Defense & Aerospace Report

On today’s program, sponsored by Elbit America, Dr. Jerry McGinn, a former deputy industrial base chief who is now with the director of the Center for the Industrial Base at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, joins Defense & Aerospace Report Editor Vago Muradian to discuss the new paper he coauthored with his colleague Cynthia Cook — “Putting the Industrial Base on a Wartime Footing” — including past spending cycles, survey of defense spending by US allies and adversaries, and what Washington must do if it’s rhetoric is to turn into reality.

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 latest headlines and looks at the week ahead. Members of team Dr. Dov Zakheim and Chris Servello join to discuss the recent Reagan National Defense Forum.

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 DoD Europe chief Jim Townsend of the Center for a New American Security, and Pentagon comptroller Dr. Dov Zakheim of the Center for Strategic and International Studies join Defense & Aerospace Report Editor Vago Muradian to discuss the National Defense Authorization Act and appropriations; the Tennessee special election; lawmakers’ frustration with the administration’s boat strikes and plans to cut troops from Europe; the new National Security Strategy that makes clear the United States will no longer shoulder responsibility for the global rules-based order it created, puts the Americas at the center of its strategy, criticizes Europe for impeding peace in Ukraine and that Washington will “cultivate resistance” by backing European nativist political parties that oppose migration and promote nationalism; characterizes China as primarily an economic threat although does call for a bigger US role in the IndoPacific to deter conflict and if necessary, fight and win; ongoing US efforts to pressure Ukraine to accept a deal to end fighting so Washington and Moscow can resume trade ties; American officials demanded rope to pick up NATO’s conventional defense responsibilities by 2027; Trump’s pressure on Japan’s hawkish Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi to ease pro-Taiwan rhetoric that’s angered Beijing, the decision to not sanction Chinese spy agencies involved in the Salt Typhoon attack on US government and industry, and sale of some of advanced computer chips China wants; French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to Beijing and Vladimir Putin’s trip to New Delhi; European efforts to convince Belgium to release 140 billion euros in frozen Russian assets to help Ukraine; and what to expect from the Reagan National Defense Forum this weekend at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum.

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 DoD Europe chief Jim Townsend of the Center for a New American Security, and Pentagon comptroller Dr. Dov Zakheim of the Center for Strategic and International Studies join Defense & Aerospace Report Editor Vago Muradian to discuss the National Defense Authorization Act and appropriations; the Tennessee special election; lawmakers’ frustration with the administration’s boat strikes and plans to cut troops from Europe; the new National Security Strategy that makes clear the United States will no longer shoulder responsibility for the global rules-based order it created, puts the Americas at the center of its strategy, criticizes Europe for impeding peace in Ukraine and that Washington will “cultivate resistance” by backing European nativist political parties that oppose migration and promote nationalism; characterizes China as primarily an economic threat although does call for a bigger US role in the IndoPacific to deter conflict and if necessary, fight and win; ongoing US efforts to pressure Ukraine to accept a deal to end fighting so Washington and Moscow can resume trade ties; American officials demanded rope to pick up NATO’s conventional defense responsibilities by 2027; Trump’s pressure on Japan’s hawkish Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi to ease pro-Taiwan rhetoric that’s angered Beijing, the decision to not Chinese spy agencies involved in the Salt Typhoon attack on US government and industry, and sale of some of advanced computer chips China wants; French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to Beijing and Vladimir Putin’s trip to New Delhi; European efforts to convince Belgium to release 140 billion euros in frozen Russian assets to help Ukraine; and what to expect from the Reagan National Defense Forum this weekend at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum.

Dr. Mark Lewis, former Chief Scientist of the U.S. Air Force and head of Purdue's Applied Research Institute, dives into the technological advances of 2025 and speculates on what to watch in 2026. He discusses the rise of hypersonics, the significance of next-gen fighters like the F-47, and innovations in propulsion, including rotating detonation engines. Additionally, he emphasizes the importance of partnerships in microelectronics and the complexities of counter-drone strategies. Meanwhile, The Venerable Dr. Giles Legood shares the historical significance of St. Clement Danes church for the RAF and USAF.

Maj. Gen. Tom Feltey, commanding the 1st Cavalry Division, leads cutting-edge operational experiments for future battlefields. Col. Nick Dvonch, the division’s artillery commander, reveals insights on advanced targeting and network performance, crucial for effective fire support. Col. Jose Reyes shares lessons from executing wave-based combat strategies, emphasizing the importance of adapting tactics to enemy actions. They discuss innovations in air defense, communications, and potential future equipment needed for evolving combat scenarios.

Dr. Eugene Rumer, a leading expert on Russia and Eurasia from the Carnegie Endowment, dives deep into the complexities of the Ukraine conflict. He outlines the implications of the U.S. peace plan and potential fallout on NATO alliances. Rumer discusses how a corruption scandal undermines Ukrainian leadership, affecting negotiations. He also analyzes Europe's evolving role and the strategic predicament facing Russia, emphasizing the need for democratic accountability. Finally, he assesses combat losses, revealing how Ukraine continues to strike back effectively despite its challenges.

Byron Callan, an independent Washington analyst at Capital Alpha Partners with expertise in defense and aerospace policy, dives deep into current military trends. He discusses the upcoming National Defense Authorization Act and the complex defense funding landscape for FY26. Callan analyzes Indo-Pacific tensions, particularly Taiwan's defense strategies, and the implications of the ongoing Ukraine conflict, emphasizing the political ramifications of corruption. He also covers lessons from Navy procurement and calls for a redesign of ship capabilities to align with allied needs.

This discussion features Dr. “Rocket” Ron Epstein, a senior equity analyst at Bank of America Securities, Richard Aboulafia, a candid aerospace industry analyst, and Sash Tusa, an independent European defense market expert. They dive into significant topics like the implications of the Trump administration's push for a Ukraine peace deal, Poland’s choice of Saab A26 submarines, and the challenges faced by the British Army's Ajax vehicles. They also explore issues related to defense tech startups and European procurement strategies amid a shifting geopolitical landscape.

Secretary Hegseth has proposed a new way for the Air Force to buy its most complicated systems. Former Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall joins us to break it down, and examines defense reform generally. And what’s the latest with the Golden Dome missile defense project? We’ll get answers from Dr. Tom Karako, Director of the Missile Defense Project at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. Plus a few headlines in airpower. Powered by GE!