Defense & Aerospace Report

On this week’s Defense & Aerospace Report Business Roundtable, sponsored by Bell, Dr. “Rocket” Ron Epstein of Bank of America Securities, Sash Tusa of the independent equity research firm Agency Partners, and Richard Aboulafia of the AeroDynamic advisory consultancy join host Vago Muradian to discuss a record week on Wall Street as President Trump announced a trade deal with China that convinced investors of declining tariffs risks, even as the president ended tariff talks with Canada and continues to pressure Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell to resign from his post for refusing to make steep interest rate cuts; outlook for defense spending as Congress continues to deliberate reconciliation, appropriations, the NDAA as well as rescissions package as lawmakers push back on the president’s big beautiful bill; a successful NATO summit as the alliance agrees to spend 3.5 percent of GDP on defense and another 1.5 percent on national security infrastructure even as the Pentagon continues to weigh troops cuts from Europe; and Babcock reports full year 2025 results.

Join Michael Herson, a top lobbyist at American Defense International, Dov Zakheim, former Pentagon comptroller, Jim Townsend, ex-Pentagon Europe chief, and Dr. Patrick Cronin, Asia Pacific Security Chair at the Hudson Institute, as they dive into pressing geopolitical issues. They discuss GOP opposition to President Trump’s budget, military operations in Iran, and Israel’s ongoing strikes in Gaza. The conversation also touches on Xi Jinping’s absence from a key meeting and the implications of Zohran Mamdani’s surprising victory in New York's mayoral primary.

Mark Montgomery, a retired U.S. Navy Rear Admiral and Senior Director at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, dives into the intricate dynamics of air power and cybersecurity. He discusses the implications of recent U.S. airstrikes on Iran's nuclear facilities and the evolving military landscape in the region. The conversation highlights the challenges of balancing military action with diplomacy, while also addressing the urgent need for technological investment in defense and STEM education to maintain a competitive edge against emerging threats.

On this episode of the Defense & Aerospace Report Technology Series, sponsored by Elbit America, Mark Montgomery, a retired US Navy rear admiral who is now the senior director of the Center on Cyber and Technology Innovation at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies and a senior adviser on the bipartisan Cyberspace Solarium Commission, joins Defense & Aerospace Report Editor Vago Muradian to discuss what’s next in the wake of the war between Israel and Iran that included US air strikes; how Iran might retaliate, including in cyberspace, and whether the administration’s cybersecurity cuts will jeopardize America’s ability to defend critical infrastructure; the implications of US strikes that damaged, but not destroyed, Iran’s facilities; lessons from the conflict; analysis of the administrations plans to cut cyber and science; and a look at defense spending as the NATO leaders convene in The Hague of this year’s alliance summit.

On today’s Strategy Series program, sponsored by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, André Loesekrug-Pietri, the director of the Joint European Disruptive Initiative, joins Defense & Aerospace Reporter Editor Vago Muradian to discuss JEDI and how it aims to serve as Europe’s advanced research projects agency to improve both economic competitiveness as well as military capabilities. Our coverage of the Paris Air Show was sponsored by Alderman & Co.

On today’s program, sponsored by HII, Byron Callan of the independent Washington research firm Capital Alpha Partners and Chris Servello, the co-host of our Cavas Ships podcast joins Defense & Aerospace Report Editor Vago Muradian to discuss US air strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities and what’s next; potential unintended consequences of the attack as well as how it will play with President Trump’s supporters as well as military members; whether the strikes bolstered Washington’s credibility or undermined it; what to expect from the NATO Summit in The Hague that convenes tomorrow; a look at the administration’s 2026 defense spending request; update on budget expectations as Congress continues to deliberate reconciliation, the National Defense Authorization Act, and rescissions; and a look at the week ahead.

On this week’s Defense & Aerospace Report Business Roundtable, sponsored by Bell, Dr. “Rocket” Ron Epstein of Bank of America Securities, Sash Tusa of the independent equity research firm Agency Partners, and Richard Aboulafia of the AeroDynamic advisory consultancy join host Vago Muradian to discuss a down week on Wall Street with modest losses; the Federal Reserve suggested rate cuts; the United States joined Israel in attacking Iran, mobilizing good old-fashioned heavy air power with 125 aircraft involved including B-2 bombers dropping 14 30,000-pound bunker buster weapons — each Spirit can carry two of the Boeing weapons — against Tehran’s nuclear sites including the deeply buried Fordo facility; the administration’s 2026 defense budget request; Paris Air Show takeaways as Boeing and GE have a muted week in the wake of the Air India tragedy before the show with the American jet-maker opting against making announcements; Airbus disclosed orders with AviLease, Poland’s LOT, Saudi Arabia’s startup Riyadh Air, Vietnam’s VietJet and others ordering new planes; Embraer sells more commercial aircraft as well as KC-390 tanker-transports; France considers buying Global Eye jets; and some between Dassault and Airbus over the new phase of the French-German-Spanish-Belgian program to develop a new next generation family of combat aircraft.

In a gripping discussion, Michael Herson, a top defense lobbyist, joins former Pentagon officials Dov Zakheim and Jim Townsend, along with Asia-Pacific security expert Patrick Cronin. They delve into tensions building between Israel and Iran, the implications of U.S. military strategies in Europe amidst potential troop withdrawals, and the complexities of a significant Senate rescission package. The guests underline the challenges posed by nuclear threats and the resilience of national identities in the face of geopolitical tensions.

Lockheed Martin Aeronautics chief Greg Ulmer joins us with fresh insights on the futures of F-35 (Block 5!), NGAD (more!), F-55, airlift, and more. Plus airpower headlines, including fussin’ up at the FCAS Ranch. Powered by GE!

Join Steve Parker, interim head of Boeing Defense, Space & Security, as he dives into major defense innovations and strategies. He discusses winning the F-47 contract for the US Air Force and the investment needed for success. There's insight on overcoming challenges in troubled programs and the critical implications of the proposed cancellation of the E-7 aircraft. Parker also explores military aircraft advancements, including the modernization of the F-18 and the evolving landscape shaped by geopolitical factors.