In this episode, Heather “Lucky” Penney talks to Lt. Gen. David Deptula, USAF (Ret.), Charles Galbreath, Todd “Sledge” Harmer, Anthony “Lazer” Lazarski, JV Venable, and Jeff Rowlison about the top defense issues this month in Washington, D.C. and beyond.

Our team digs into newly released FY26 budget details. There are some key issues to track for both the Air Force and Space Force. Seeking to retire 340 aircraft, while only procuring 76 is a high-risk strategy. Will Congress buy into it? Putting so much of the Space Force’s budget in reconciliation is proving contentious. They also explore comments by DARPA leadership regarding the future of stealth and discuss whether it’s smart to kill the E-7. We wrap with an extensive conversation regarding readiness: the numbers are bleak.

Guests

Lt Gen David A. Deptula, USAF (Ret.)Dean, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies

Charles GalbreathSenior Resident Fellow for Spacepower Studies, The Mitchell Institute Spacepower Advantage Center of Excellence

John VenableSenior Fellow for Airpower Studies, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies

Todd “Sledge” HarmerSenior Vice President, American Defense International

Jeff “Rowli” RowlisonVP, Space & Intel Programs, American Defense International

Anthony “Lazer” LazarskiPrincipal, Cornerstone Government Affairs

Host

Heather PenneyDirector of Research, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies

Related Reading

• A spectacular airstrike on Iran — and a sobering warning
• Why Airpower Plays A Key Role In Israel’s Military Campaign

Credits