The sky is the new battleground for global powers. In this episode of Facing Coming Storms, aerospace expert Douglas Barry from the International Institute for Strategic Studies joins us to unpack the rapid evolution of military aviation and space. From Ukraine’s drone tactics to China’s space defences and the U.S.’s next-generation fighters, we explore how drones, lasers, and sixth-generation aircraft are reshaping warfare.

We dive into escalating costs, the race for air superiority, and the electromagnetic battlefield redefining missions. From fibre-optic drones to space militarization, we examine the toll on soldiers and commanders, plus the human cost.

Key moments

02:56 - Surge in Aerospace Innovation
06:34 - Drone Proliferation and Countermeasures
12:01 - Electronic Warfare and Fiber Optics
15:14 - Role of Next-Gen Combat Aircraft
19:19 - Impact of Space Systems on Warfare
23:01 - Airspace Management Complexities
26:20 - Recruitment and Retention Issues
30:40 - AI-Driven Targeting Revolution
34:33 - Performative Strikes and Escalation Risks
38:14 - Space Vulnerabilities and Connectivity
40:27 - Adapting to Rapid Technological Change

Facing Coming Storms is brought to you by the British Army’s Centre for Historical Analysis and Conflict Research, in partnership with the Project for the Study of the 21st Century, and produced by Urban Podcasts.

Jets, Drones, and the Evolving Air-Space Battle