Defense One Radio

Latest Episodes:

Europe's growing defense industry Sep 26, 2025

Show notes

The EU's ambassador to the U.S. underscores the importance of the bloc's $910 billion defense plans known as Readiness 2030.

Guest:

European Union Ambassador to the United States Jovita Neliupšienė.

Highlights from AFA's Air, Space & Cyber Conference Sep 24, 2025

Show notes

Our editors explore the vibe, the headlines, the aircraft, the drones, and the other news coming out of the Air Force Association's big annual conference at National Harbor, Maryland.

Guests:

Tom Novelly, Defense One senior reporter covering air and space warfare;
And Lauren C. Williams, Defense One senior editor.

How drone warfare is changing Sep 10, 2025

Show notes

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.

Alpine Eagle's Jan-Hendrik Boelens Aug 29, 2025

Show notes

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.

"Primal Intelligence" with Angus Fletcher Aug 27, 2025

Show notes

A researcher uses his work with U.S. special operations forces to explain a new neuroscientific approach to intuition, imagination, emotion, and common sense.

Guest:

Angus Fletcher, Professor of Story Science at Ohio State University's Project Narrative. His latest book is called, "Primal Intelligence: You Are Smarter Than You Know," from Penguin Random House.

The Pentagon's Golden Dome clampdown Aug 19, 2025

Show notes

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.

The U.S. military vs. drug cartels Aug 12, 2025

Show notes

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."

Tech Summit talks: The venture capitalists' perspective Aug 06, 2025

Show notes

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.

Tech Summit talks: The Space Rush Jul 16, 2025

Show notes

Panelists: