Defense & Aerospace Report

In this engaging discussion, retired Colonel JV Venable, a former United States Air Force fighter pilot and Thunderbird commander, shares insights from the Mitchell Institute's forthcoming report on airpower. He addresses the growing strength of the People's Liberation Army Air Force and the pressing need for U.S. service readiness amid leadership changes. The conversation delves into military aviation dynamics, the complexities of defense procurement, and the challenges facing the next Air Force chief regarding resource allocation and operational readiness in an evolving global landscape.

Justin Sherman, founder of Global Cyber Strategies and a fellow at the Atlantic Council, delves into the cyber warfare landscape amid the Russia-Ukraine conflict. He discusses the intricate blend of hacking and misinformation employed by Russia and highlights Ukraine's innovative use of patriotic hackers. The conversation touches on the repercussions of sanctions on companies like Kaspersky, which has become intertwined with the Russian government. Sherman also uncovers a significant operation targeting foreign embassies by exploiting a Microsoft vulnerability, illustrating the complexity of modern espionage.

Bryan Clark, Director of the Center for Defense Concepts & Technology at the Hudson Institute, dives into critical operational challenges facing the U.S. military and its allies. He discusses the upcoming Apex conference, designed to unite defense leaders and tech providers to address pressing issues like logistics and technology integration. Clark emphasizes the need for innovative strategies in military operations, including the role of autonomous forces and collaboration across the defense sector, reflecting on lessons learned from recent conflicts.

Eugene Rumer, director at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and a former national intelligence officer, dives into the evolving dynamics of the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the impact of U.S.-Russia diplomacy following the recent summit. Byron Callan, a defense policy expert at Capital Alpha Partners, analyzes the Pentagon’s acquisition budgeting challenges and the implications of new defense policies. Together, they explore trade relations, international military involvement, and the significant tensions affecting geopolitical alliances.

Sash Tusa, an equity research analyst specializing in aerospace and defense, joins Richard Aboulafia, an aviation consultant, and Ron Epstein, a renowned aerospace analyst. They dive into the impact of rising inflation on Wall Street and tariffs affecting consumer prices. The discussion touches on the U.S.-China negotiations about critical minerals, India's push for manufacturing self-sufficiency, and Poland's hefty investment in upgrading F-16s. Labor disputes in the airline industry and the future of supersonic travel also make for a lively conversation!

Joining the discussion are Dr. Ron Epstein, a prominent analyst at Bank of America Securities, and Richard Aboulafia from AeroDynamic Advisory. They dive deep into the effects of America's trade war on defense spending, specifically how tariffs impact U.S. arms sales to India. The conversation also touches on Spain's choice of Eurofighters over F-35s, and the strategic implications of Boeing's labor strike. Additionally, they highlight groundbreaking collaborations like L3Harris and Joby Aviation's work on hybrid aircraft, underscoring the evolving landscape of military technology.

Join Jim Townsend, a former Pentagon Europe Chief, Patrick Cronin, an Asia-Pacific security expert, and Dov Zakheim, a former Pentagon Comptroller, as they navigate today's geopolitical landscape. They analyze the implications of Trump’s tariff wars, explore the U.S. economic pressure on Russia, and discuss Australia's pivotal frigate deal with Japan. The trio dissects peace efforts in the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict, provides insights into Israel's strategies for Gaza, and contemplates the ripple effects of sanctions on global diplomacy.

Doug Birkey, Executive Director of the Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies, shares his expertise on U.S. airpower and current defense dynamics. He discusses the implications of recent munitions contracts and labor disputes at Boeing. The conversation also touches on military readiness, particularly regarding the F-35, while drawing historical comparisons. Additionally, Birkey highlights the significance of air shows in preserving aviation history and the role of innovations like AI in keeping military legacies alive.

Mark Montgomery, a retired US Navy rear admiral and senior director at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, discusses vital defense issues. He examines improving U.S.-Taiwan cooperation amid rising Chinese threats, the implications of the AUKUS deal, and the need for better cybersecurity strategies. Montgomery also addresses personnel cuts impacting U.S. cyber defenses and the Navy's budget challenges while outlining the complexities of U.S.-Japan alliance dynamics. His insights highlight the urgent need for innovative military strategies as geopolitical tensions escalate.

Richard Danzig, 71st Secretary of the US Navy and a trustee at the Rand Corporation, shares insights from his report on AI's implications for national security. He discusses the competitive landscape between the U.S. and China regarding AI developments, emphasizing the urgency of speed and talent in this arena. Danzig highlights AI's potential to enhance cybersecurity but warns against some public misconceptions and the ethical dilemmas posed by AI use among global powers. He advocates for stronger governmental expertise and collaboration with the private sector to navigate these challenges.