Defense One Radio

A researcher unpacks recent adaptations in drone technology after more than three years of Russia's ongoing Ukraine invasion.  Guests: Sam Bendett, advisor in Russia Studies at the Virginia-based research organization CNA; And Patrick Tucker, Defense One science and technology editor.

A Munich-based developer with a new air-to-air counter-drone system shares insights into Europe's growing defense industry and recent lessons from Russia's Ukraine invasion.  Guest: Jan-Hendrik Boelens, co-founder and CEO of Alpine Eagle. 

Angus Fletcher, a Professor of Story Science at Ohio State University, delves into a groundbreaking view of intuition and imagination. He discusses using storytelling to revolutionize military training and enhance emotional intelligence in high-pressure situations. Fletcher also highlights the transformative power of gratitude for personal growth and mental performance. Additionally, he explores innovative youth development through summer camps and stresses the need for AI fluency in education to prepare future leaders.

Guest: Patrick Tucker, Defense One science and technology editor.  Read Tucker's recent reporting on the topic below:  Related reading: “New Golden Dome details emerge from industry day,” Tucker reported on August 14;  "Pete Hegseth Doesn’t Want to Talk About Golden Dome," former Naval War College professor Tom Nichols wrote for The Atlantic on August 8; “Lockheed Martin aims to test a missile-killing satellite by 2028,” also via Tucker, reporting August 5; "Effects of Lower Launch Costs on Previous Estimates for Space-Based, Boost-Phase Missile Defense," May 5, via the Congressional Budget Office with an estimated total price tag for Golden Dome somewhere between $831 billion to $542 billion;  See also, "Trump wants a Golden Dome over America. Here's what it would take," via NPR's Geoff Brumfiel, reporting April 22.   Watch the futuristic, satirical news clips from 1987's "Robocop," via YouTube, here.  And you can find a trailer for the 1985 film, "Real Genius," also via YouTube, here. 

Guest: Journalist and writer Kevin Maurer, whose work focuses on U.S. special operations forces around the world. Read Maurer's report for Rolling Stone, “Here's What Trump's Mexico Invasion Plan Could Look Like.”

Panelists: Susanne Hake, General Manager of U.S. Government Business for Maxar Intelligence;  Greg Little, Senior Counselor at Palantir Technologies;  Sarah Pearson, Director of Commercial Engagement at the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU);  David Rothzeid, Principal Investor at Shield Capital; And moderator Lauren Williams, Senior Editor at Defense One. View more of this year's Tech Summit discussions on YouTube here. 

Panelists: Derek M. Tournear, Ph.D., Director, Space Development Agency; Bill Vass, CTO, Booz Allen; And Frank Konkel, Editor-in-Chief, Government Executive. View more of this year's Tech Summit discussions on YouTube here. 

Chris Brose, President and Chief Strategy Officer at Anduril Industries and former Senate Armed Services staff director, joins the discussion about revolutionary defense strategies. He delves into the Pentagon's shift to faster drone procurement and its collaboration with allies like Ukraine and Australia. Brose emphasizes the military's need for cost-effective autonomous systems and shares insights from the Ukraine conflict that could inform strategies in the Indo-Pacific. He also highlights how government grants can drive innovation, while navigating the complexities of defense contracting.

Doug Loverro, President of Loverro Consulting and former Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Space Policy, dives into the complexities of the Golden Dome initiative aimed at enhancing U.S. missile defense. He discusses the escalating threats posed by hypersonic missiles from Russia and China, emphasizing the need for innovative technologies and strategic planning. The conversation highlights the institutional hurdles in adapting defense systems, the importance of integrated responses, and the challenges of employing laser technology in modern military operations.

Guests: Former Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov in conversation with Defense One’s Patrick Tucker on the sidelines of the GLOBSEC 2025 conference in Prague. Defense One is media partner for this year's 20th edition of the GLOBSEC Forum in Prague.