AFA Presents BAE Systems with the John R. Alison Award 

National Harbor, Md. — The Air & Space Forces Association (AFA) presented BAE Systems with the prestigious John R. Alison Award at the 2025 Air, Space & Cyber Conference, recognizing the year’s most outstanding contribution by industrial leadership to national defense. 

BAE Systems, a global leader in aerospace and defense, earned the honor for its continued development of the Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS). By converting unguided rockets into precision-guided munitions, BAE Systems has helped reduce collateral damage and expand mission effectiveness—all at a fraction of the cost and weight of traditional munitions. This year, the company also unveiled the AGR-20 FALCO variant, further advancing capabilities and reaffirming its commitment to America’s warfighters. 

“BAE Systems’ achievements represent the very spirit of the John R. Alison Award,” said AFA President & CEO Lt. Gen. Burt Field, USAF (Ret.), who presented the award, along with then-AFA Chair of the Board Bernie Skoch, and Maj. Gen. Luke C.G. Cropsey, Department of the Air Force Program Executive Officer for Command, Control, Communications and Battle Management. “Their groundbreaking work not only advances U.S. military capabilities but also ensures our Airmen, Guardians, Allies and partners have the tools they need to prevail.”

Maj. Gen. John R. Alison, often called “the All-American Airman,” distinguished himself as a combat ace of World War II, co-organizer of the first air commando unit, and later as Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Aeronautics. He also served as AFA National President and Chairman of the Board. The award honors his legacy by recognizing industrial partners who, through leadership and innovation, make extraordinary contributions to national defense. 

AFA is proud to honor BAE Systems with its highest award for industrial leadership. 

About AFA 

The Air & Space Forces Association is an independent, non-profit 501(c)3 association dedicated to advocating for investment and support for the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Force, and for supporting Airmen, Guardians, and their Families. Founded in 1946, AFA is the single largest entity of its kind focused on air and space power. With more than 130,000 members and 200 chapters spread around the world, our mission is to promote dominant U.S. Air and Space Forces as the foundation of a strong National Defense; to honor and support Airmen, Guardians, and their Families; and to remember and respect the enduring heritage of the Air and Space Forces.