Explore every episode of the podcast The Weekly Break Out

In this week's episode of The Break Out, networks reporter Mark Pomerleau explains a new US Air Force effort to develop a defensive cyber "campaign plan" to ward off threats posed by artificial intelligence.

Then Breaking Defense Editor-in-Chief Aaron Mehta and Deputy Editor Lee Ferran consider nuclear and defense industry implications stemming from a recently signed trilateral defense pact linking Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey.

Underwritten by Leonardo DRS.

In this week's episode of The Break Out, Army reporter Carly Welch explores the highlights from recent laser-powered counter-drone experiments by the US Army, particularly around the US-Mexico border.

Then Carly and Breaking Defense Editor-in-Chief Aaron Mehta review a fair bit of tumult — including the surprise, but not unexpected, news that the service's top civilian is leaving — among the Army's civilian leadership ahead of midterm elections in November.

Underwritten by Leonardo DRS.

In this week's episode of The Break Out, a new Defense Department memo reorients data disclosure guidance for Pentagon contractors, but it also raises several key unanswered questions, as congressional reporter Valerie Insinna tells Deputy Editor Lee Ferran.

Then networks reporter Mark Pomerleau unpacks what he learned from top Army officials during the recent TechNet Augusta conference in northern Georgia, including a few artificial intelligence initiatives in the works.

In this week's episode of The Break Out, Breaking Defense Deputy Editor Lee Ferran and Air Warfare Reporter Michael Marrow discuss a new, wide-ranging national security memo from President Donald Trump aiming to drastically change navy shipbuilding.

Then we turn to Breaking Defense Multimedia Editor Daniel Woolfolk, who takes viewers on a tour around the expo floor at this year's Space and Missile Defense Symposium in Huntsville, Ala.

Underwritten by Leonardo DRS.

In this week's episode of The Break Out, Breaking Defense's Multimedia Director Daniel Woolfolk tours the grounds around the Farnborough Airshow. Then we turn to Breaking Defense Middle East Contributing Editor Riad Kahwaji for a glimpse into how the war in Iran is reshaping regional military modernization. Underwritten by Leonardo DRS.

In this week's episode of The Break Out, Breaking Defense Editor-in-Chief Aaron Mehta brings you an interview from the Farnborough Airshow, located outside of London.

At the conference, he talked with Eric Fanning, the former Army Secretary who now leads the Aerospace Industries Association. Fanning discussed a wide range of topics relevant to the US defense industry — all as airshow action was taking place above their heads.

In this week's episode of The Break Out, Breaking Defense Editor-in-Chief Aaron Mehta and Senior Space Reporter Theresa Hitchens discuss the US military's renewed ambition to harness solar power for missions in orbit. Can interest from Silicon Valley and venture capitalists help deliver a new solution?

Then Mehta and Deputy Editor Lee Ferran recap top news from the NATO 2026 summit in Ankara before setting the scene for next week's Farnborough International Airshow in the United Kingdom. 

Underwritten by Leonardo DRS.

Visit breakingdefense.com for more defense news throughout the week.

Another week means another executive order — this time with President Donald Trump looking to change how the Foreign Military Sales process works. In the latest edition of The Weekly Break Out, Editor-in-Chief Aaron Mehta and Air Warfare Reporter Michael Marrow talk through how this might impact global weapon sales.

Then after the break, the two preview the upcoming Munich Security Conference and how it could be a tease for the 2028 presidential election. Underwritten by Leonardo DRS.

Visit breakingdefense.com for more defense news throughout the week.

President Donald Trump has again come out swinging in a Truth Social post — this time against the Canadian aerospace industry in retaliation for the country's delayed certification of US-made Gulfstream jets for use in Canada. On a new episode of The Weekly Break Out, Editor-in-Chief Aaron Mehta and Deputy Editor Lee Ferran flag how the heated rivalry could affect America's militarized variants of Canada's Bombardier airframes.

Then, they look ahead to two major conferences: World Defense Show in Saudi Arabia, where new details of the kingdom's push to own the F-35 could emerge, and WEST 2026, the annual naval expo that brings together ships and information technology in California. Stay tuned for coverage from both shows. Underwritten by Leonardo DRS.

Visit breakingdefense.com for more defense news throughout the week.

President Donald Trump used the World Economic Forum in Davos to escalate his pressure campaign on the US defense industry to speed up weapons production. Meanwhile, new reporting reveals the controversial Qatari Boeing 747, intended to serve as an interim Air Force One, could fly as soon as this summer, raising fresh questions about security upgrades, contractors and timelines.

On a new episode of The Weekly Break Out, Editor-in-Chief Aaron Mehta and Deputy Editor Lee Ferran break down what Trump said, why it matters for defense primes heading into earnings call season and what to watch next in the Air Force One saga. Underwritten by Leonardo DRS.

Visit breakingdefense.com for more defense news throughout the week.

What's in a name? Here's who the Air Force has tapped to be program acquisition executives as the Pentagon rebrands its program executive officers. Then, The Weekly Break Out tours the show floor at the Surface Navy Association's 2026 conference for a peek at an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, a solar-powered maritime drone, a floating combat hospital and more.

It was a Truth Social post that shook the defense industry: President Donald Trump lashed out at big defense contractors over stock buybacks and CEO pay. Get caught up, and then see what there is to "sea" at this week's Surface Navy Association conference.

The United States carried out what may become one of the most consequential military raids in modern history. In this episode of The Weekly Break Out, CSIS defense expert Mark Cancian analyzes the US operation in Venezuela, explaining how American forces penetrated Russian-made S-300 air defense systems, leveraged Cyber Command and Space Command and executed a complex joint mission without American losses. The discussion explores what the raid reveals about Russian air defense weaknesses, lessons learned from past US failures and what China and Russia can — and cannot — replicate, particularly in a Taiwan scenario. Cancian also assesses the long-term implications for US military posture in the Western Hemisphere and whether sustained forces in the region are now inevitable. Underwritten by Leonardo DRS.

Stories:

After US raid on Venezuela, analysts weigh lessons about Russian air defenses https://breakingdefense.com/2026/01/after-us-raid-on-venezuela-analysts-weigh-lessons-about-russian-air-defenses/

150 aircraft, cyber effects and 'overwhelming force:' How the Venezuela operation unfolded https://breakingdefense.com/2026/01/venezuela-150-aircraft-cyber-effects-maduro-operation-how-it-happened-caine/

US attacks Venezuela, captures leader Maduro in 'spectacular assault': Trump https://breakingdefense.com/2026/01/us-military-attacks-venezuela-captures-maduro-trump-says/ 

This week on The Weekly Break Out, Aaron Mehta and Lee Ferran break down the Trump administration's new National Security Strategy, what it signals for Europe, Russia and homeland defense — and how it aligns with what we heard at the Reagan National Defense Forum. Then after the break, the hosts dig into the compromise 2026 National Defense Authorization Act, including why lawmakers added $8 billion above the Pentagon's request and why this year's bill stayed clean. Underwritten by Leonardo DRS.

The Navy's decision to cancel its Constellation-class frigate program has shifted from quiet speculation to front-page news. In this episode of The Weekly Break Out, Breaking Defense unpacks what might come next for Fincantieri and US sailors. Then the conversation moves west to Simi Valley, where the upcoming Reagan National Defense Forum is set to gather defense officials, lawmakers, generals and CEOs for one of the most influential policy events of the year. We lay out the themes and personalities expected to dominate the conference, including White House budget office boss Russ Vought. If you follow US defense policy, shipbuilding challenges, or the intersection of politics and the Pentagon, this episode is for you. Underwritten by Leonardo DRS. 

Read more: Navy kills four ships in Constellation-class frigate program in 'strategic shift' 

At the 2025 Dubai Airshow, Breaking Defense breaks down the biggest trends in combat aviation in the Middle East — from a surge in autonomous systems to global competition between the US, Russia, China and more. Agnes Helou and Michael Marrow highlight what's driving demand in the region and what's new on the show floor. Then, we take you on a walkaround tour of an F-35 with a fighter pilot who explains the jet's sensors, weapons, engine, stealth features and how Block 4 upgrades enable manned-unmanned teaming with CCAs. Underwritten by Leonardo DRS.

Get our full Dubai Airshow coverage here.

0:00 — Autonomous systems dominate the 2025 Dubai Airshow
0:34 — Global players push drones and manned-unmanned teaming
1:57 — Russia's Su-75 model
2:34 — Space technology expands at the show
3:08 — F-35 walkaround tour begins
4:31 — F-35 sensors
5:31 — F-35 weapons
6:05 — F135 engine
7:00 — Block 4 CCA teaming

📰 Get more defense coverage at https://breakingdefense.com/

US Cyber Command (CYBERCOM) is rethinking its anticipated "2.0" overhaul — but the final plan looks different from what many expected. On this episode of The Weekly Break Out, Breaking Defense's Deputy Editor Lee Ferran and Senior Networks and Information Warfare Reporter Mark Pomerleau walk through what actually changed, what didn't, and why CYBERCOM's update is now more about talent generation and training infrastructure than sweeping structural reforms. Then, Land Warfare Reporter Carley Welch breaks down the Army's Flight School Next initiative, a back-to-basics push to replace the UH-72 Lakota training helicopter with a simpler, IFR-certified single-engine aircraft. We cover the requirements, industry competitors, shutdown delays and what the future Army pilot pipeline could look like. Underwritten by Leonardo DRS.

Stories:
Pentagon releases 'revised' plan to boost cyber talent, 'domain mastery'
Inside six helo companies gunning for the Army's Flight School Next program

The defense industry is standing by with bated breath as Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is set to give a high-profile speech about acquisition on Friday. While no one's sure what exactly he'll say, there's plenty to preview in this episode of The Weekly Break Out. Then, hear what one congressman says is "heartbreaking" about the current state of US Cyber Command.

Stories:

• Draft memo reveals potentially sweeping Pentagon acquisition reforms
• How the 'heartbreaking' lack of a confirmed leader is impacting CYBERCOM and NSA

0:00 - Introduction
0:33 - Hegseth's speech to defense CEOs
1:07 - Defense Security Cooperation Agency moving to acquisition office
1:38 - Army, Navy and Air Force acquisition changes
2:01 - How the defense industry might react
3:11 - Underwritten by Leonardo DRS
3:26 - CYBERCOM leadership void
4:21 - Why an acting leader isn't enough
5:58 - Conclusion

📰 Full coverage at https://www.breakingdefense.com
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Something wicked this way comes to Breaking Defense... Our special Halloween episode of The Weekly Break Out brings you spooky tales of military technology programs that have died — and some that could return from beyond the grave.

This week on The Weekly Break Out, the US Coast Guard hopes publicly shaming Chinese ships for sailing too close to the US will avoid a future dispute. Then we look at the future of military command and control.

The Pentagon and industry are coming up with concepts of what space-based interceptors could be. Plus, we dig into the UK plan to avoid drone swarms. 

This week on The Break Out, Congress reporter Valerie Insinna unpacks the Navy's secretive plans for carrier-based Collaborative Combat Aircraft, while air warfare reporter Michael Marrow breaks down the Sentinel ICBM program's latest steps toward replacing America's aging nuclear missile silos.

This week, Pentagon reporter Ashley Roque discusses how the DoD nixed the Joint Capabilities Integration and Development System, better known as JCIDS. Plus, an Air National Guard base gets the F-15EX.

In this week's episode, Air Warfare reporter Michael Marrow discusses how the Pentagon is making DOGE part of its regular process. Plus, Aaron Mehta and Lee Ferran discuss changes to the defense cyber workforce.

In this week's episode of the Break Out, we lay out the bumps Ukraine is seeing for its drone exports and we dive into a Navy exercise that mimics a real-world scenario.

In this week's Break Out, we talk Palantir's all-in-one contract and discuss why Golden Dome will be the talk of the Space and Missile Defense Symposium this week in Huntsville.

Adm. Daryl Caudle recently had his confirmation hearing for CNO. Naval Warfare Reporter Justin Katz runs down what you need to know about Caudle's confirmation hearing. Also, the White House recently released the AI Action Plan, which includes 19 recommendations involving the DoD.

In this week's Break Out, Aaron and Lee discuss hints from the administration and congress that might give us a glimpse of the future of the FA-XX program. Plus, get ready for more shows from Breaking Defense that cover Congress and the Middle East.

In this week's episode of The Weekly Break Out, editor Lee Ferran is joined by reporters Justin Katz and Carley Welch to talk icebreakers and a new drone directive.

In this week's episode of the Break Out, Aaron Mehta and Lee Ferran discuss how companies, big and small, are exploring Golden Dome. Plus, the latest on the defense budget.

In this week's episode, Air Warfare reporter Michael Marrow reports about NATO's new 5 percent spending requirement. Hear reaction from NATO and European leaders.

In this episode of the Weekly Break Out. Reporter Ashley Roque shows us how the U.S. bombing campaign against Iranian nuclear sites unfolded. And reporter Theresa Hitchens explains the significance of a first-ever satellite refueling in space.

This week on The Break Out, editors Aaron Mehta and Lee Ferran discuss Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's series of Congressional hearings and what to expect from them. Then, Aaron is joined by Michael Marrow to discuss a recent story about the status of the F-35's radar.

This week on The Break Out, editors Aaron Mehta and Lee Ferran go global.
First, the pair discuss the top stories out of the Shangri-La Dialogues, the annual gathering in Singapore of defense leaders from around the Pacific. Then, they turn to the United Kingdom, and its roll out of the much-anticipated Strategic Defence Review.

This week, Senior Reporter Ashley Roque speaks to Managing Editor Lee Farran about news from the recent Army Aviation Association of America conference. Plus, we dig into the future of the F-35.

In this episode of the Weekly Break Out, Air Warfare Reporter Michael Marrow talks about his exclusive story with Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Allvin. Hear what Allvin feels the Air Force has over other services ahead of the budget.

In this episode of the Weekly Break Out, we discuss how rules of engagement in space may be shifting. Plus, we preview President Trump's upcoming trip to the Middle East and Qatar's gift of an Air Force One plays into Boeing's delivery of the presidential plane.

In this edition of the Break Out, Senior Land/OSD Reporter Ash Roque joins Aaron Mehta to discuss some of the big changes coming to the Army, which include those to ground vehicles. Air Warfare reporter Michael Marrow shows you what the Air Force wants in the ground as it modernizes its ICBMs. 

In this episode of the Break Out, Aaron Mehta and Lee Ferran dive into the reconciliation bill Republicans are pushing on Capitol Hill. Plus, we see major changes in international defense spending.

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth fires some top aides. Army vehicles programs face overhaul fears. All that and more in this week's Break Out.

In this edition of the Weekly Break Out, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth cancels several IT contracts. Reporter Carley Welch discusses its impact with Aaron Mehta. Plus, we recap the Sea, Air, Space Conference.

In this episode of the Weekly Break Out, Lee speaks to naval reporter Justin Katz about his recent trip aboard the USS Gerald Ford as it prepares for an upcoming voyage, plus, Aaron Mehta and Lee Ferran review the whirlwind first few weeks of the Trump administration.

In this edition of the Weekly Break Out, President Trump announced that Boeing won the competition to build the sixth-generation fighter, the F-47. Aaron Mehta and Valerie Insinna break down the announcement and what the historic win means for Boeing as a company.

In this episode of the Weekly Break Out, we discuss the Pentagon's "disestablishing" of the Office of Net Assessment. Plus, air warfare reporter Michael Marrow discusses his reporting on the future of foreign military contracts with the F-35. 

In this week's episode of The Weekly Break Out, we discuss major Navy news out of an Air Force show. Plus, the Army issues new guidance on dealing with lost drones. And finally, we look at upcoming shows.

Senior Reporter Valerie Insinna speaks to Aaron Mehta about the state of President Trump's nominees within the Department of Defense. Plus, we preview the Air Force Association meeting this week in Colorado.

In a surprise move on Friday, President Trump fired CQ Brown, the chairman of the joint chiefs and nominated Lt. Gen. Dan Caine, a little-known general, as his replacement. Plus, the Pentagon  seeks to reprioritize $50 billion. Aaron Mehta and Lee Ferran break it down and let you know what they will be looking out for as departments propose cuts.

Lee Ferran and Agnes Helou travel to Abu Dhabi to get you the latest from the IDEX 2025: International Defence Exhibition & Conference as well as a glimpse from the nearby maritime NAVDEX show.

In this episode of The Weekly Break Out, space reporter Teresa Hitchens and Aaron Mehta take a deep dive into her coverage of how President Donald Trump's "Iron Dome for America" plan is beginning to form. Plus, The Marine Corps makes a surprise shift in its F-35 strategy. 

It's an industry-heavy episode of The Break Out this week, as Congressional and Industry Reporter Valerie Insinna joins Aaron Mehta to discuss the latest, including the state of defense contracting after some uncertainty.

Plus, a discussion on Valerie's exclusive interview with Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Sen. Roger Wicker and a roundup of first quarter reports from the big defense primes.