Washington, DC, January 12 - The U.S. Air Force has taken decisive steps to implement sweeping acquisition changes in direct support of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's mandate to transform the Pentagon's procurement system. On January 8, 2026, the Department of the Air Force announced the aggressive rollout of the Warfighting Acquisition System, a major overhaul that shifts the focus from bureaucratic compliance to rapid, warfighter-centered delivery of combat-effective capabilities. This initiative redesignates the traditional defense acquisition framework as a dynamic process placed on a wartime footing, emphasizing speed, accountability, and mission outcomes to ensure operators receive critical technologies when needed most.
Central to these Air Force acquisition reforms is the transition from the legacy Program Executive Officer (PEO) structure to a new model featuring Portfolio Acquisition Executives (PAEs). The department has designated five initial PAEs, repurposing former PEOs to oversee integrated mission areas including command, control, communications, and battle management; fighters and advanced aircraft; nuclear command, control, and communications; propulsion; and weapons. These executives gain expanded authority to make key decisions on cost, schedule, and performance trades, reducing layers of approval and enabling faster adjustments to evolving threats. The changes also extend to the Space Force with additional portfolios, marking the first phase of broader restructuring across the Department of the Air Force.
Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink described the transformation as a generational opportunity to reform the entire enterprise, from requirements definition through acquisition and testing. By empowering leaders at the portfolio level, the approach streamlines decision-making, fosters innovation, and strengthens partnerships with industry, including greater opportunities for smaller and non-traditional vendors. These efforts align with Hegseth's November 2025 directive to convert the sluggish procurement process into a nimble Warfighting Acquisition System that prioritizes urgent fielding of capabilities.
The acquisition changes represent the initial actions in a series of deliberate reforms to fully execute Hegseth's comprehensive strategy. By decentralizing authority and focusing on warfighter needs, the Air Force aims to accelerate the development and delivery of next-generation systems, enhancing readiness and deterrence in an era of strategic competition. This shift underscores a commitment to efficiency, agility, and mission success in modernizing the force.
