US Air Force defunds China Aerospace Studies Institute

The US Air Force is defunding the China Aerospace Studies Institute (CASI), a think tank specializing in open-source research regarding China's military capabilities in space, cyber, missiles, and aviation. The decision, which involves ending funding for the institute's civilian staff effective October 1, is described by Air Force spokeswoman Ann Stefanek as part of a broader civilian restructuring within the Air Education and Training Command.

While the institute's mission will technically continue through military service members, CASI Director Brendan S. Mulvaney noted that the loss of civilian researchers and leadership will significantly impact operations. The institute intends to fulfill existing publication commitments and scheduled courses for Air Force units until at least March 2027, but a planned 10th-anniversary event for February has been canceled.

Since its inception in 2017, CASI has produced research on critical strategic topics, including hypersonic missiles, nuclear command and control, and the use of artificial intelligence in warfare.