The Evolving Global Defense Environment

The Evolving Global Defense Environment

In this episode of Aerospace Unplugged, guest host Matt Hassan, Director of Internal Communications, sits down with David Allvin, recently retired four-star general and the 23rd Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force. Together, they explore how the global defense environment is shifting as threats become more interconnected and contested, and what that means for the United States and its allies. They also discuss why alliances, coalition operations, and true interoperability are becoming mission-critical, and examine the growing role of Collaborative Combat Aircraft in maintaining air dominance.  Episode Highlights: * The Evolution of Global Defense and Why Rethinking Modern Defense is Key Learn how the defense environment has evolved over the past 40 years, and why speed, adaptability and iteration now matter more than perfect, long-lived platforms in an era of accelerating change. * Why Agility is the Defining Advantage of the Next Decade From leadership and culture to acquisition and technology, explore why agility is a critical enabler for faster decisions, smarter risk‑taking, and sustained deterrence. * Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) and the Future of Air Dominance Dive into how CCAs reshape airpower by enabling human‑machine teaming, accelerating operational tempo, and helping the U.S. and its allies maintain air dominance in increasingly contested environments. * Industry, Government, and Allies: Accelerating Together Explore how closer collaboration, open architectures, and interoperability—designed in from the start—are essential to maintaining global security and coalition effectiveness.

The AAM Regulatory Landscape: What’s Moving, What’s Missing, What’s Next

In this episode of Aerospace Unplugged, our host Adam Kress is joined by Pulkit Agrawal, Certification and Regulatory Affairs Leader for Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) at Honeywell Aerospace, and Devin Patterson, Director of Strategic Engagement at Southwest Mission Accelerator Center (MAC).  Together, they take a deeper look at the rapidly evolving regulatory landscape that’s shaping advanced air mobility, discussing the current progress and challenges, as well as shifting policies across different government levels, and more.  Episode Highlights * Current Industry Developments, Needs, and Challenges: Explore how Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) initiatives, such as the EIPP program, are enabling early AAM operations, supporting data-driven rulemaking, and influencing collaboration among OEMs, regulators, and regional stakeholders. * State of the AAM U.S. Regulatory Landscape: Learn what the U.S. regulatory approach for advanced air mobility is, including an overview of the national AAM strategy and how programs like EIPP fit into the broader effort to scale safe, early operations. * Industry Collaborations & Their Significance: Discover how collaboration among industry, municipalities, states, and federal agencies is growing and how it's helping align infrastructure planning, policy development, and community engagement to support AAM deployment. * Future Outlook for Advanced Air Mobility: Get a forward-looking view of what to the future may hold as AAM progresses toward broader operations, spanning regulatory frameworks, infrastructure readiness, public acceptance, and more.(No character limit / Highlights)

Life After Service: An F-35 Fighter Pilot's Journey to Aerospace Innovation

In this episode of Aerospace Unplugged, our host Adam Kress is joined by special guest, Ben Hutchins, Senior Director of Government Relations for Defense & Space at Honeywell Aerospace. They discuss the journey involved when transitioning from military service to civilian life and into a successful career in the aerospace industry. Episode Highlights: * Pilot’s Experience in the Military: Learn about our guest’s journey during his service, including what it was like flying an F-35 fighter jet, what prompted his new step in career, and more.  * The Transition into Civilian Life: Explore the lessons and challenges learned moving from military service to the private sector, and how his expertise continues to be leveraged to support Honeywell’s defense programs, inclduing the F-35 PTMS. *  Reflection on Career Journey & Outlook for the Future: Dive into advice our guest has for veterans considering a similar military transition journey to civilian life, and what he looks forward to for the future of defense and space. Explore more about our Honeywell Defense & Space [https://aerospace.honeywell.com/us/en/industry/defense?utm_source=linkedin-or&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=25-ww-aero-defense&utm_term=011226&utm_content=jan-vi-lifeafterservicepodbuzzsprout-lp] solutions.

Connectivity in Modern Defense

In this episode of Aerospace Unplugged, our host Adam Kress chats with Tom Konicki, Director of Business Development for Defense and Space at Honeywell Aerospace Technologies. They explore what’s really at stake in today’s data-driven battlespace, and why multi-network, multi-orbit, resilient connectivity is now a strategic advantage for global defense forces. Episode Highlights: * Why Connectivity is Central to Modern Military Operations: Understand the challenges and requirements in today's defense landscape and why resilient, secure connectivity is the backbone of modern operations. * The Growing Need for Robust SATCOM Systems in Mission Critical Scenarios: Explore how multi-orbit, multi-network SATCOM solutions like JetWave X deliver reliability and flexibility ensuring mission success. * Cybersecurity's Role in Defense Connectivity: Learn how secure data transfer and advanced cybersecurity measures protect connectivity in high-stakes defense environments. * Future Trends in Defense Connectivity: Dive into what's next in secure connectivity and how it'll become the strategic edge in global defense operations.  Get More Insights Now Discover the latest expert insights on the advances in connectivity across all operations. Download the Connectivity Whitepaper. [https://aerospace.honeywell.com/us/en/connectivity/connectivity-whitepaper]

On the Road at the 2025 American Aviation Leadership Summit

In this special episode of Aerospace Unplugged, our host Adam Kress reports on location from the inaugural American Aviation Leadership Summit hosted by Honeywell Aerospace in Washington, D.C. The event gathered hundreds of aviation professionals, including regulators and lawmakers, for a series of panels that cover what’s needed to ensure America remains the global leader in aviation. Throughout the day, discussions focused on major industry topics such as safety, smarter airspace management, innovation, and more—all of which are spotlighted in this episode.   Episode Highlights: * Modernization as the Cornerstone of American Aviation: Explore how lawmakers and industry leaders emphasized the urgent need to modernize aviation infrastructure and airspace, highlighting government and industry collaboration as essential for progress. * Integrating New Technologies for Safety and Efficiency: Understand the critical role of airspace integration and air traffic control modernization, as discussed by expert panels, in ensuring safety and operational efficiency as advanced technologies enter the market. * Advancing Public Acceptance and State-Level Innovation: Learn how state initiatives, such as those in Florida, are driving modernization in advanced air mobility, drones, and ATC systems, with a focus on public acceptance and regulatory adaptation. * Regulatory Pathways and the Future of Aviation Autonomy: Dive into the evolving landscape of aviation certification, autonomy, and artificial intelligence, including insights from industry CEOs and policymakers on the regulatory needs and future trends shaping national airspace and safety. * Here insights from: James Currier, President and CEO, Honeywell Aerospace; Sean Duffy, U.S. Secretary of Transportation; Chairman Troy Nehls (R-TX), U.S. House Transportation Committee, Aviation Subcommittee; Rep. Sharice Davids (D-KS), U.S. House Transportation Committee, Aviation Subcommittee; Sharon Pinkerton, Senior Vice President, Legislative & Regulatory Policy, Airlines 4 America (A4A); Brandon Lint, Regulatory Affairs and Certification Specialist, Skygrid; David Murphy, Chief Architect and Product Manager, ANRA Technologies; Kevin Cox, CEO, Atlantic Vertiports; Justin Barkowski, Legislative and Regulatory Counsel, American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE); Clint Harper, Advanced Air Mobility Community Advocate; Jared Perdue, Secretary of Transportation, Florida Department of Transportation; Todd Sigler, Senior Director, Global Safety & Regulatory Affairs, Boeing; Eric Holmberg, Chief Developmental Test Pilot, Gulfstream; Captain Steve Jangelis, Air Safety Chair, Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA); Bryan Bedford, Administrator, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA); Cindy Comer, Vice President, SMS, Certification & Quality, Wisk; Scott O'Brien, Vice President, Legislative Affairs, Reliable Robotics; Dómhnal Slattery, Chairman of the Board, Vertical Aerospace; Eloa Guillotin, Co-Founder & CEO, Beyond Aero; Marc Allen, CEO, Electra; Rep. Jay Obernolte (R-CA), Co-Chair, Artificial Intelligence Task Force, U.S. House of Representatives.