Aviation Week's Check 6 Podcast

Aviation Week Military Space Editor Vivienne Machi reflects on what we learned at AFA on space and the Iran war, as well as launch concerns for the Space Force and how that resonates with what Executive Editor for Defense and Space Robert Wall heard at World Space Business Week.

Emergency podcast: A special Lockheed SR-71A has gone missing after being displayed in front of a NASA facility for more than 26 years. Meanwhile, the NASA administrator is dropping hints that a new X-plane is in the works that happens to look a lot like a Blackbird. What's going on here? Editors Robert Wall, Graham Warwick and Steve Trimble explain what's going on—as far as they know today. Sign up to receive Aviation Week newsletters here: https://aviationweek.com/signup

Long-running tensions between Boeing and GE Aerospace over engines surfaced again, with 777X the cause du jour. Editors explain the dynamics at play and also discuss the 737 MAX ramp-up and what might happen if SPEEA technicians and professionals strike in the Seattle area come October. Sign up to receive Aviation Week newsletters here: https://aviationweek.com/signup

Editors discuss the news from last week's AFA gathering, addressing the Air Force secretary's bombshell weapons-in-space disclosure, new aircraft weapons concepts on show and so much more. Thank you to our sponsor, GE Aerospace . GE Aerospace is uniquely positioned to support its defense customers, providing reliable, high performance military engines and systems for air and sea. Building on more than a century of innovation, GE Aerospace continues to mobilize a new era of growth, balancing the current needs of the industry with the advanced capabilities needed for the future. For more information, visit geaerospace.com

Aviation Week's resident 747 experts Guy Norris and Jens Flottau discuss why Boeing's "jumbo jet" still matters and has outlasted predictions made decades ago. Sign up to receive Aviation Week newsletters here: https://aviationweek.com/signup

Editors gather on the eve of the AFA's Air, Space & Cyber Conference to discuss what the key themes will be at this year's event. Sign up to receive Aviation Week newsletters here: https://aviationweek.com/signup

GE Aerospace's $12 billion acquisition of CPP has huge implications for the castings and aircraft engine sectors—Aerodynamic Advisory's Kevin Michaels joins Aviation Week editors to explain why. Sign up to receive Aviation Week newsletters here: https://aviationweek.com/signup

Listen in as editors discuss Saab's collaborative combat aircraft (CCA) concept, Europe's evolving uncrewed combat aircraft strategy and the U.S. Navy's ambitious carrier-based CCA plans. Mission-critical defense systems demand unwavering reliability. Siemens delivers comprehensive solutions across engineering, manufacturing and lifecycle management. When precision matters most, trust Siemens. Your mission is our commitment. Learn more at siemens.com .

Aviation Week's Graham Warwick offers a scathing assessment of U.S. regulators as a King Air crash earlier this year underscores concerns about the Global Positioning System. He is joined by Robert Wall and Joe Anselmo to discuss its vulnerabilities and the barriers to overcoming those.

Editors talk Tailhook, covering the Navy's surprise unveiling of Malice, a new long-range air-to-air missile, future carrier deck operations, the use of uncrewed aircraft, hypersonic weapons and more. Thank you to our sponsor, GE Aerospace. GE Aerospace is uniquely positioned to support its defense customers, balancing the current needs of the industry with the advanced capabilities needed for the future. Learn more about the reliable, high-performance military engines and systems that continue to mobilize a new era of growth. Explore now

Did Boeing's inaction open the door to Airbus' sales bonanza? United's plan to use XLRs on new transatlantic routes revives the question. Joe Anselmo, Jens Flottau and Christine Boynton are joined by regular columnist Richard Aboulafia, managing director at AeroDynamic Advisory, to discuss.

Aviation Week's Military Space Editor Vivienne Machi discusses the latest developments with the National Reconnaissance Office, the Victus Haze rendezvous and proximity operations missions, and what awaits the new slate of U.S. defense and intelligence space leadership.

Listen in as our editors discuss good earnings, bad earnings, SpaceX, AI, the aftermarket, Boeing, an electric airplane and a Groundhog Day moment.

Robert Wall and Brian Everstine discuss the annual Space and Missile Defense Conference in Huntsville and focus on the major themes that emerged there.

Aviation Week's Joe Anselmo, Christine Boynton, Jens Flottau and Guy Norris discuss the long-awaited certification of the Boeing 737-7, the MAX type with the longest range, and also explore how airlines are coping after a tumultuous first half.

Editors discuss the Pentagon's modernization priorities, including the Air Force's collaborative combat aircraft program, Air Force One modification issues and the Navy's efforts to advance a more modular missile defense architecture. Thank you to our sponsor, GE Aerospace . GE Aerospace is uniquely positioned to support the Defense sector, providing reliable high performance, innovative military engines, systems and services. Learn more at geaerospace.com/military-defense

A new survey reveals a widening gap between airline sentiment and the rest of the industry regarding a potential downturn. Listen in as editors are joined by consultants from McKinsey who share results from their research carried out in partnership with Aviation Week. Download McKinsey's white paper in partnership with Aviation Week as a PDF here

Listen in to hear about Brontanax, GCAP, interceptors, howling Hongdus and more as Aviation Week defense editors break down what they learned at the Farnborough Airshow.

Editors Christine Boynton, Jens Flottau and Guy Norris discuss the latest developments in NGSA technology, aircraft orders, Emirates' first 777Xs and more from the 2026 Farnborough Airshow. Watch Guy and Christine's video on GE's hybrid-electric milestone here

Editors unpack the Global Air & Space Chiefs Conference in London, breaking down the Storm Fighter CCA program, space launch infrastructure issues and more, plus what to expect from Farnborough Airshow.