Defense & Aerospace Report

Col. Jeff Poquette, Army program manager for the MV-75, and Ryan Ehinger, Bell's senior vice president, dive into the rapid advancements of the Army's next-gen tiltrotor. Design is nearly complete with a second generation on the horizon. They discuss how the program bypassed Milestone A and the innovative strategies employed to speed up defense innovation. Additionally, they tackle the competitive landscape with China's emerging aircraft, emphasizing the need for quick development and data protection in the aviation sector.

Joining the discussion are Bryan Clark, who leads the Center for Defense Concepts and Innovation at the Hudson Institute; Jeff Bialos, former deputy undersecretary of defense for industrial policy; and Jerry McGinn, who heads the Center for the Industrial Base at CSIS. They dive into the Pentagon's plans to acquire stakes in defense contractors for enhanced capabilities. The guests critique current acquisition strategies and emphasize the need for a more agile approach to improve military readiness. They also discuss the innovation landscape and the challenges faced by new firms in defense.

In this enlightening discussion, Sam Bendett, an adviser with the Russia Studies Program at CNA, and Eugene Rumer, director of the Russia and Eurasia program at the Carnegie Endowment, explore the complex dynamics of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. They analyze the implications of recent high-profile diplomatic meetings, strategies on the battlefield, and the challenges of potential peace agreements. Their insights delve into Ukraine's innovative countermeasures against Russian advances and the broader geopolitical stakes involving European military support and the future of international relations in the region.

Byron Callan, an expert from Capital Alpha Partners, discusses the stalled Ukraine-Russia peace talks and their effects on defense industries. He highlights Europe's defense outlook amid tariff disputes and Mario Draghi's skepticism. Callan also examines civil-military relations, noting the deployment of National Guardsmen in U.S. cities and its implications for civil rights. The conversation touches on scaling drone production, recent technological advancements, and the upcoming key events in defense and aerospace.

Joining the discussion are Ron Epstein, a seasoned aerospace and defense analyst at Bank of America Securities, Sash Jouza, an equity analyst focusing on European sectors at Agency Partners, and Richard Aboulafia from AeroDynamic Advisory. They delve into the implications of potential interest rate cuts by the Fed, the impact of escalating tariffs on U.S.-Canada relations, and Switzerland's reconsideration of F-35 acquisitions due to tariffs. The trio also addresses shifting dynamics in defense procurement and how recent geopolitical tensions are reshaping market strategies.

Dov Zakheim, former Pentagon comptroller, Jim Townsend, former Pentagon Europe chief, Chris Servello, retired Navy commander, and Patrick Cronin from the Hudson Institute dive into pressing global issues. They tackle the Pentagon's forced retirements and the civil-military relations crisis, exploring how political maneuvering affects trust in military institutions. The conversation then shifts to geopolitical tensions, particularly U.S.-Russia dynamics, China's intimidation in Southeast Asia, and Israel's controversial actions regarding Gaza, revealing the intricate web of current international relations.

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.