Interview

Europe must wean off ‘addiction’ to US military, Swedish DefMin says

Speaking to Breaking Defense, Pål Jonson signaled that defense cooperation between Sweden and the US has not been impacted by recent political tensions.

Why a Ukrainian peace deal wouldn’t impact Swedish Gripen-E delivery times

Sweden's defense minister told Breaking Defense that his government is "looking into" sending older Gripen models to Ukraine.

Outgoing Leonardo DRS CEO Bill Lynn on the future of the defense industry

Lynn, who is leaving Leonardo DRS after 14 years, said "I feel like the stability of the company is strong, and that's a good time for a transition."

Saab CEO floats Euro defense ‘coalition,’ plans to fly unmanned combat demonstrator

"We should sort of understand that we need to do more in Europe, nation by nation, of course, but also as part of the alliance, being a strong pillar in NATO" said Saab CEO Micael Johansson.

EDGE Group CEO says space, Africa are 2 critical areas for growth in coming years

"Our plan is to continuously grow. Our plan is to grow internationally," EDGE CEO Hamad Al Marar told Breaking Defense. "Our plan is to see how we can establish alliances with countries outside the UAE."

New No. 2 House appropriator: Reconciliation bill going to be ‘heavy lift’

In a sit down with Breaking Defense, Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart discussed getting the FY25 budget sorted, giving the Pentagon more flexibility, and reforming foreign aid.

Lockheed Martin COO Frank St. John on the defense budget, potential acquisitions and supply chain

"With regards to the election, we think that deterrence and deterrence capabilities are an enduring theme, regardless of which party is in the executive branch or who's in control of Congress," said Lockheed Martin COO Frank St. John.

EXCLUSIVE: Australian defense minister Richard Marles on AUKUS, China and industry concerns

"Look, AUKUS is new. People are coming to terms with it. With anything that's new, people have anxiety," Marles said in an interview with Breaking Defense.

Sweden’s top officer on the ‘mental transition’ of joining NATO and Russian concerns

Gen. Micael Byden, Supreme Ccmmander of Sweden's military, sat down with Breaking Defense during a recent visit to Washington.

Norway’s top officer on his ‘biggest challenge,’ next frigate and new NATO neighbors

Gen. Eirik Kristoffersen, Norway's Chief of Defense, talks to Breaking Defense about his plans for spending on new frigates and subs, the challenges of upgrading Norway's "digital backbone" and refilling the military's stocks.

Lockheed Australia CEO talks AUKUS, All Domain and the subsidiary’s future

"I read about so many people in my position, who say, I'm going to triple revenue by whatever. I don't get into that game. Perhaps that's because of my defense upbringing. I know how to turn capital into capability. I look at value in a company. Revenue to me is one marker. Value is the most important marker for me," Warren "Macca" McDonald, CEO of Lockheed Martin Australia, told Breaking Defense.

Palmer Luckey on Anduril’s growth plans, a future IPO and how ChatGPT has impacted AI

"I can't really imagine a world where something like a Joint Strike Fighter program goes to a privately traded company," Luckey told Breaking Defense. "I can't imagine that ever happening."

National Guard chief on lessons from Ukraine, COVID-19 and military promotion limbo

In part of a wide-ranging interview with Breaking Defense, Gen. Daniel R. Hokanson said "every one" of the holds on confirmation for Joint Chiefs members is exacting a price on the military.

Raytheon president Wes Kremer on supply chains, some multi-year caution, and ‘interchangeability’

"We have to try to work on accelerating our build timelines," Kremer said of fast-tracking critical defense articles. "But I think [governments] have to also take on the challenge of, how do you get the industry under contracts quicker."