Defense & Aerospace Report

This week features Dr. “Rocket” Ron Epstein, a senior analyst at Bank of America Securities, Sash Tusa, an independent analyst focused on European defense, and Richard Aboulafia, an expert in aerospace trends. They dive into the implications of the U.S.-China trade talks, analyzing the strategic impact of Beijing's chip export ban. They also discuss the satellite merger between Airbus, Leonardo, and Thales, and Ukraine's potential acquisition of Gripen fighters, exploring its significance for Ukraine's defense strategy.

Dr. Dov Zakheim, former Pentagon comptroller, discusses the implications of the ongoing government shutdown on defense programs. Michael Herson provides insights into congressional dynamics and appropriations. Dr. Patrick Cronin analyzes tensions in U.S.-China relations and trade strategies ahead of a crucial summit, while Jim Townsend offers commentary on Russia's actions concerning Ukraine and the significance of Ukraine's Gripen fighter purchase. This lively roundtable covers a range of pressing international defense issues.

Darin DiTommaso, Vice President of Defense & Systems Engineering at GE Aerospace, discusses the latest innovations in military propulsion. He sheds light on the development of adaptive engines and hypersonics, emphasizing their efficiency and adaptability for advanced aircraft. Darin also explores the potential for retrofitting these technologies into legacy fleets and addresses the resilience of the supply chain. He highlights GE's strategies in workforce development, materials risk, and market demands, all while bridging commercial and military advancements.

On today’s Land Warfare Series program, sponsored American Rheinmetall, Lt. Gen. Dave Bassett, USA Ret., the former director of the Defense Contract Management Agency who is now a senior advisor with the Cohen Group consultancy, joins Defense & Aerospace Report Editor Vago Muradian to discuss the government shutdown; the impact of Pentagon and Army acquisition reforms aimed at accelerating fielding of capabilities and reducing their cost; the resurgence of the Lead Systems Integrator approach to vest greater control with industry as government workforce is trimmed; the Army’s drive to put soldiers at the heart of shaping future capabilities; after a legacy of abortive land vehicle modernization efforts, how the service can ensure that the XM30 program is a success; and roles that only the government can play in the defense industrial ecosystem. Our coverage of AUSA is sponsored by Lockheed Martin.

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 the upcoming meeting between President Trump and Vladimir Putin in Budapest and how it will impact the Ukraine war; how Kyiv can continue striking deep into Russia without US Tomahawk cruise missiles; an update on the ongoing ground war; whether Ukraine would be able to supply billions of dollars in military equipment to the United States without undermining its ability to right for its survival; the European consensus that troops in Ukraine will be necessary despite Moscow’s opposition to the move; and whether NATO’s response to Russia’s recent string of provocations is sufficient to keep deterring Moscow.

On today’s Look Ahead 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 government shutdown; the Treasury Department’s September statement and Secretary Scott Bessent’s comments on defense industry share buybacks; Trump-Putin meeting and impact on Ukraine war; prospect Washington would buy Ukrainian drones and other weapons; US military operations in the Caribbean; takeaways from the Association of the United States Army’s conference and tradeshow, the Wharton Aerospace meeting, and the defense edition of Joanna Speed’s Aerospace Event in Washington; and a look at the week ahead. Our AUSA coverage was sponsored by Lockheed Martin and we are a proud media sponsor of the defense edition of the Aerospace Event.

On this week’s Defense & Aerospace Report Business Roundtable, sponsored by Bell, Dr. “Rocket” Ron Epstein of Bank of America Securities and Richard Aboulafia of the AeroDynamic advisory consultancy join host Vago Muradian to discuss Wall Street’s strong close despite trade worries and bank losses; US government shutdown outlook; President Trump’s planned Budapest summit with Vladimir Putin derails Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s push for Tomahawk cruise missiles to continue Ukraine’s momentum on strikes against Russia; industrial implications of proposal that Washington buy $50 billion in Ukrainian drones and other equipment for the US military; worry that a scattershot US negotiating approach and Beijing’s success in substituting lost American business has increased the confidence of Chinese officials who are no longer cowed by what they increasingly regard as Washington’s empty rhetoric; Honeywell says the avionics supply chain is improving as Safran sees it catching up on engine delays; reports the Federal Aviation Administration has cleared Boeing to increase 737 production next month; talks next week to end the strike at Boeing’s St Louis plants; and takeaways the Association of the United States Army’s annual meeting and tradeshow, the Wharton Aerospace conference in DC, and Joanna Speed’s Aerospace Event in DC where we are a media partner.

Dr. Patrick Cronin, an Asia-Pacific security expert, discusses the complexities of U.S.-China relations and APEC's significance. Dr. Dov Zakheim, former Pentagon comptroller, shares insights on the implications of the ongoing government shutdown and funding strategies. Michael Herson highlights congressional dynamics and the potential for sanctions against Russia, while Jim Townsend analyzes NATO's response to Ukraine-Russia tensions. The group also debates the ramifications of President Trump's foreign policy moves on European alliances and regional stability.

Aerospace’s top analysts came together this week for a full day of presentations, discussions, and forecasting at the annual Aerospace Event. Our team, all of whom were on stage at the show, will break down what they heard and what it means. Plus AUSA highlights and this week’s headlines in airpower, Powered by GE!

DEFAERO Daily Pod [Oct 15, 25] AUSA Wrap-up w/ Bell's Jeff Schloesser & American Rheinmetall's Matt Warnick by Defense & Aerospace Report, sponsored by Bell