Aviation Week's Check 6 Podcast Debriefing Defense In 2025
Dec 12, 2025
In this engaging discussion, guests include Steve Trimble, a senior defense editor with expertise in U.S. weapons acquisition; Tony Osborne, who navigates NATO and European security; and Brian Everstine, specializing in U.S. defense policy. They dive into the rapid production of low-cost missiles, Europe's resurgence in ground-based air defense, and budgeting trends affecting military priorities. The conversation also touches on the F-47 program and the strategic importance of space superiority, painting a vivid picture of defense dynamics in 2025.
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Fast Path To Low-Cost Missiles
- The Weapons Capacity Task Force rapidly delivered a new portfolio of low-cost cruise missiles in about 14 months from RFP to fielding.
- Their model opened the munitions market to new companies and enabled potential mass production of thousands of rounds in 2026.
Mass Over Per-Unit Superiority
- The program lowered technical requirements to favor volume over single-shot survivability and exploited mass to overwhelm defenses.
- Makers trade advanced seekers for networked firing tactics and cheaper per-unit costs through scale.
Avoid Costly Fighter Integration
- Bypass long aircraft integration by palletized-launching munitions from airlift platforms like C-130s and C-17s.
- Train mobility crews and embed targeteers to handle planning and launch responsibilities for those platforms.