PODCAST · government
The Weekly Break Out
by Breaking Defense
The weekly news show on defense politics, policy, procurement and technology from the the world's leading defense media, Breaking Defense. Available here in audio podcast form, or on our site in video. Follow and subscribe today!
Episodes
-
Drones take over AUSA, plus the Army's plan to bring in new vendors
Autonomy was everywhere at the 2026 AUSA expo in Washington. In this episode of The Break Out, Breaking Defense Editor-in-Chief Aaron Mehta and Land Warfare Reporter Carley Welch discuss how drones, low-cost interceptors, lasers and electronic warfare swarmed the show floor as Defense Secretary...
-
Unpacking Boeing's F/A-XX win, plus a report from wartime Ukraine
In this week's episode of The Break Out, Editor-in-chief Aaron Mehta and Navy reporter Diana Stancy explain what we know — and don't — about Boeing's win for the Navy's F/A-XX fighter, from its expected role alongside F-35s and F/A-18s to concerns about how Boeing will execute two…
more -
Drone-hunting on the border, plus turmoil at an Air Force think tank
In this week's episode of The Break Out, Army reporter Carley Welch discusses what she saw at Falcon Peak in Yuma, Ariz., where the US military and industry partners spent weeks testing equipment designed to spot and counter drone incursions along the southern border. Then Air Warfare Reporter...
-
Air Force braces for new era of AI-powered hacking, plus unpacking the Mecca pact
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...
-
An Army leadership shakeup, plus lasers on the border
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 —...
-
How a new Pentagon memo 'resets' industry requirements, plus highlights from TechNet
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...
-
Diving into Trump's unusual shipbuilding plans, plus an SMD expo floor tour
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...
-
Farnborough last looks, plus how the Iran war is affecting arms sales
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...
-
AIA chief Eric Fanning on the budget and the health of America's defense industry
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....
-
Pentagon pursues space-based solar power
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...
-
How Trump wants to change American weapon sales abroad
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...
-
What to watch: Trump vs. Canada, Saudi F-35s, new naval tech
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...
-
Trump targets defense giants in Davos as Qatari Air Force One nears takeoff
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...
-
Who's who in Air Force acquisition, and new surface Navy tech
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...
-
Trump takes aim at major defense firms, demands faster production
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.
-
Lessons learned from the US raid on Venezuela
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...
-
New National Security Strategy drops as Congress floats $901B NDAA
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...
-
Navy cancels Constellation-Class Frigate + Reagan Forum Preview
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…
more -
What's new at the Dubai Airshow + touring the F-35
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…
more -
New plans for US Cyber Command and Army helicopter training - 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...
-
Hegseth to unveil major acquisition reforms in address to defense CEOs - 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...
-
Zombie planes and other Pentagon ghost stories - 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.
-
US Coast Guard Calls Out Chinese Ships - 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.
-
Space-based interceptors: What to expect. The Weekly Breakout
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.
-
Navy's Secret Combat Drone Plans. 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.
-
Pentagon axes key capability office. 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.
-
How DOGE cuts are being institutionalized in the Pentagons policy. The Weekly Break Out
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.
-
Ukraine's hopes of drone exports hits turbulence. The Weekly Break Out
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.
-
Army bets big on Palantir and Golden Dome takes center stage. The Weekly Breakout
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.
-
A potential new CNO plus a look at a White House AI Action Plan. The Weekly Breakout
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.
-
What's going on with the Navy's next-gen fighter? The Weekly Break Out Ep. 26
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.
-
Are Cracks Developing in the ICE Pact? The Weekly Break Out Ep. 25
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.
-
Various approaches emerge about Golden Dome. The Weekly Break Out Ep. 24
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.
-
NATO leaders discuss increased spending. The Weekly Break Out Ep. 23
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.
-
US bombs Iran and China refuels a satellite. The Weekly Break Out Ep. 22
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.
-
Hegseth faces lawmakers and an F-35 exclusive. The Weekly Break Out Ep. 21
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.
-
Pacific policy in Singapore and the UK's new defense plan. The Weekly Break Out Ep. 20
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...
-
Army Aviation shifts on aircraft and unmanned systems. The Weekly Break Out Ep. 19
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.
-
Air Force chief emphasizes agility in hopes of budget boost. The Weekly Break Out Ep. 18
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.
-
Shifting orbits in space authorities. The Weekly Break Out Ep. 17
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.
-
Major shifts in the Army and the infrastructure needed to modernize ICBMs. The Weekly Break Out Ep. 16
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.
-
How defense could get $150B in addition to the budget. The Weekly Break Out Ep. 15
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.
-
Hegseth allies ousted and land programs hang in the balance. The Weekly Break Out Ep. 14
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.
-
Hegseth cancels $5.1 billion in IT contracts. The Weekly Break Out Ep. 13
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.
-
Aboard the USS Gerald R. Ford and a review of Trump's first weeks in office. The Weekly Break Out Ep. 12
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.
-
Trump announces F-47: What that means for Boeing. The Weekly Break Out Ep. 11
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.
-
DoD shutters historic Pentagon office, orders contracts null. The Weekly Break Out Ep. 10
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.
-
Army's new guidance on lost drones and a major contractor is out of a Navy contract. The Weekly Break Out Ep. 9
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.
-
The state of Trump's Pentagon nominees. The Weekly Break Out Ep. 8
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.
-
Who will replace the CQ Brown as the chairman of the joint chiefs? The Weekly Break Out Ep. 7
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…
more
We're indexing this podcast's transcripts for the first time — this can take a minute or two. We'll show results as soon as they're ready.
No matches for "" in this podcast's transcripts.
No topics indexed yet for this podcast.
Loading reviews...
ABOUT THIS SHOW
The weekly news show on defense politics, policy, procurement and technology from the the world's leading defense media, Breaking Defense. Available here in audio podcast form, or on our site in video. Follow and subscribe today!
HOSTED BY
Breaking Defense
CATEGORIES
Loading similar podcasts...
Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does The Weekly Break Out have?
The Weekly Break Out currently has 55 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is The Weekly Break Out about?
The weekly news show on defense politics, policy, procurement and technology from the the world's leading defense media, Breaking Defense. Available here in audio podcast form, or on our site in video. Follow and subscribe today!
How often does The Weekly Break Out release new episodes?
The Weekly Break Out has 55 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to The Weekly Break Out?
You can listen to The Weekly Break Out on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts The Weekly Break Out?
The Weekly Break Out is created and hosted by Breaking Defense.
URL copied to clipboard!