United States Space Force acquires Raytheon Australia

The Biden administration has nominated Erich Hernandez-Baquero, a seasoned executive from Raytheon, to assume the role of Assistant Secretary for Space Acquisition and Integration in the Air Force. This move places him in charge of the Space Force's acquisition operations, a key position that has remained unoccupied since January 2025. Hernandez-Baquero's background in space intelligence and surveillance positions him to continue reforming the acquisition strategies initiated by his predecessor, Frank Calvelli.

Hernandez-Baquero, a retired Air Force Colonel, brings over 27 years of military service to the role, alongside his recent tenure as vice president at Raytheon, specializing in space intelligence. His previous roles within the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), including as principal deputy director, underpin his deep involvement in the space acquisition domain. Calvelli’s reforms emphasized agility, advocating for smaller, proliferated satellite systems and streamlined acquisition processes. Under Hernandez-Baquero, this momentum is expected to continue, likely enhancing operational readiness through an increased emphasis on off-the-shelf system acquisitions.

The strategic appointment is a response to the defense sector's pressing need to accelerate delivery of military capabilities. As part of its fiscal 2027 budget plan, the Space Force has requested a substantial increase in funding, with procurement funds rising to $19 billion from $3.6 billion in the prior year, and research and development allocations climbing to $40.6 billion from $30 billion. These allocations illustrate the agency’s priority on expanding satellite and ground system capabilities while adapting to new acquisition practices encouraged by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.

This development occurs in a competitive aerospace and defense landscape, where services race to enhance technological capabilities amid evolving geopolitical tensions. The focus on rapid delivery and adaptable systems aligns with broader trends in the U.S. defense sector, which sees increased collaborations with private sectors and pushes towards faster technology adoption cycles.

A critical area for Hernandez-Baquero’s leadership will be addressing the erosion of the acquisition workforce, a challenge exacerbated by the previous administration's Deferred Resignation Program. This initiative led to significant civilian talent attrition. Efforts are underway to remedy this, with Space Systems Command tasked to recruit around 100 new personnel monthly to fill nearly 1,000 vacancies. The outcome of Hernandez-Baquero's Senate confirmation and his subsequent direction will be pivotal for the Space Force in aligning its acquisition strategies with contemporary defense imperatives.