Fighter Recapitalization, Trump on Ukraine, and the X-37B Mission: The Rendezvous - Ep. 248
02 August 2025

Fighter Recapitalization, Trump on Ukraine, and the X-37B Mission: The Rendezvous - Ep. 248

The Aerospace Advantage

About

Episode Summary:


In this episode, Heather “Lucky” Penney talks to Lt. Gen. David Deptula, USAF (Ret.), Jen Reeves, and Anthony “Lazer” Lazarski about the top defense issues this month in Washington, D.C. and beyond.


Our team digs into the status of the defense bills on Capitol Hill. This includes a discussion on spacepower policy and investment decisions, plus a focus on fighter recapitalization and E-7. We also explore President Trump’s new approach when it comes to Ukraine. The team also discusses recent Air Force and Space Force leadership changes. We wrap by explaining the significance of the latest X-37B mission as well as the US Space Force practicing 'orbital warfare' in its largest-ever training event.


Credits:


Host: Heather "Lucky" Penney, Director of Research, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies


Producer: Shane Thin 


Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey


Guest: Lt Gen David A. Deptula, USAF (Ret.), Dean, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies


Guest: Jennifer Reeves, Senior Resident Fellow for Space Studies, The Mitchell Institute Spacepower Advantage Center of Excellence (MI-SPACE)


Guest: Anthony “Lazer” Lazarski, Principal, Cornerstone Government Affairs



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