October 2026: Cheyenne II, Polar Security Cutters and Heavy-Lift Drones

In this episode, National Defense looks at the Army's next-generation Cheyenne Two aircraft, the Coast Guard's Polar Security Cutter program and a prize challenge that pushed the limits of heavy-lift aviation.

In this episode, National Defense looks at the Air Force's pursuit of a successor for the M-Q9A Reaper, next steps for the service's Collaborative Combat Aircraft program and how the Pentagon is attempting to harness nuclear energy by 2028.

In this episode, National Defense looks at how the Navy is integrating autonomy to combat underwater mines, the potential dissolution of the Space Development Agency and takeaways from Ukraine's rapid battlefield innovation.

In this episode, National Defense discusses the Air Force's unusual approach to the T-7A Red Hawk program, the upcoming shutdown of the V-22 Osprey production line and the Navy's new shipbuilding plan.

In this episode, National Defense discusses how humanoid robots are marching into the national security realm, the Navy's munitions shortage plans, and a new Army carbine rifle.

In this episode, National Defense discusses aerial tanker connectivity, mine removal technology in Ukraine, and the big rocket industry.

In this episode, National Defense discusses the progress of the Golden Dome missile defense initiative, Special Operations Command's vehicle fleet update, and a Ukrainian tech incubator's U.S. roadshow.

In this episode, National Defense discusses a new Marine Corps craft, takeaways from the Venezuelan capture mission, and two new Navy ship programs. 

In this episode, National Defense discusses rising inflation in defense, the Marines' new Force Design plan, and the U.S.'s space launch infrastucture.

In this episode, National Defense discusses the Air Force's beleaguered Sentinel ICBM program, how mining companies are challenging China's dominance of the Tungsten market, and the European Union's drone wall.