The sky is the new battleground for global powers. In this episode of Facing Coming Storms, aerospace expert Douglas Barry from the International Institute for Strategic Studies joins us to unpack the rapid evolution of military aviation and space. From Ukraine’s drone tactics to China’s space defences and the U.S.’s next-generation fighters, we explore how drones, lasers, and sixth-generation aircraft are reshaping warfare.

We dive into escalating costs, the race for air superiority, and the electromagnetic battlefield redefining missions. From fibre-optic drones to space militarization, we examine the toll on soldiers and commanders, plus the human cost.

Key moments

• 02:56 - Surge in Aerospace Innovation
• 06:34 - Drone Proliferation and Countermeasures
• 12:01 - Electronic Warfare and Fiber Optics
• 15:14 - Role of Next-Gen Combat Aircraft
• 19:19 - Impact of Space Systems on Warfare
• 23:01 - Airspace Management Complexities
• 26:20 - Recruitment and Retention Issues
• 30:40 - AI-Driven Targeting Revolution
• 34:33 - Performative Strikes and Escalation Risks
• 38:14 - Space Vulnerabilities and Connectivity
• 40:27 - Adapting to Rapid Technological Change

Facing Coming Storms is brought to you by the British Army’s Centre for Historical Analysis and Conflict Research, in partnership with the Project for the Study of the 21st Century, and produced by Urban Podcasts.