The Business End

In October, the Navy will award the contract for the first Columbia-class strategic submarine, meant to replace the aging Ohio-class subs; a program with strong bipartisan support expected to cost more than $110 billion dollars. John is joined by Rich Abott, Defense Daily's Navy and missile defense reporter.

More than fifty million flight hours have been logged with the T-53 turboshaft engine, powering military aircraft including the UH-1 Huey, the AH-1 Cobra, and recently the Kaman K-Max, which the U.S. Marine Corps has used for unmanned cargo delivery missions in dangerous situations. Guest host Woodrow Bellamy III talks with four experts to understand the ecosystem behind the iconic T-53 engine and what future applications may look like. This episode is sponsored by Honeywell Aerospace.

As drone proliferate, both clueless operators and those with criminal intent pose a threat to airports and other critical infrastructure. John talks with homeland security reporter Cal Biesecker on progress across the federal government on testing and procuring counter-drone systems that can be deployed in crowded environments. This episode is sponsored by Boeing. Sponsors have no input on editorial direction or coverage.

On January 1, 2020, all aircraft flying in controlled airspace will be required to equip ADS-B Out transponders, which constantly broadcast location and identifying information. The FAA does have a military exemption policy in place, but it's still an expensive and contested mandate. Woodrow Bellamy III, editor-in-chief of Avionics International, joins the pod to discuss. This episode is sponsored by Boeing. Sponsors have no input on editorial direction or coverage.

Tensions are building — or perhaps have boiled over — between Boeing and Northrop Grumman on potentially $100 billion worth of work, over five decades, replacing and maintaining the ground-based leg of the U.S. strategic deterrent. John is joined by nuclear guru Dan Leone to break down the conflict between two industrial base powerhouses over the GBSD program.

At the end of July, the Army announced its new Futures Command had reached full operational capacity at its headquarters in Austin, Texas, about one year after its launch. So what has the reorganization accomplished, or laid the groundwork for? John is joined by Army and cyber reporter Matthew Beinart to discuss the new command, run through the six modernization priorities and look ahead to Year 2. This episode is sponsored by Boeing. Sponsors have no input on editorial direction or coverage.

The Pentagon is considering purchasing new fourth-gen Boeing F-15EXs in addition to fifth-gen Lockheed Martin F-35s in order to more quickly replace the Air Force's aging fighter fleet. Where did this scenario come from, and what's the rationale behind it? Congressional and Air Force reporter Vivienne Machi joins John for this wide-ranging conversation. If you enjoy the show, please leave us a five-star review! The Business End is produced by Defense Daily, covering the business of defense for over 60 years. This episode is sponsored by Boeing. Sponsors do not influence or direct Defense Daily's editorial coverage.

What are the United States' main objectives in the Arctic, and how will the Coast Guard complete the mission? John asks business and homeland security reporter Cal Biesecker for the icy scoop on the Polar Security Cutter, featuring an appearance by Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Karl Schultz. If you enjoy the show, please leave us a five-star review! The Business End is produced by Defense Daily, covering the business of defense for over 60 years.

John talks to Air Force and Congressional reporter Vivienne Machi about the what, why and how of Space Force. Will they get new uniforms?? Listen to find out! If you enjoy the show, please leave us a five-star review! The Business End is produced by Defense Daily, covering the business of defense for over 60 years.

John is joined by rotorcraft expert Dan Parsons to unpack the Army's ambitious goal to procure a brand-new fleet of helicopters. If you enjoy the show, please leave us a five-star review! The Business End is produced by Defense Daily, with over 60 years of experience covering the business of defense.

For the show's premiere episode, John sits down with Army reporter Matt Beinart to talk about the Army's search for a Bradley replacement. If you enjoy the show, make sure to leave us a five-star review! The Business End is produced by Defense Daily, with over 60 years of experience covering the business of defense.