Defense & Aerospace Report

On this week’s Look Ahead Podcast, sponsored by HII, Byron Callan of the independent Washington research firm Capital Alpha Partners joins Defense & Aerospace Report Editor Vago Muradian discuss the latest from the Hill as lawmakers grapple with reconciliation, the NDAA and appropriations, a rescission package from the Trump administration, as well as hearings and the Senate Armed Services Committee’s reconciliation markup; the implications of the acrimony between President Trump and Elon Musk, and the outlook for SpaceX; a deeper look at Golden Dome in the wake of a major CSIS conference; takeaways from Oshkosh’s investor day; important historical lessons from France before World War II; and a look at the week ahead.

On this week’s Defense & Aerospace Report Business Roundtable, sponsored by Bell, Dr. “Rocket” Ron Epstein of Bank of America Securities, Sash Tusa of the independent equity research firm Agency Partners, and Richard Aboulafia of the AeroDynamic advisory consultancy join host Vago Muradian to discuss an up week on Wall Street as the relationship between Donald Trump and Elon Musk ended acrimoniously after the world’s richest man blasted the president’s big beautiful bill of legislative priorities, vowing to use the fortune he used to help Trump get elected to punish lawmakers who voted for it as president in turn vowed to punish Musk through his government contracts and other means if he does so; the outlook for SpaceX and the so-called Department of Government Efficiency in the wake of the breakup; the Senate Armed Services Committee’s markup of the reconciliation measure that includes big news for military programs; the doubling of steel and aluminum tariffs to 50 percent; new regulations on unmanned systems and supersonic flight over the United States; Britain’s most consequential Strategic Defence Review in decades that pledges higher defense spending to boost nuclear capabilities, attack subs, combat aviation, ground and joint warfighting; French concerns that high debt will curb more military spending; and Chinese efforts to curry favor with Europe with preferential access to rare earth elements and ordering hundreds of new Airbus jetliners.

On this week’s Defense & Aerospace Report Washington Roundtable, Dr. Patrick Cronin of the Hudson Institute think tank, Michael Herson of American Defense International, former Pentagon Europe chief Jim Townsend of the Center for a New American Security, former Pentagon comptroller Dr. Dov Zakheim of the Center for Strategic and International Studies join Defense & Aerospace Report Editor Vago Muradian to discuss the outlook for President Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill” that’s in peril as senators worry that tax cuts will increase the debt as the Congressional Budget Office warns that the debt will increase by another $2.4 trillion; Elon Musk called the spending plan a “disgusting abomination,” prompting a flurry of insults between the president and the man who helped getting him reelected as the world’s richest man turned his sights on Republican leaders; reconciliation, the NDAA, appropriations as well as he administration’s rescission and more detailed budget plans; the White House’s decision tap US Air Force Lt. Gen. Alexus Grynkewich as NATO’s next Supreme Allied Commander Europe, signaling America will keep the top military job in NATO; Britain’s Strategic Defence Review that proposes more spending for nuclear weapons, doubling the attack sub fleet, buying more F-35 fighters, improving ground forces and jointness; Ukraine’s daring attacks on Russia’s strategic bombers and Kerch bridge; the consequential Shangri-La dialogue including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s warning about the threat posed by China; elections change the political dynamics in Seoul and Warsaw; Gaza descends further into chaos as Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu says that Israel needs to wean itself off US weaponry.

There’s fast, and then there’s hyperfast. Hermeus is developing a hypersonic transport for the U.S. Air Force, and they took a big step recently with the first flight of their proof-of-concept plane. Founder and CEO A.J. Piplica joins us with the inside story. Plus this week’s headlines in airpower. Powered by GE!

On this special edition of the Air Power Podcast, sponsored by GE Aerospace, Heather Penney of the Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies, Tim Walton of the Hudson Institute, Air Power Podcast co-host JJ Gertler and Cavas Ships podcast co-host Chris Servello join Defense & Aerospace Report Editor Vago Muradian to discuss Ukraine’s Operation Spiderweb attack on strategic bomber bases across Russia; the lessons from from the attack that are applicable to US forces; how to secure American bases at home and abroad; and learning from China’s use of large unmanned aircraft to carry large numbers of smaller unmanned craft to swarm targets.

On today’s Strategy Series program, sponsored by General Atomic Aeronautical Systems, Sam Bendett of the Center for Naval Analyses and Dr. Eugene Rumer, the director of the Russia and Eurasia program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, join Defense & Aerospace Report Editor Vago Muradian to discuss how Ukraine executed “Operation Spider Web” drone attack on strategic bomber bases across Russia; implications of the attack and whether it changes the increasingly grim outlook of the war as Russia masses forces to take Sumy; the growing scale of Russia’s missile and drone attacks on Ukraine; whether the US has enough air and missile defense weapons remaining to give Kyiv to blunt the assaults; what to expect from Washington as President Trump criticizes Vladimir Putin but declines to penalize him; the Senate’s new Russia sanctions package; Ukrainian and Russian representatives meet in Istanbul; how after three years of war Ukraine can put enough pressure on Russia to help end the war; and what Karol Nawrocki’s election in Poland means for Warsaw’s support for war.

On this week’s Look Ahead Podcast, sponsored by HII, Byron Callan of the independent Washington research firm Capital Alpha Partners joins Defense & Aerospace Report Editor Vago Muradian discuss the US defense budget outlook that could include a big jump in spending that flattens; the complex dynamics between the administration and Congress; the impact of tariffs and how nations like China will retaliate; takeaways from IISS’ Shanghai-La Dialogue; Ukraine’s Operation Spiderweb attack on Russia’s bomber bases; and a look at the week ahead.

On this week’s Defense & Aerospace Report Business Roundtable, sponsored by Bell, Dr. “Rocket” Ron Epstein of Bank of America Securities, Sash Tusa of the independent equity research firm Agency Partners, and Richard Aboulafia of the AeroDynamic advisory consultancy join host Vago Muradian to discuss a rocky week on Wall Street that ended with the best month since 2023; President Trump doubles tariffs on steel and aluminum to 50 percent and curbs aerospace, chip, and chemical export as well as educational visas to China; whether this is a negotiating tactic born of frustration with slow talks between Beijing and Washington or the latest effort to decouple the world’s two leading economies; investors’ “TACO” mindset and the reality that despite a chaotic approach the administration has increased tariffs; the Senate pushes back on the House’s reconciliation package; newsflow from the IISS’s annual Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s warning that China could attack Taiwan at any time and call that allies spend 5 percent of GDP on defense, and French President Emmanuel Macron and top EU diplomat Kaja Kallas’ view that a partnered China and Russia constitute a major threat to the global rules-based order that must be countered, and Indian defense chief Gen Anil Chauhan’s acknowledgment that India lost fighters in its recent conflict with Pakistan but learned lessons from the experience; Saab’s capital markets day; the latest on the administration’s Section 232 trade investigation; and King Charles’ historic address opening Canada’s new parliament.

On this week’s Defense & Aerospace Report Washington Roundtable, Dr. Patrick Cronin of the Hudson Institute think tank, former Pentagon Europe chief Jim Townsend of the Center for a New American Security, former Pentagon comptroller Dr. Dov Zakheim of the Center for Strategic and International Studies, and Cavas Ships podcast co-host Chris Servello join Defense & Aerospace Report Editor Vago Muradian to discuss the Senate’s take on the House’s massive reconciliation package; President Trump’s block on aerospace and chip exports to China and international students from studying in America, and whether the moves stem from president’s frustration with stalled trade talks with Beijing or decoupling the world’s two largest economies; Russia and Ukraine exchange massive strikes as Trump expresses frustration with Vladimir Putin but refuses to punish the Russian leader and continues to suggest he’ll walk away from ceasefire talks; allies ponder the the outlook for the transatlantic alliance as the NATO summit looms and Washington prepares to pull US forces from Europe; what to expect from the International Institute for Strategic Studies’ annual Shangri-La Dialogue; analysis of Israel’s continuing assault on Gaza, expansion of West Bank settlements, strikes on Houthi targets and Bibi Netanyahu’s renewed threat to strike Iran’s nuclear facilities even as America talks with Tehran; and the administration’s move to curb reporters’ access to the Pentagon.

We’re used to thinking of UAVs as throwaway systems, but when they cost 20 or 30 million dollars apiece, that changes the approach. Travis Sharp of the Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments has a new study out on the long-term costs and issues of operating collaborative combat aircraft, and we dig in. Plus this week’s headlines in airpower. Powered by GE!

On today’s program, sponsored by Elbit America, Dave Mroczka, the president and chief executive of the innovative firm AI Strategy Corporation, joins Defense & Aerospace Report Editor Vago Muradian to discuss the company’s 9-Hi technology that uses artificial intelligence to help the military services dramatically reduce the time it takes to develop both requirements and make acquisition decisions, accelerating the delivery of capabilities that in turn helps avoid the costs associated and perils of prolonged delays in decision making, especially for companies trying to navigate the “Valley of Death.”

On this week’s Look Ahead Podcast, sponsored by HII, Byron Callan of the independent Washington research firm Capital Alpha Partners joins Defense & Aerospace Report Editor Vago Muradian discuss the House’s reconciliation package and defense budget outlook, President Trump’s priority Golden Dome system and companies that stand to benefit, takeaways from hearings including the F-47 program and whether the Air Force would benefit from Block 80 F-16s now destined for export, data rights and whether the ability of the military services to repair the equipment they own, Europe’s ability to defend itself without help from the United States, and a look at the week ahead.

On this week’s Defense & Aerospace Report Business Roundtable, sponsored by Bell, Dr. “Rocket” Ron Epstein of Bank of America Securities, Sash Tusa of the independent equity research firm Agency Partners, and Richard Aboulafia of the AeroDynamic advisory consultancy join host Vago Muradian to discuss Wall Street reaction including a drop in bond markets the House passed the massive reconciliation package to deliver President Trump’s tax cuts; the president’s decision to impose a 50 percent tariff on EU goods and 25 percent tax on Apple products unless the company shifts production to America; the Golden Dome missile defense system that will cost $170 billion over the coming three years and be led by the vice chief of space operations, Gen Mike Guetlein; the president is said to be serious about his plan for a twin-engine F-35 Lightning II dubbed the F-55; what’s next now that the US Air Force has accepted a Qatari 747-8 jet for use as a presidential transport; the UK-EU deal on trade and security; US Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s demand that American companies be allowed to compete for European contracts as nations scramble to spend more to bolster capabilities after Washington moves to reduce focus on Europe; and after a two-hour conversation with Vladimir Putin, Trump decided to leave Moscow and Kyiv to strike a peace deal.

On this week’s Defense & Aerospace Report Washington Roundtable, Dr. Patrick Cronin of the Hudson Institute think tank, Michael Herson of American Defense International, former Pentagon Europe chief Jim Townsend of the Center for a New American Security and former Pentagon comptroller Dr. Dov Zakheim of the Center for Strategic and International Studies join Defense & Aerospace Report Editor Vago Muradian to discuss the reconciliation package narrowly passed by the House that has bond markets worried that US debt is poised to grow; President Trump taps the vice chief of space operations, Gen Mike Guetlein, to spearhead the Golden Dome air and missile defense system that will cost some $170 billion to establish over the coming three years; the US Air Force takes possession of a Qatari Boeing 747-8 jet that will be converted by L3Harris into a presidential transport; Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced a review of the chaotic US withdrawal from Afghanistan; after a two-hour conversation, Vladimir Putin convinced Trump to walk away from Ukraine talks; Iran doubts a deal with the United States labeling Washington’s denuclearization demands as outrageous; the UK and EU agree strike a trade and security deal; the changing face of nuclear deterrence in the Indo-Pacific; the launch of North Korea’s second big destroyer goes badly; two Israeli diplomats are gunned down outside a Jewish museum in Washington; Israeli forces end an 11-week total blockade of aid to Gaza as Bibi Netanyahu launched a massive new offensive to take the entire Palestinian exclave; and Israeli troops fire warning shots at European diplomats in the West Bank.

Naval aviation has been busy, with real-world operational experience in the Red Sea, the Med, and elsewhere while they welcome and adapt to a new generation of aircraft carrier. Rear Admiral Paul Lanzalotta, the commander of Carrier Strike Group TWELVE and Captain Dave Dartez, Commander of Carrier Air Wing EIGHT, from aboard CVN-78, USS Gerald R. Ford, with the latest on airpower from the sea. Powered by GE!

On today’s program, sponsored by Elbit America, Dr. Bill Greenwalt, a former Pentagon industrial affairs chief who is now with the American Enterprise Institute and the Silicon Valley Defense Group, joins Defense & Aerospace Report Editor Vago Muradian to discuss the problems with the US export control system and how the International Traffic in Arms Regulation should be updated; industrial impact if allies and partners shy away from purchasing US products that have long been market-leading thanks to quality, competitive pricing and security guarantees from Washington; the role lawmakers can play in reforming a system that became steadily more risk averse over the decades because of increasingly stringent congressional oversight; the outlook for AUKUS; and the logic of the Commerce Department 232 investigation on the national security implications of commercial aircraft, parts and jet engine sales.

On today’s Land Warfare Series program, sponsored American Rheinmetall, Dan Driscoll, the 26th secretary of the United States Army and Gen Randy George, the service’s 41st chief of staff, join Defense & Aerospace Report Editor Vago Muradian to discuss how the Army is redirecting 8 percent of its budget each year for the coming five years to new priorities, how many more cuts in existing programs will be needed to achieve Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s goals, the need for greater efficiency and to stop buying systems that are no longer needed, learning the right lessons from the Ukraine war, understanding the nature of possible conflict in the Indo-Pacific, how to speed acquisition of key systems like the MV-75 tiltrotor as well as land and weapon systems, role of heritage and new defense economy firms in more quickly addressing Army needs, why shrinking the force is a bad idea, the impact of staffing the Golden Dome air and missile defense network, and more.

On this week’s Look Ahead Podcast, sponsored by HII, Byron Callan of the independent Washington research firm Capital Alpha Partners joins Defense & Aerospace Report Editor Vago Muradian discuss Moody’s decision to downgrade US debt as lawmakers work to further cut taxes that could trigger further downgrades; the budget scenarios to watch as some even in the Trump administration talk about budget numbers that are “all over the place;” analysis of the arms deals the president announced during his visit to the Gulf; how America’s approach to arms exports should change; the impact of scaling mass on the US defense industrial base; takeaways from the weekend’s elections in Poland and Romania as well as talks to end the Ukraine war; and a look at the week ahead.

On this week’s Defense & Aerospace Report Business Roundtable, sponsored by Bell, Dr. “Rocket” Ron Epstein of Bank of America Securities, Sash Tusa of the independent equity research firm Agency Partners, and Richard Aboulafia of the AeroDynamic advisory consultancy join host Vago Muradian to discuss a strong week on Wall Street ends in record territory; as lawmakers squabble, Moody’s becomes the third American ratings agency to downgrade US debt; the outlook for tariffs as President Trump declares victory over China; after his swing through the Gulf, the president touts $3.6 trillion in deals, including investment in the United States, new commercial aircraft orders and military sales; after again criticizing the F-35 Lightning II fighter, Trump said a new twin-engine version of the plane, the F-55, would be developed and the F-22 Raptor would be upgraded to a “super” version; US air traffic control is under the gun as outages at Newark International Airport and elsewhere delay flights and undermine public confidence as the administration prepares to make layoffs at the Federal Aviation Administration; and takeaways from BAE Systems’ capital markets day and Bank of America’s industrials, transportation and airlines conference.

On this week’s Defense & Aerospace Report Washington Roundtable, Dr. Patrick Cronin of the Hudson Institute think tank, Michael Herson of American Defense International, former Pentagon Europe chief Jim Townsend of the Center for a New American Security and former Pentagon comptroller Dr. Dov Zakheim of the Center for Strategic and International Studies join Defense & Aerospace Report Editor Vago Muradian to discuss Republicans on Capitol Hill publicly squabble about how deeply to cut Medicaid to cover tax cuts; US and Chinese negotiators strike a 90-day pause on the steepest tariffs; the ceasefire between India and Pakistan; days after floating the idea of accepting a $400 million 747 jet from Qatar as a future Air Force One, President Trump visited the Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the UAE where he struck deals and met with Syria’s new leader, lifted sanctions, and delivered a message to Iran; Russian premier Vladimir Putin skips planned meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Istanbul meeting that would have been the first direct talks between the leaders in years; Taiwan reports five instances of undersea cable damage this year, compared with three in past years; and Israel Defense Force leaders worry Gaza may be sliding rapidly toward an even bigger humanitarian disaster as air strikes resume.

The U.S. Government has initiated an investigation to determine whether imported commercial aircraft and engines harm US national security. How do they threaten airpower? Aerospace guru Richard Aboulafia and noted trade attorney Jeff Bialos join us to explain it all -- plus E-7, that Qatari 747, and more. Powered by GE!

On today’s Technology Report, David Schild, the executive director of the Printed Circuit Board Association of America, joins Defense & Aerospace Report Editor Vago Muradian to discuss the Trump administration’s approach to bolstering the US printed circuit board industry; impact of tariffs and thoughtful policies on bolstering the entire PCB ecosystem; role of Congress; impact of science and technology funding cuts; and striking the right regulatory balance that protects the environment while allowing necessary facilities to be built more quickly.

Todd Harrison of the American Enterprise Institute joins Defense & Aerospace Report Editor Vago Muradian to discuss the Trump administration’s “skinny budget” request; whether internal cost cutting moves will free enough resources to underwrite major programs; potential risks with the Army’s recent tradeoffs; the legacy of the so-called Department of Government Efficiency; what the Golden Dome air and missile defense system will mean for the Space Force; and impact of general officer cuts.

On today’s program, sponsored by HII, Byron Callan of the independent Washington research firm Capital Alpha Partners and Chris Servello, the co-host of our Cavas Ships podcast joins Defense & Aerospace Report Editor Vago Muradian to discuss when the Trump administration will disclose the details of it’s “skinny budget” request as congressional oversight committees start hearings; whether the so-called Department of Government Efficiency will have have a positive lasting impact in driving necessary and overdue reforms; nuances and takeaways from the latest conflict between India and Pakistan; changes in warfare as reflected at the SOF Week 2025 conference and tradeshow; what the nomination of industry veteran Jeffrey Bornstein as DoD comptroller; Vice President Vance’s different tone at the Washington edition of the Munich Security Conference; and a look at the week ahead.

On this week’s Defense & Aerospace Report Business Roundtable, sponsored by Bell, Dr. “Rocket” Ron Epstein of Bank of America Securities, Sash Tusa of the independent equity research firm Agency Partners, and Richard Aboulafia of the AeroDynamic advisory consultancy join host Vago Muradian to discuss an unusually quiet down week on Wall Street; India and Pakistan’s military strikes and ceasefire; expectations as US and Chinese trade negotiators convene in Geneva after Washington strikes a preliminary deal with London to ease tariffs, a template, officials say, for future deals to put pressure on Beijing; IAG buys 53 new big jets from Boeing and Airbus for $10 billion; the Commerce Department’s investigation into the national security implications of buying foreign-made aerospace components and jet engines; the German, French, Polish and British leaders’ visit to Kyiv where they announced a 30-day ceasefire with Russia starting on Monday; the Army’s decision to retire AH-64D Apache helicopters in the scout role as well as Grey Eagle and Shadow drones, and the GE’s new T901 engine; Hensoldt, Leonard, MTU, Rheinmetall report earnings; takeaways from the Milken Institute Global Conference; and Stratolaunch’s successful tests of its Talon-A2 reusable hypersonic test vehicle.

On this week’s Defense & Aerospace Report Washington Roundtable, Dr. Patrick Cronin of the Hudson Institute think tank, Michael Herson of American Defense International, former Pentagon Europe chief Jim Townsend of the Center for a New American Security and former Pentagon comptroller Dr. Dov Zakheim of the Center for Strategic and International Studies join Defense & Aerospace Report Editor Vago Muradian to discuss Senate and House response to President Trump’s proposed $1 trillion defense budget; whether lawmakers are ready to push back against the president; the outline of a trade deal with the UK as US and Chinese negotiators prepare to meet in Geneva; DoD seeks to cut four-star ranks by 20 percent; India and Pakistan trade strikes two weeks after 26 Indian tourists are killed by Pakistani terrorists in Indian-controlled Kashmir; Frederick Mertz becomes Germany’s chancellor and makes his first trip to Paris to talk about improving European security; Russia prepares to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II with a Victory Day parade that includes Xi Jinping as Ukraine makes clear it can’t guarantee that attacks won’t happen; CIA’s former director of operations says the Biden administration gave Kyiv enough aid not to lose but not enough to win; Trump halts attacks on Houthis pending talks; Israel and Syria engage in talks as Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu says all of Gaza will be captured as reservists are recalled for a massive new offensive.

The US is building new generations of aircraft, but how much good are they if their bases can’t survive attack? Tim Walton of the Hudson Institute and CNAS’s Tom Shugart have a new report on just this topic, and they join us to get into the details of base vulnerability and defense. Plus headlines in airpower. Powered by GE!

On today’s Technology Report, Joe Kochan, the chief executive officer of the National Spectrum Consortium, joins Defense & Aerospace Report Editor Vago Muradian to discuss the importance of better management and sharing of limited spectrum for national security needs, how President Trump’s top priority “Golden Dome” air and missile defense network will impact the spectrum, investment in new technologies to get more from limited bandwidth, the best model for government-industry cooperation, and Congress’ role in shaping the future of an ecosystem vital to economic prosperity and national defense.

On this episode of the Defense & Aerospace Report Strategy Series, sponsored by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Mark Montgomery, a retired US Navy rear admiral who is now the senior director of the Center on Cyber and Technology Innovation at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies and a senior adviser on the bipartisan Cyberspace Solarium Commission, joins Defense & Aerospace Report Editor Vago Muradian to discuss reconciliation, the Trump administration’s “skinny” $1 trillion defense budget request, prospects the measure will pass Congress given the White House’s proposed $164 billion in proposed discretionary spending cuts, the importance of soft power investments including the Voice of America, Rafio Free Europe and Radio Free Asia in countering Russian and Chinese disinformation worldwide, aid programs to advance US interests, and an update on the Ukraine war.

On this week’s Look Ahead Podcast, sponsored by HII, Byron Callan of the independent Washington research firm Capital Alpha Partners joins Defense & Aerospace Report Editor Vago Muradian discuss the Trump administration’s proposed $1 trillion “skinny” budget request; gauging tariff impacts as President Trump constantly shifts his stance; transformation at the Pentagon as Army shifts resources; outlook for Ukraine war; takeaways from Modern Day Marine; and a look at the week ahead.

On this week’s Defense & Aerospace Report Business Roundtable, sponsored by Bell, Dr. “Rocket” Ron Epstein of Bank of America Securities, Sash Tusa of the independent equity research firm Agency Partners, and Richard Aboulafia of the AeroDynamic advisory consultancy join host Vago Muradian to discuss another up week on Wall Street allowed investors recoup losses since President Trump’s unprecedented tariffs, but strategists warn conditions for sustained growth don’t exist; the administration proposed “skinny budget” to boost defense spending by 13 percent to $1 trillion; China’s openness to tariff talks as Britain’s Chancellor Rachel Reeves calls on Washington to make a deal; frustrated Boeing’s delays on new Air Force Ones, Trump asks L3Harris to convert a former Qatari royal family 747-8 as an interim measure; Washington approves a $350 million deal with Ukraine for F-16 maintenance and training as the CIA’s former director of operations Ralph Goff says that the Biden administration gave Ukraine enough weapons not to lose but not enough to win against Russia; Airbus, AeroCap, Albany International, Bombardier, Crane, Garmin, HEICO, HII, Howmet, Leonardo DRS, and Rolls-Royce report earnings; Boeing’s decision to sell its Jeppeson unit to Thoma Bravo and what it means for the commercial airplane giant’s acquisition of Spirit AeroSystems; and a $3.5 billion missile sale to Saudi Arabia as the president prepares to visit Riyadh, Qatar and the UAE.

On this week’s Defense & Aerospace Report Washington Roundtable, Dr. Patrick Cronin of the Hudson Institute think tank, Michael Herson of American Defense International, former Pentagon Europe chief Jim Townsend of the Center for a New American Security and former Pentagon comptroller Dr. Dov Zakheim of the Center for Strategic and International Studies join Defense & Aerospace Report Editor Vago Muradian to discuss the Trump administration’s proposed $1 trillion defense budget — a 13 percent increase over current spending — that according to a Bloomberg report prioritizes the Golden Dome missile defense project, shipbuilding and nuclear modernization, border security and a 3.8 percent military pay raise; House deliberations on $150 billion defense reconciliation package; Trump’s declining popularity and it’s impact on GOP lawmakers; continued disarray among Democrats; Trump’s decision to fire National Security Adviser Tim Waltz and replace him with Secretary of State Marco Rubio — who will perform both jobs as Waltz will become America’s next UN ambassador; China’s decision to accept US offers to negotiate on tariffs, but ask White House to ease 145 percent customs duties on Chinese goods as a good will gesture; Washington and Kyiv finish a rare earth elements deal with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent pledging that Ukraine will remain sovereign and prosperous and that Russian entities that participated in the war wouldn’t be rewarded; opposition to Trump propelled Mark Carney to victory in Canada and may help Antony Albanese stay in office in Australia; Britain’s Reform Party takes historically Labor seat in by elections; Israel’s two strikes on Syria; and the deadly explosion at Iran’s Bandar Abbas oil complex.

The US Air Force is building an uninhabited future with its collaborative combat aircraft. There’s been a lot of focus on their capabilities and procurement, but not so much on how to keep them effective in the fight. Mark Gunzinger, Director of Future Concepts and Capability Assessments at the Mitchell Institute, joins us to fill in that critical blank. Plus other headlines in airpower. All powered by GE!

Former acting Navy Secretary Tom Harker and retired Rear Adm. Christian “Boris” Becker who led the Naval Information Warfare Systems Command, now senior advisers with Pantheon Data, join Defense & Aerospace Report Editor Vago Muradian to discuss the commentary they co-wrote with Pantheon Data CEO Kris Kenefic, — “The Need for Decision-Making Speed: Leveraging Enterprise Data for National Security” — on how to speed acquisition of data and AI capabilities that can help commanders with everything from faster and better decision-making to accountability; impediments to change; how to accelerate the acquisition process; and keys to ensuring cybersecurity.

On today’s Land Warfare Series program, sponsored American Rheinmetall, Sam Bendett of the Center for Naval Analyses and Dr. Eugene Rumer, the director of the Russia and Eurasia program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, join Defense & Aerospace Report Editor Vago Muradian to discuss that latest on the Ukraine war including Moscow’s drive push Ukrainian forces from Russia’s Kursk region; the evolving use of unmanned systems as both sides try to out innovate the other; why Vladimir Putin proposed a unilateral 72-hour ceasefire after President Trump met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy; Russia’s unchanged aims for the war, despite talks with Washington and Kyiv; prospect that fighting will cease anytime soon; whether Ukraine — working with Europe — can stand on its own if Washington “walks away” from talks as well as material and intelligence support; Ukraine’s role in Europe drive to rapidly rearm; why Russia’s recent air attacks on Ukrainian cities have been increasingly successful; and how long before Russia resets its forces as Moscow retains the same designed on its neighbors’ territory.

On this week’s Look Ahead Podcast, sponsored by HII, Byron Callan of the independent Washington research firm Capital Alpha Partners joins Defense & Aerospace Report Editor Vago Muradian discuss the $150 billion House Armed Services Committee’s reconciliation package that will be deliberated this week that prioritizes ships, missile defense and autonomous systems; implications of tariffs across the defense industrial base; takeaways from earnings reports last week; outlook for combat aircraft programs like the B-21 Spirit bomber as well as F-35 Lightning II and the Navy’s FA-XX future fighters; takeaways from the joint event by the Washington International Trade Association and the Asia Society; and a look at the week ahead.

On this week’s Defense & Aerospace Report Business Roundtable, sponsored by Bell, Dr. “Rocket” Ron Epstein of Bank of America Securities, Sash Tusa of the independent equity research firm Agency Partners, and Richard Aboulafia of the AeroDynamic advisory consultancy join host Vago Muradian to discuss Wall Street’s up week as President Trump backtracked on firing Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell and that Washington was talking to Beijing on a tariff deal — China said no talks were underway — Deutsche Bank predicts a decade-long decline in the dollar as gold soars; a massive earnings week as Babcock, Boeing, GE Aerospace, General Dynamics, Hexcel, L3Harris, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, RTX, Saab, Safran, Teledyne, Textron, and Thales report results; and how Europe’s ESG focus is impeding efforts to re-industrialize.

On this week’s Defense & Aerospace Report Washington Roundtable, Dr. Patrick Cronin of the Hudson Institute think tank, former Pentagon Europe chief Jim Townsend of the Center for a New American Security and former Pentagon comptroller Dr. Dov Zakheim of the Center for Strategic and International Studies join Defense & Aerospace Report Editor Vago Muradian to discuss President Trump’s endorsement of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth in the wake of additional revelations of using messaging apps for official business; the president’s shifting stance on tariffs and ousting Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell after markets reacted furiously to his suggestion that the central banker’s tenure should be ended; how the shifts are being interpreted in Beijing, Brussels and elsewhere; China lifts sanctions on European lawmakers to warm ties with Europe; after heavy attacks on Ukrainian cities, Trump called on Vladimir Putin to stop attacks while his administration continues to pressure Kyiv to recognize Crimea and other occupied territories as Russian otherwise America would walk away from peace negotiations; Vice President Vance visits India as the administration orders US diplomats to avoid events commemorating the end of the Vietnam War; and claims by Ronen Bar, the former chief of the Shin Bet, Israel’s interior security force fired by Bibi Netanyahu that the prime minister wants to turn the country into a police state.

The US Air Force continues to reshape itself to meet today’s challenges – and tomorrow’s. Major General Mark Mitchum is riding point on developing and delivering capabilities to the force as commander of the Integrated Capabilities Command. He brings us up to date on what’s been achieved and what’s next. And, of course, headlines in airpower. All powered by GE!

On this episode of the Defense & Aerospace Report Strategy Series, sponsored by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Dr. Jerry McGinn, the director of the Baroni Center for Government Contracting at George Mason University, and Bill Alderman of Alderman & Company, a boutique firm specializing in aerospace and defense mergers and acquisitions, join Defense & Aerospace Report Editor Vago Muradian to discuss President Trump’s executive orders on reforming defense acquisition, defense acquisition and a maritime strategy; how such orders shape the actions of smaller firms in the aerospace and defense industrial base; the outlook for military spending and whether higher material costs in the wake of the president’s tariff decisions could undermine the Pentagon’s buying power; how big contractors squeeze their smaller suppliers in the name of “partnering for success,” and how the big-small dynamic is changing; the inability of US leaders to think strategically, for example, on building rare earth mineral capacity; and more.

On today’s program, sponsored by HII, Byron Callan of the independent Washington research firm Capital Alpha Partners joins Defense & Aerospace Report Editor Vago Muradian to discuss the answers to the three questions that will shape what US defense looks like in 2028; the outlook for ending the Ukraine war; the world economic outlook as the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund hold their spring meetings in Washington; whether it matters that the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty with Russia expires in less than a year; what to expect from first quarter earnings reports this week; and a look at the week ahead.

On this week’s Defense & Aerospace Report Business Roundtable, sponsored by Bell, Dr. “Rocket” Ron Epstein of Bank of America Securities, Sash Tusa of the independent equity research firm Agency Partners, and Richard Aboulafia of the AeroDynamic advisory consultancy join host Vago Muradian to discuss another down week for markets as President Trump predicts tariffs deals with the EU, China and others after a brief tussle with Fed Chair Jerome Powell that jolted markets; Beijing stopped accepting Boeing jetliners as analysts debate what’s next for the global aerospace and defense economy; Korea says it wont fight the president’s tariffs rather will change its own as a sign of its gratitude for all America has done for the country since the Korean War; whether Europe alone can support Ukraine if Washington walks away from Kyiv; Germany blocks Britain’s possible sale of 40 Eurofighter Typhoons to Turkey to protest Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s decision to jail his leading opponent, Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu; and the abrupt departure of Lockheed Martin’s chief financial officer sparks speculation whether other changes may be coming at the top of the world’s leading defense contractor; and a look ahead to first quarter 2025 earnings.

On this week’s Defense & Aerospace Report Washington Roundtable, Dr. Patrick Cronin of the Hudson Institute think tank, former Pentagon comptroller Dr. Dov Zakheim of the Center for Strategic and International Studies, and Cavas Ships co-host Chris Servello join Defense & Aerospace Report Editor Vago Muradian to discuss President Trump’s prediction — over lunch with Italian Prime Minister Georgia Meloni — of trade deals with the EU, China and other nations to avoid the tariffs he paused last week; the suspension of three of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s staffers for reportedly leaking classified information; Russia’s attack on a Ukrainian church in Sumy on Palm Sunday that killed at least 36 and wounded more than 115; French President Emmanuel Macron’s meeting in Paris with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Steve Witkoff to align American and Europe on an common approach to Ukraine; Xi Jinping’s regional charm offensive in the Indo-Pacific to take advantage of frustration with Washington that included 45 agreements with Vietnam alone; the New York Times report that Trump stopped Bibi Netanyahu from attacking Iran’s nuclear facilities in favor of negotiations with Tehran to end the country’s nuclear program; Israel’s Gaza strategy as demonstrations against Hamas mount; the future impact of the decision to keep two aircraft carriers supporting operations in the Middle East; and remembering the legacy of Richard Armitage.

A changing global military aerospace market requires a wise observer to explain. We went to the summit, Douglas Barrie, Senior Fellow for Military Aerospace at the International Institute for Strategic Studies, to bring some order to the chaos. He gets into Ukraine lessons, Russian and Chinese airpower, NGAD’s future, and more. All powered by GE Aerospace!

On this month’s innovation conversation to highlight key topics in the countdown to the Apex technology and innovation conference April 23-24 in Washington, sponsored by Clarion Defence, Bryan Clark, the director of the Center for Defense Concepts & Technology at the Hudson Institute, joins Defense & Aerospace Report Editor Vago Muradian to discuss the report he co-authored with his colleagues Dan Patt and Nadia Schadlow — “Ending Self-Imposed Scarcity: Exploiting America’s Commercial Strengths to Mobilize Weapons Production.” To learn more about the Apex conference, sponsorship and attendance opportunities please visit apexdefense.org

On this episode of the Defense & Aerospace Report Strategy Series, sponsored by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Dr. Dov Zakheim of the Center for Strategic and International Studies and a commissioner on the bi-partisan, bi-cameral National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology joins Defense & Aerospace Report Editor Vago Muradian to discuss the commission’s final report released last week, “Charting the Future of Biotechnology.”

On today’s program, sponsored by HII, Chris Servello, co-host of our Cavas Ships podcast, joins Defense & Aerospace Report Editor Vago Muradian to discuss takeaways from the Navy League’s annual Sea-Air-Space conference and tradeshow last week; and Byron Callan of the independent Washington research firm Capital Alpha Partners discusses the continuing defense and aerospace implications of President Trump’s pause on sweeping tariffs for 90 days as he ratcheted up taxes on Chinese goods; Beijing’s retaliation that includes restricting rare earth elements and permanent magnets; executive orders on US export control reform, a maritime strategy and acquisition and program reforms; and a look at the week ahead.

On this week’s Defense & Aerospace Report Business Roundtable, sponsored by Bell, Dr. “Rocket” Ron Epstein of Bank of America Securities, Sash Tusa of the independent equity research firm Agency Partners, and Richard Aboulafia of the AeroDynamic advisory consultancy join host Vago Muradian to discuss a roller coaster week for world markets as a selloff in US bonds prompted President Trump to pause for 90 days the tariffs he imposed last week; the 10 percent across the board tariffs as well as a 25 percent surcharge on steel and aluminum the president retained; China tariffs of about 150 percent and Beijing retaliation; the bond sell off as yields rose from 3.9 to 4.5 percent and what that means as Congress prepares to borrow more money as lawmakers seek to raise America’s borrowing to cover a massive tax cut package; Delta rescinded its guidance in the fact of uncertainty; Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s decision to cancel $5 billion in services contracts; the outlook for US services firms as the government workforce is culled; the administration’s move to halve NASA’s science budget; how US efforts to normalize relations and trade with Russia will impact aerospace markets; the British government’s decision to keep open a steel plant in Scunthorpe; Indonesia’s interest in partnering with Turkey on the Kaan fighter and a new submarine program; and Boeing NGAD investment in St Louis.

On this week’s Defense & Aerospace Report Washington Roundtable, Dr. Patrick Cronin of the Hudson Institute think tank, Michael Herson of American Defense International, former Pentagon Europe chief Jim Townsend now with the Center for a New American Security, and former Pentagon comptroller Dr. Dov Zakheim of the Center for Strategic and International Studies join Defense & Aerospace Report Editor Vago Muradian to discuss the crash in worldwide markets and the US bond market in the wake of President Trump’s tariffs; how an unprecedented US bond selloff and spike in US borrowing rates drove the president to freeze tariffs for 90 days, but raise tariffs on China and demand Beijing call him to make a deal; instead, China retaliated by imposing tariffs on American goods and blocking rare earth mineral exports, stressing they will win a trade war and any other kind of war with America; Republicans lawmakers are driving a $5 trillion tax cut package just as US borrowing rates are going up; Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth cancelled $5 billion in contracts and fired the commander of the Pittufik Space Base for allegedly criticizing Vice President Vance as the administration steps up secret planning to acquire Greenland; recommendations for Lt Gen Dan Caine as the Senate confirms the US Air Force officer as the nation’s next chairman of the joint chiefs; Ukraine surges war production and says it captured Chinese soldiers fighting for Russia; and Bibi Netanyahu visits Washington where he is pressured by Trump to not attack Iran and end the Gaza war and Israeli forces cut aid and work for drive Gazans out of the enclave.

Where do airpower, charity, and bourbon intersect? Retired E-2 Hawkeye legend Rear Admiral Scott Sanders has the answer. And CSIS’s Dr. Tom Karako joins us with the latest on air and missile defense, especially Golden Dome. All powered by GE!