Defense & Aerospace Report

Christopher P. Kavis is a naval analyst and co-host of the Cavas Ships Podcast, while Chris Servello is a retired U.S. Navy public affairs officer and co-founder of ProVision Advisors. They discuss the Navy's current needs amidst evolving threats, criticize the limits of a proposed battleship program, and explore the importance of technical maintenance skills for sailors. Kavis highlights concerns about resource allocation and the effectiveness of new frigates, while Servello emphasizes the need for a balanced fleet strategy integrating manned and unmanned vessels.

Byron Callan, an independent research analyst and founder of Capital Alpha Partners, dives deep into the geopolitical landscape shaped by the Trump administration's robust foreign policy. He tackles the feasibility of a $1.5 trillion defense budget and the potential impacts of changes in executive orders affecting corporate buybacks. The discussion also covers Lockheed Martin's ambitious investment in air defense systems and touches on critical issues surrounding Greenland's strategic importance and the risks faced by NATO. A captivating look ahead at the Surface Navy Association symposium rounds out the conversation.

Dr. “Rocket” Ron Epstein, a senior defense and aerospace analyst at Bank of America Securities, and Richard Aboulafia from AeroDynamic Advisory dive into robust market movements and the defense sector's performance as U.S. defense spending is set to increase by 50%. They discuss Lockheed Martin's major deal to enhance Patriot missile production and the geopolitical implications of U.S. rhetoric regarding Greenland and NATO. The guests also analyze supply chain challenges and the enduring importance of helicopters on the modern battlefield.

Michael Herson, a defense lobbyist, discusses congressional dynamics and recent appropriations, while Dr. Dov Zakheim critiques defense spending inefficiencies. Dr. Patrick Cronin analyzes China's reactions to U.S. actions regarding Venezuela and the implications for Taiwan. Jim Townsend raises concerns about NATO's trust amid Greenland discussions. The panel also explores geopolitical implications of U.S. policy changes, the evolving situation in Ukraine, and regional tensions in the Middle East, offering a comprehensive assessment of current defense and security challenges.

Dr. Rocket Ron Epstein, an economist at Bank of America known for his insights on defense budgets, joins retired Lt. Gen. Dave Deptula, Dean of the Mitchell Institute, for a compelling conversation. They dive into the implications of new executive orders limiting defense corporate buybacks and dividends. Deptula discusses the evolving National Security Strategy focusing on homeland defense and the complexities of air operations in Venezuela. The duo also tackles concerns about Air Force readiness and the critical need for air and space funding.

Bryon Kroger, founder and CEO of Rise8 and former U.S. Air Force intelligence officer, dives into the urgent need for reform in the Pentagon's software development strategy. He argues that prioritizing mission efficacy over cost can dramatically enhance outcomes for warfighters. Kroger advocates for centralized production paths, highlights the importance of continuous delivery, and shares lessons learned from Kessel Run’s experiences. He emphasizes the rapid testing methods observed in Ukraine and proposes collaborative coding environments with allies to innovate faster.

Eugene Rumer, a leading expert on Russia's strategies from the Carnegie Endowment, teams up with Sam Bendett, who dives deep into Russian military tech. They explore the escalating challenges of the Ukraine war, highlighting mutual exhaustion on the front lines and the uncertain landscape of peace talks. Bendett discusses the innovative use of AI and drones, while Rumer contrasts the political pressures faced by Putin and Zelensky. They also touch on the implications of U.S. actions abroad and the need for lessons learned as technological surprises loom on the horizon.

Byron Callan, an independent Washington research analyst and founder of Capital Alpha Partners, shares insights on defense industry trends and geopolitical impacts. He evaluates the U.S. operation in Venezuela, its tactical implications, and air defense systems' performance. Discussing Ukraine's war dynamics, he contemplates potential diplomatic resolutions by 2026. Callan also highlights challenges in U.S. crisis management and outlines defense budget expectations, emphasizing the importance of a resilient industrial base and effective supply chains.

On this week’s Defense & Aerospace Report Business Roundtable, sponsored by Bell, Dr. “Rocket” Ron Epstein of Bank of America Securities and Richard Aboulafia of the AeroDynamic advisory consultancy join host Vago Muradian to discuss the a strong 2025 on Wall Street and what it means for the coming year; the implications of the Trump administration’s ouster of Venezuelan strongman Nicholas Maduro; stalled talks to end the Ukraine war as the conflict rages on; commercial aircraft production as Boeing delivered 493 jets and Airbus delivered 793; a look ahead to the big defense and airspace stories of 2026; and what to expect at Bank of America’s annual defense and aerospace conference this year in New York.

On this week’s Defense & Aerospace Report Business Roundtable, sponsored by Bell, Dr. “Rocket” Ron Epstein of Bank of America Securities and Richard Aboulafia of the AeroDynamic advisory consultancy join host Vago Muradian to discuss the week — and the year — on markets as AI, aerospace and defense spending drive investors; the $901 billion National Defense Authorization Act; European governments’ two-year, $105 billion interest-free loan to help Ukraine keep fighting Russian aggression as Vladimir Putin makes clear he’s not interested in compromise and amps up his muscular rhetoric; the future of the SCAF program as French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz meet to decide the future of the program to develop new manned and unmanned combat aircraft; the US Navy’s decision to ask HII to build by 2028 a naval variant of the company’s successful National Security Cutter developed for the Coast Guard to demonstrate the new ship, then competitively contract yards to mass produce it; Boeing asks the Federal Aviation Administration for an emissions waiver to continue building existing 777 freighters after 2028 given a compliant version of the plane won’t be ready until after the deadline; the US government’s admission of responsibility in the deadly crash between a US Air jetliner and a US Army helicopter that killed 67 in January over the Potomac River off Reagan Washington National Airport; and a review of the big stories of 2025.