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, 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. If you follow US defense policy, shipbuilding challenges, or the intersection of politics and the Pentagon, this episode is for you. Underwritten by Leonardo DRS. Read more: Navy kills four ships in Constellation-class frigate program in 'strategic shift'
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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 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. Get our full Dubai Airshow coverage here. 0:00 — Autonomous systems dominate the 2025 Dubai Airshow 0:34 — Global players push drones and manned-unmanned teaming 1:57 — Russia's Su-75 model 2:34 — Space technology expands at the show 3:08 — F-35 walkaround tour begins 4:31 — F-35 sensors 5:31 — F-35 weapons 6:05 — F135 engine 7:00 — Block 4 CCA teaming 📰 Get more defense coverage at https://breakingdefense.com/
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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 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 replace the UH-72 Lakota training helicopter with a simpler, IFR-certified single-engine aircraft. We cover the requirements, industry competitors, shutdown delays and what the future Army pilot pipeline could look like. Underwritten by Leonardo DRS. Stories: Pentagon releases 'revised' plan to boost cyber talent, 'domain mastery' Inside six helo companies gunning for the Army's Flight School Next program
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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 says is "heartbreaking" about the current state of US Cyber Command. Stories: Draft memo reveals potentially sweeping Pentagon acquisition reforms How the 'heartbreaking' lack of a confirmed leader is impacting CYBERCOM and NSA 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 industry might react 3:11 - Underwritten by Leonardo DRS 3:26 - CYBERCOM leadership void 4:21 - Why an acting leader isn't enough 5:58 - Conclusion 📰 Full coverage at https://www.breakingdefense.com Subscribe to The Weekly Break Out to get new episodes delivered straight to your feed.
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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.
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!
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