Defense & Aerospace Report

Join industry experts Ron Epstein, a market analyst from Bank of America Securities, Sash Tusa, an independent equity researcher, and Richard Aboulafia from AeroDynamic Advisory, as they dissect the far-reaching impacts of sweeping tariffs. They discuss how the aerospace and defense sectors are grappling with stock declines, inflation fears, and the threat of recession. The trio also addresses the unpredictable global trade landscape and the implications of tariffs on market dynamics and supplier relationships, all while keeping a close eye on the looming Paris Air Show.

On today’s program, sponsored by HII, Nick Waite, a director at Clarion Defence producing the Apex Innovation Conference April 23-24, 2025, at the Gaylord National Harbor outside Washington, DC, joins Defense & Aerospace Report Editor Vago Muradian to discuss the upcoming event from agenda and speakers to a discount for listeners of our show; and Byron Callan of the independent Washington research firm Capital Alpha Partners discusses the strategic and defense implications of President Trump’s sweeping tariffs including that China was not deterred from imposing sanctions of its own on the United States; whether foreign defense and aerospace firms will grow their US industrial footprint; the changing nature of manufacturing and why returning the industrial workforce to past levels is implausible; the outlook for US defense spending as the Senate proposes $100 billion in additional funding over the coming years; Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s decision to skip the Ukraine Contact Group to attend Central American Security Conference; likelihood of US-Israel strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities in the wake of recent news reports of impending attack and staging of B-2 Spirit bombers in Diego Garcia; what to expect from the Navy League’s Sea-Air-Space conference and tradeshow April 7-9; and a look at the week ahead. ***APEX Discount CODE for Defense & Aerospace listeners-- 25% off conference passes. Use code: DEF&AERO

In this discussion, Patrick Cronin, Asia-Pacific Security Chair, unpacks the geopolitical implications of recent U.S. tariffs and the potential for recession. Michael Herson highlights the need for bipartisan solutions to stabilize defense exports while Jim Townsend dives into the shifting alliances in the Indo-Pacific, especially regarding China. Dov Zakheim raises concerns about political turbulence and its effects on U.S.-Russia relations. Together, they explore the complexities of current U.S. foreign policy against a backdrop of domestic political strife.

It’s been a huge couple of weeks in airpower, with more coming soon. Boeing’s win in the Next Generation Air Dominance program is the biggest story, but there are so many more that we’re catching you up this week with a full All Wings Considered episode; Vago and J.J. break down all the stories and try to make some sense out of them. All powered by GE!

Jason Pak and Carl Poppe, both West Point graduates and retired US Army artillery officers, dive into the evolving landscape of military artillery. They discuss the U.S. Army's testing of the K9 Thunder self-propelled howitzer, emphasizing the need for mobility and automation in modern warfare. The conversation highlights the role of drone technology in artillery coordination, the push for increased domestic production of munitions, and the advantages of tracked versus wheeled artillery systems for operational efficiency.

Todd Harrison, a defense budgeting expert at the American Enterprise Institute, dives into the intricacies of the new budget tool aimed at illustrating defense spending trade-offs. He discusses the challenge of redirecting 8% of military spending to new priorities and the potential impacts on defense strategies. The conversation also touches on ideas for consolidating Space Force headquarters, the shift towards unmanned systems, and how budget dynamics will unfold amid fiscal constraints. Harrison emphasizes thoughtful decision-making in this complex environment.

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 budget and fiscal prospects as the Congressional Budget Office warns America will run out of money by September if not far sooner — depending on tax receipts; how the Trump administration’s intelligence assessment that puts transnational criminal organizations and terrorist at the top of the threat list could shape defense spending; impact of tariffs and calls for tariff relief from farmers that are leading exporters as well as other businesses hurt by crackdown on immigration; whether higher US tariffs will spark the American economic and jobs renaissance that the administration hopes; how allies and partners perceive this Trump administration from the last one; takeaways from last week’s shipbuilding hearing and whether Boeing or Northrop Grumman will win the US Navy’s FA-XX next generation fighter; Signalgate aftermath; and a look at the week ahead.

Guest analysts Ron Epstein from Bank of America Securities, Sash Tusa of Agency Partners, and Richard Aboulafia from AeroDynamic Advisory dive into the turbulence in defense and aerospace. They dissect Wall Street’s recent downturn linked to inflation fears and looming debt limits. Topics include the fallout from proposed budget cuts on major programs, the shifting defense strategies in Europe, and a significant $5.6 billion contract for RocketLab's Neutron. The trio also examines investor sentiment amid international challenges and competitive dynamics between Northrop Grumman and Boeing.

Michael Herson, head of American Defense International, discusses the looming budget crisis affecting defense funding. Jim Townsend, former Pentagon Europe chief, highlights the tensions between U.S. and European defense strategies. Dov Zakheim, ex-Pentagon comptroller, analyzes the implications of Trump's tariffs on international relations. Patrick Cronin, Asia-Pacific security expert, explores U.S. commitments in Asia and the challenges posed by China. The conversation dives into the political turmoil surrounding Israel and debates on military actions against Iran.

On this month’s innovation conversation to highlight key topics in the countdown to the Apex technology and innovation conference this April in Washington, sponsored by Clarion Defence, Chris Servello, the cohost of the Cavas Ships podcast and Defense & Aerospace Report’s editorial strategist, joins editor Vago Muradian to discuss the Apex conference’s program; and Doug Jankovich, the executive vice president at QinetiQ who leads the company’s AUKUS efforts, discusses the role the British-American firm plans in the Australia-UK-UK partnership; updates progress on the two major focus areas of the initiative, Pillar I to furnish Australia with nuclear-powered attack submarines and Pillar 2 that spans technological cooperation across cyber, AI, hypersonics, quantum computing; the key to moving fast to deliver capability including more easily moving key personnel among partner nations; the role of off-the-shelf and bespoke technologies; and the case for AUKUS as the Trump administration considers the future of the partnership.