In the first of a three-part exclusive interview, Michèle Flournoy, CEO of the Center for a New American Security and frontrunner to become America’s first female defense secretary if Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton wins the White House, discusses the security challenges that will face the new US administration, the defense budget outlook and fighting ISIS.
Andrew Hunter, the director of the Defense-Industrial Initiatives Group at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, discusses his new report — “Federal Research and Development Contract Trends and the Supporting Industrial Base, 2000–2015” — that assessed the impact of budget cuts on research and development spending.
Dr. William Roper, the director of the Pentagon’s Strategic Capabilities Office, meets with reporters at SCO headquarters in Arlington, Va., to discuss how his office is driving innovation and making existing weapons to be more effective.
Ulf Nilsson, the head of Saab Aeronautics, discusses the company’s new Gripen E fighter, export markets and the company’s design philosophy.
Frank Kendall, the US undersecretary of defense for acquisition, technology and logistics, on the prospect of another continuing resolution, Congress’ proposal to use Overseas Contingency Operations funds to boost the Pentagon’s base budget, and DoD concerns with reform proposals.
Adm. Sir Philip Jones, Britain’s First Sea Lord and Chief of Naval Staff, on Brexit implications for the Royal Navy, whether 138 F-35 Lightning II fighters are enough for the Navy and Air Force, rebuilding big-deck carrier capabilities, Type 26 and 31 frigates, and how Russian and Chinese naval developments will shape future Royal Navy capabilities.
Håkan Buskhe, the president and CEO of Saab Group, on his company’s partnership with Boeing beyond the T-X trainer, growing in the United States and India, merger and acquisition plans, and research and development strategy.
Maj. Gen. Mats Helgesson, chief of the Swedish Air Force, on the state of his force on its 90th birthday, the Gripen fighter, air defense and strike missiles, Russia’s capabilities, future investment, trainers, tankers and transports, unmanned aircraft, protecting bases and future manpower models.
Gen. Micael Bydén, the supreme commander of Sweden’s Armed Forces, criticizes Russia’s regional behavior as “stupid,” discusses threats, priorities and country’s Total Defense concept.
Exclusive: Sweden’s Defense Minister Peter Hultqvist on US Vice President Joe Biden’s visit to Stockholm, cooperation with the United States, Russia, a bigger defense budget and future needs.