The Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses (SEAD) mission has evolved alongside the development of Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM) systems. In this episode of The Lowdown, host Mike "Flash" McVay takes a deep dive into the history and advancements of SAM technology, from its early origins to today’s modern, highly integrated air defense networks.

🛡️ How did SAMs start? The first concepts of surface-to-air guided weapons were developed in WWII, but it wasn’t until the Cold War that the technology became a true threat to air superiority.
🚀 The Rise of Soviet SAMs – From the SA-1 and SA-2 in the Vietnam War to modern S-400 and S-500 systems, the Russian IADS (Integrated Air Defense System) remains one of the most formidable air defense networks todayy
⚡ How the U.S. Responded – The Wild Weasel program, AGM-88 HARM missiles, and the shift to electronic warfare and cyberattacks to neutralize enemy air defenses.
🌍 SAMs Today & The Future – Countries around the world are developing more advanced, mobile, and networked air defense systems, making SEAD missions riskier than ever.

The SEAD mission is evolving, and understanding how SAMs have shaped air warfare is critical for today’s modern air combat operations.

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In this week’s Lowdown on The Afterburn Podcast, we cover the Korean F-16 bombing mishap, the Air Force grounding KC-46 tankers, Ukraine’s new GBU-39 bomb strikes, and Russia’s Su-57 stopping in Iran. From defense industry failures to high-stakes air combat updates, this is your go-to briefing for global military and aviation news.

🚀 Topics Covered:

• South Korean F-16s accidentally drop bombs on a populated area
• Ukraine’s GBU-39 smart bombs now being used on Su-27s and F-16s
• Boeing’s KC-46 tanker plagued with structural cracks, delaying deliveries
• Air Force cheating scandal—100 cadets under investigation at the Academy
• US B-52s flying near Russia, escorted by NATO F-18s and F-35s
• High-powered microwave weapons deployed to counter drone swarms
• F-16s now equipped with AGM-84 Harpoon anti-ship missiles

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The Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses (SEAD) mission, better known as the Wild Weasel mission, has been a critical component of air warfare since Vietnam. In this special five-part series, host Mike "Flash" McVay explores the evolution of SEAD from its early days in Rolling Thunder to Desert Storm, Kosovo, and today’s modern air battles.

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In this episode of the Afterburn Podcast, we lay the groundwork—how the Soviet Union’s SAM (Surface-to-Air Missile) technology changed air combat forever and how the U.S. Air Force adapted tactics, aircraft, and weapon systems to counter these threats. From the first Wild Weasel F-100s to the F-4G Phantom, F-16CJ, and the modern F-35, we trace the development of anti-radiation missiles, electronic warfare, and SEAD strategy that have enabled air superiority for decades.

As we move into great power competition, air dominance is no longer guaranteed. This series will bring in veteran SEAD pilots who have executed the Wild Weasel mission in combat, sharing firsthand experiences from Vietnam to present-day threats.

The Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses (SEAD) mission, better known as the Wild Weasel mission, has been a critical component of air warfare since Vietnam. In this special five-part series, host Mike "Flash" McVay explores the evolution of SEAD from its early days in Rolling Thunder to Desert Storm, Kosovo, and today’s modern air battles.

In this episode, we lay the groundwork—how the Soviet Union’s SAM (Surface-to-Air Missile) technology changed air combat forever and how the U.S. Air Force adapted tactics, aircraft, and weapon systems to counter these threats. From the first Wild Weasel F-100s to the F-4G Phantom, F-16CJ/CM, and the modern F-35, we trace the development of anti-radiation missiles, electronic warfare, and SEAD strategy that have enabled air superiority for decades.

As we move into great power competition, air dominance is no longer guaranteed. This series will bring in veteran SEAD pilots who have executed the Wild Weasel mission in combat, sharing firsthand experiences from Vietnam to present-day threats.

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In this episode of The Afterburn Podcast, he reflects on his time in 3rd Ranger Battalion, the intense urban warfare of Black Hawk Down. Recently, Brad was featured in Netflix’s Surviving Black Hawk Down. #blackhawkdown Brad takes us inside the realities of special operations, how gear and tactics evolved, and the raw, unfiltered truth about Mogadishu that Hollywood didn’t tell.

Brad Thomas has lived multiple lives—Army Ranger assigned to the 75th Ranger Regiment and combat veteran of the Battle of Mogadishu. Brad later went on to serve as a Delta Force Operator. Following a career in the Army Brad tapped into his passion for music and went on to found the band Silence and Light with fellow veterans.

Beyond the battlefield, we explore his passion for music, leadership, and veterans' mental health, as well as the upcoming projects with his band. If you're interested in military history, elite training, and how combat experiences shape veterans' lives, this episode is a must-listen.

Brad's IG: https://www.instagram.com/bradthomas_official/?hl=en

🎵 Brad's band Silence and Light: https://silenceandlightmusic.com/

Netflix's Surviving Black Hawk Down: https://www.netflix.com/title/81737703

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The U.S. Navy’s USS Harry S. Truman was struck by a merchant vessel in the Mediterranean. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia’s air exercise featured JF-17s, Rafales, F-16s, and F-15s, showcasing multinational airpower. A drone strike at Chernobyl punctured the protective dome over Reactor 4, highlighting security vulnerabilities. China’s J-20 stealth fighter was spotted in "Beast Mode" carrying up to 14 PL-15 long-range missiles, signaling a shift in air combat strategy. The EA-18G Growler crashed into San Diego harbor, with both pilots ejecting safely.

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In this episode of The Afterburn Podcast, Mike “Flash” McVay sits down with Col (Ret) Derek "Woody" Oaks, a pilot who made the rare transition from flying C-130 to the A-10. Woody shares his experiences flying combat missions, the challenges of transitioning between vastly different airframes, and the leadership lessons he learned throughout his Air Force career. From his time at the Air Force Academy to commanding a fighter group, “Woody” reflects on decision-making in combat, the art of close air support, and what it means to lead in high-pressure environments. Whether moving troops and cargo in the C-130 or delivering firepower from the A-10, his stories capture the essence of military aviation, camaraderie, and the evolution of airpower.

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🔺 Lowdown Newsletter Defense & Aviation - https://bit.ly/AfterburnNewsletter 🔺

This week on The Lowdown, we break down the biggest headlines in defense and aviation. The Marine Corps is shifting its F-35 fleet, cutting planned F-35B purchases in favor of more carrier-based F-35Cs.

The Air Force has built a Frankenstein F-35—merging two damaged jets into one combat-ready aircraft. We also cover the Kirov-Class battlecruiser revival, a major development for the Russian Navy. The U.S. deployed F-16s to Greenland in response to increasing Russian bomber activity in the Arctic.

Meanwhile, a former Federal Reserve official was arrested for allegedly selling U.S. economic secrets to China—a case that could have major national security implications. We also dive into the VH-92 Marine One helicopter delays, hypersonic missile threats, and how infrared search & track (IRST) is reshaping air combat.

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This week on The Lowdown, we break down the latest aviation and defense stories. An F-35 crashed in Alaska, but the pilot ejected safely. Meanwhile, Iran has secured a deal to purchase Su-35 fighters from Russia, adding to its aging fleet of F-14s and MiG-29s. We also discuss Sweden’s massive $1.2 billion military aid package to Ukraine, which includes combat boats, anti-tank missiles, and long-range strike drones.

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In this episode of the Afterburn Podcast, we dive into the mystery surrounding Malaysian Airlines Flight 370. The disappearance of MH370 remains a mystery. In this episode, former fighter pilot and current 777 pilot John 'Rain' Waters interviews aviation expert and author Jeff Wise on the mysterious disappearance of Malaysian Airlines Flight MH370.

Explore the detailed timeline, cyber vulnerabilities, military responses, and the controversial theories behind this aviation enigma. From the role of Inmarsat data to the shadow of Russian involvement, Wise provides unparalleled insight into one of the greatest mysteries in modern aviation. Discover how cybersecurity, geopolitics, and human factors intersect in this captivating discussion.

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In this episode of the Afterburn Podcast, Colonel G. Hall Sebren Jr., Deputy Commander of the Air Force Sustainment Center, discusses the critical role of aircraft maintenance in the U.S. Air Force. He shares insights on the challenges of maintaining fighter jets like the F-16, the importance of communication between operations and maintenance teams, and the complexities of keeping the nation's aircraft combat-ready. Col. Sebren also touches on the Air Force's sustainment strategies for legacy and modern aircraft, and his journey from Viper maintainer to senior leadership.

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