspaceforces.com) - 2/24/2026 The Department of the Air Force is planning on 27 “portfolio acquisition executives” as part of a holistic approach to acquisition reform.

5. USAF, Northrop Grumman Reach Agreement On B-21 Capacity (aviationweek.com) - 2/24/2026 Air Force Secretary Troy Meink announced the agreement on Feb. 23, saying that industry across the board has increased its production capacity— …

6. Secretary Hegseth promises to unleash small defense companies … (gazette.com) - 2/24/2026 When Meink took responsibility for the Air Force as part of the new Trump administration, he observed a clear problem with the defense industry.

7. Air Force validates open architecture, expands Collaborative … (www.af.mil) - 2/12/2026 Air Force validates open architecture, expands Collaborative Combat Aircraft ecosystem. Published Feb. 12, 2026; Secretary of the Air Force …

8. Air Force Leaders Testify on Expanding Air, Space Dominance (www.war.gov) - 6/26/2025 Meink testifies on the Air Force’s fiscal year 2026 budget request during a Senate defense subcommittee hearing in Washington, June 26, 2025.