Air Force chief emphasizes agility in hopes of budget boost. The Weekly Break Out Ep. 18
Release Date: 05/20/2025
New National Security Strategy drops as Congress floats $901B NDAA
The Weekly Break Out
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.
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Navy cancels Constellation-Class Frigate + Reagan Forum Preview
The Weekly Break Out
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....
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What's new at the Dubai Airshow + touring the F-35
The Weekly Break Out
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. . 0:00 — Autonomous systems...
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New plans for US Cyber Command and Army helicopter training - The Weekly Break Out
The Weekly Break Out
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...
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Hegseth to unveil major acquisition reforms in address to defense CEOs - The Weekly Break Out
The Weekly Break Out
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: 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...
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Zombie planes and other Pentagon ghost stories - The Weekly Break Out
The Weekly Break Out
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.
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US Coast Guard Calls Out Chinese Ships - The Weekly Break Out
The Weekly Break Out
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.
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Space-based interceptors: What to expect. The Weekly Breakout
The Weekly Break Out
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.
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Navy's Secret Combat Drone Plans. The Weekly Break Out
The Weekly Break Out
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.
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Pentagon axes key capability office. The Weekly Break Out
The Weekly Break Out
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.
info_outlineIn 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.