War on the Rocks

Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall discusses the reorganization of the Department of the Air Force and modernization. They talk about challenges new entrants face, resistance to moving Air National Guard members to the Space Force, and the need for deployable units in modern conflicts.

Adm. Linda Fagan discusses the Coast Guard's global operations including Arctic endeavors and Indo-Pacific missions. Topics range from icebreaker advancements to cybersecurity challenges in America's ports. The podcast emphasizes the importance of diplomatic relations, international agreements, and cybersecurity measures for national security.

Military analyst Michael Kofman discusses the recent US security supplement for Ukraine, Russia's military advances towards key areas, the urgent need for air defense systems, challenges in Ukraine's defense against Russia, and potential future Russian offensives.

Former CIA, national security, and intelligence experts discuss the war in Ukraine, Putin's resolve, White House response strategy, strategic decisions, Russia's evolving strategy, global polarization, and the impact on global order.

Eric Brewer, Dana Stroul, and Gavin Clough discuss Iran's evolving threats, recent attacks, and nuclear capabilities. They explore deterrence, state-on-state conflict dynamics, and the implications on global security. The experts also touch on maintaining deterrence, diplomatic opportunities, and defense strategies in the region.

Assistant Secretary of Defense for Space Policy John Plumb discusses the Defense Department's new strategy on space commercial integration, focusing on leveraging commercial innovation for national security, enhancing Pentagon's capabilities, the impact of space assets on warfare, communication in US-China relations and space operations, and the importance of space in deterrence strategies.

Mike Kofman, an expert on Russian military and security policy, discusses the evolution and impact of drones in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Topics include UAV technology advancements, the role of drones in military units, challenges of night operations, and considerations in drone warfare such as pilot skill and technology limitations.

Czech Ambassador Miloslav Stašek discusses ammunition initiative for Ukraine, Czech-US relations, and energy security. Also covers historical parallels, conflict in Gaza, and Czech Republic's presence in the US automotive industry.

Dr. Casey Perley, Director of the Army Applications Laboratory, discusses military innovation and defense tech. They talk about the unique office design in Austin, collaboration with academia and industry for cutting-edge technology, and challenges in transitioning tech innovations to military fielding. The podcast also explores funding for defense innovation, influential books on career and defense innovation, and the importance of public-private partnerships for wartime industrial mobilization.

Moldovan Ambassador discusses democracy, energy, and Russian hybrid warfare. Also covers Black Sea security and post-conflict wine politics. Topics include energy crisis solutions, Russian interference tactics, NATO and EU collaboration for defense, and the transformation of Moldovan wines