Brigadier General (Ret.) Robert G. “Blend’r” Novotny is the Executive Director of F-15 Business Development within Boeing’s Air Dominance Division. In this role, he leads Boeing’s global outreach efforts for the F-15 portfolio, strengthening partnerships and delivering advanced air dominance solutions to allied forces around the world.

Prior to joining Boeing, General Novotny completed a distinguished 28-year career in the United States Air Force, where he served as a command pilot with over 3,000 flight hours—more than 500 of those in combat. As an F-15C/E instructor pilot and operational test pilot, he flew a wide variety of aircraft including bombers, helicopters, airlift, and remotely piloted aircraft. His leadership in combat and test operations set a standard of excellence across multiple theaters.

General Novotny held command positions at every level, culminating as Commander of the 57th Wing at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada—the Air Force’s premier advanced testing and training wing. There, he oversaw 36 squadrons across 12 installations, managing over 182 aircraft including F-15s, F-16s, F-22s, F-35s, and MQ-9s, as well as supporting bomber, reconnaissance, and airlift platforms. He led the overhaul of RED FLAG, expanded the U.S. Air Force Weapons School, and revitalized the Thunderbirds, leading to their iconic “America Strong” flyovers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

He previously commanded the 48th Fighter Wing—“The Liberty Wing”—at RAF Lakenheath, United Kingdom, leading critical NATO readiness efforts and directing multiple counter-ISIS strikes into Africa. As Chief of Staff to the Air Component Coordination Element and Deputy Chief of Staff for Air Operations in Afghanistan, he helped execute a Presidentially directed force posture change while maintaining ongoing counterterrorism operations.

As Deputy Director of Plans, Programs, Requirements and Analysis for Air Combat Command, he shaped over $60 billion in annual programming for more than 146,000 personnel and 2,800 aircraft. He was a key architect behind the Advanced Battle Management System (ABMS) and the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) family of systems.

A distinguished graduate of the U.S. Air Force Weapons School, Undergraduate Pilot Training, the Naval Command & Staff College, and the National War College, General Novotny holds four master’s degrees in public administration, military art and science, national security, and strategic studies.

His military decorations include four Legions of Merit, the Bronze Star Medal, seven Air Medals, the Air Force Combat Action Medal, and the NATO Meritorious Service Medal.

General Novotny’s expertise, strategic insight, and legacy of innovation continue to impact the future of air combat and defense leadership around the globe.

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