Best Colinclark Podcasts (2026)

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New National Security Strategy drops as Congress floats $901B NDAA 7:18

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19d ago7:18

7:18

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 dig into the compromise 2026 National Defense Authori…

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Navy cancels Constellation-Class Frigate + Reagan Forum Preview 5:06

23d ago5:06

5:06

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 t…

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What's new at the Dubai Airshow + touring the F-35 8:15

1M ago8:15

8:15

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 walk…

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New plans for US Cyber Command and Army helicopter training - The Weekly Break Out 5:18

1M ago5:18

5:18

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 CYBER…

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Hegseth to unveil major acquisition reforms in address to defense CEOs - The Weekly Break Out 6:26

2M ago6:26

6:26

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…

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Zombie planes and other Pentagon ghost stories - The Weekly Break Out 7:32

2M ago7:32

7:32

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.

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US Coast Guard Calls Out Chinese Ships - The Weekly Break Out 5:47

3M ago5:47

5:47

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Space-based interceptors: What to expect. The Weekly Breakout 5:50

4M ago5:50

5:50

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.

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Navy's Secret Combat Drone Plans. The Weekly Break Out 5:16

4M ago5:16

5:16

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.

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Pentagon axes key capability office. The Weekly Break Out 5:30

4M ago5:30

5:30

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.

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How DOGE cuts are being institutionalized in the Pentagons policy. The Weekly Break Out 7:32

5M ago7:32

7:32

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.

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Ukraine's hopes of drone exports hits turbulence. The Weekly Break Out 7:04

5M ago7:04

7:04

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.

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Army bets big on Palantir and Golden Dome takes center stage. The Weekly Breakout 5:17

5M ago5:17

5:17

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.

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A potential new CNO plus a look at a White House AI Action Plan. The Weekly Breakout 6:19

5M ago6:19

6:19

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.

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What's going on with the Navy's next-gen fighter? The Weekly Break Out Ep. 26 4:44

6M ago4:44

4:44

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.

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Are Cracks Developing in the ICE Pact? The Weekly Break Out Ep. 25 5:52

6M ago5:52

5:52

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.

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Various approaches emerge about Golden Dome. The Weekly Break Out Ep. 24 6:05

6M ago6:05

6:05

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.

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NATO leaders discuss increased spending. The Weekly Break Out Ep. 23 6:36

6M ago6:36

6:36

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.

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US bombs Iran and China refuels a satellite. The Weekly Break Out Ep. 22 6:29

7M ago6:29

6:29

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.

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Hegseth faces lawmakers and an F-35 exclusive. The Weekly Break Out Ep. 21 5:47

7M ago5:47

5:47

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.

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Pacific policy in Singapore and the UK's new defense plan. The Weekly Break Out Ep. 20 5:41

7M ago5:41

5:41

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 much-anticipated Strategic Defence Review.…

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Army Aviation shifts on aircraft and unmanned systems. The Weekly Break Out Ep. 19 6:21

7M ago6:21

6:21

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.

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Air Force chief emphasizes agility in hopes of budget boost. The Weekly Break Out Ep. 18 7:03

8M ago7:03

7:03

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.

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Shifting orbits in space authorities. The Weekly Break Out Ep. 17 6:07

8M ago6:07

6:07

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.

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Major shifts in the Army and the infrastructure needed to modernize ICBMs. The Weekly Break Out Ep. 16 7:46

8M ago7:46

7:46

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.

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How defense could get $150B in addition to the budget. The Weekly Break Out Ep. 15 6:27

8M ago6:27

6:27

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.

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Hegseth allies ousted and land programs hang in the balance. The Weekly Break Out Ep. 14 7:08

9M ago7:08

7:08

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.

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Hegseth cancels $5.1 billion in IT contracts. The Weekly Break Out Ep. 13 6:02

9M ago6:02

6:02

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.

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Aboard the USS Gerald R. Ford and a review of Trump's first weeks in office. The Weekly Break Out Ep. 12 4:54

9M ago4:54

4:54

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.

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Trump announces F-47: What that means for Boeing. The Weekly Break Out Ep. 11 6:18

10M ago6:18

6:18

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.

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DoD shutters historic Pentagon office, orders contracts null. The Weekly Break Out Ep. 10 5:39

10M ago5:39

5:39

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.

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Army's new guidance on lost drones and a major contractor is out of a Navy contract. The Weekly Break Out Ep. 9 6:30

10M ago6:30

6:30

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.

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The state of Trump's Pentagon nominees. The Weekly Break Out Ep. 8 6:01

10M ago6:01

6:01

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.

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Who will replace the CQ Brown as the chairman of the joint chiefs? The Weekly Break Out Ep. 7 6:16

10M ago6:16

6:16

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 will be looking out for as departments propose cuts.…

1
Land vehicles and UAVs take center stage at IDEX 2025: The Weekly Break Out Ep. 6 4:23

11M ago4:23

4:23

Lee Ferran and Agnes Helou travel to Abu Dhabi to get you the latest from the IDEX 2025: International Defence Exhibition & Conference as well as a glimpse from the nearby maritime NAVDEX show.

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Decoding the Pentagon memo on Trump's 'Iron Dome for America': The Weekly Break Out Ep. 5 7:10

11M ago7:10

7:10

In this episode of The Weekly Break Out, space reporter Teresa Hitchens and Aaron Mehta take a deep dive into her coverage of how President Donald Trump's "Iron Dome for America" plan is beginning to form. Plus, The Marine Corps makes a surprise shift in its F-35 strategy.

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Contracting chaos and congressional dollars: The Weekly Break Out Ep. 4 8:36

11M ago8:36

8:36

It's an industry-heavy episode of The Break Out this week, as Congressional and Industry Reporter Valerie Insinna joins Aaron Mehta to discuss the latest, including the state of defense contracting after some uncertainty. Plus, a discussion on Valerie's exclusive interview with Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Sen. Roger Wicker and a roundu…

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Hesgeth arrives and SDA drama: The Weekly Break Out Ep. 3 7:25

11M ago7:25

7:25

In this week's episode, we talk about what to expect from the new defense secretary, plus run through a pair of industry conferences happening this week. And in the final segment, we swap Lee out for our own Michael Marrow to discuss the drama around the Space Development Agency.

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The funding fight and exclusive interviews: The Weekly Break Out Ep. 2 7:26

12M ago7:26

7:26

In the second episode of Breaking Defense's web series, Editor-in-Chief Aaron Mehta and Managing Editor Lee Ferran take a look at looming battles as Trump comes back into office.By Breaking Defense

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Will Elon Musk's DOGE come for the Pentagon? The Weekly Breakout Ep. 1 5:44

12M ago5:44

5:44

In this inaugural episode of The Break Out, we discuss if Elon Musk's DOGE, or Department of Government Efficiency, might end up setting policy. Plus, we dive into fleet issues as the Surface Navy Association symposium starts off. And finally, we will tell you more about this show, The Break Out and where to find it.…