68 Best Defense Podcasts to Listen to (2026)

Special operations military news and straight talk with the guys in the community. Hosted by former military operators. As seen ranked #1 in Apple Podcasts government category. more

The Team House is a long-form, fiercely apolitical national security podcast hosted by Jack Murphy, featuring special operations veterans, intelligence professionals, frontline reporters, and guests who have never spoken publicly before. It delivers deep-dive conversations on conflict, tradecraft, and the forces shaping the world, alongside the sister show Eyes On Geopolitics hosted by Mick Mulroy, Andy Milburn, and Jason Lyons, focused on breaking down current geopolitical events and what they mean for national security. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-team-house--5960890/support . more

Discussions over drinks with security, defense, and foreign policy insiders and experts. The original War on the Rocks podcast series. more

The Modern War Institute Podcast, produced with the generous support of the West Point Class of 1974, is the flagship podcast of the Modern War Institute at West Point. It features discussions with guests including senior military leaders, scholars, and others on the most important issues related to modern military conflict. more

Strap in the cockpit as we dive into the stories of the men and women who defend the freedoms we love. From the cockpit of military jets to boots on the ground. The Afterburn Podcast dives into their stories, the planes, and the missions.For Advertising Opportunities or more information visit: https://theafterburnpodcast.com/ more

The Spear is a podcast from the Modern War Institute at West Point. It sets out to explore the combat experience, with each episode featuring a guest who tells a detailed and personal story, describing the events and exploring topics like decision-making under stress and what it feels like to be in combat. more

The Irregular Warfare Podcast explores an important component of war throughout history. Small wars, drone strikes, special operations forces, counterterrorism, proxies—this podcast covers the full range of topics related to irregular war and features in-depth conversations with guests from the military, academia, and the policy community. The podcast is a collaboration between the Modern War Institute at West Point and Princeton University's Empirical Studies of Conflict Project. more

Aviation Week & Space Technology editors take a look at some of the bigger-picture issues in the world of aerospace and defense more

Foreign policy and national security analysis from Eric Edelman and Eliot Cohen www.shieldoftherepublic.com

Hosts Melanie Marlowe, Christopher Preble, and Zack Cooper, debate their way through some of the toughest and most contentious topics related to strategy, international relations, and the use of force. This podcast is brought to you by the Stimson Center and produced by University FM. more

Military technology, trends, and national security...presented with unique insights, salt, and wit from combat aviator veterans and industry experts. Fence in for interviews and anecdotes about the ins, outs, and happenings at the intersection of technology, industry, strategy, and policy of aerospace and national defense. Brought to you by The Merge newsletter . more

The nuclear weapons, arms control, disarmament and nonproliferation podcast. Companion to the popular Arms Control Wonk blog (www.armscontrolwonk.com). Hosted by Jeffrey Lewis & Aaron Stein. more

As the world is increasingly urbanized, military forces must be prepared for cities to become battlefields. The Urban Warfare Project Podcast, from the Modern War Institute at West Point, features insightful discussions with scholars and practitioners as it sets out to explore the unique characteristics of urban warfare. more

The Naval Institute is a private, not-for-profit educational institution whose mission is to provide an independent forum for those who dare to read, think, speak, and write to advance the professional, literary, and scientific understanding of sea power and other issues critical to global security.Every week on the Proceedings Podcast, the Naval Institute's Director of Outreach, Ward Carroll, and the Editor-in-Chief of Proceedings, Bill Hamblet, talk about what's happening in the Sea Services, latest news from USNI News, stories in Proceedings and Naval History magazines, and interview Naval Institute authors. Deputy Editor Bill Bray joins the cast from time to time as well. more

Welcome to Mission Brief, the official IDF podcast. In each episode we'll be taking you behind the scenes of the IDF, speaking to the soldiers and officers that stand in defense of the state of Israel. more

Welcome to the Defense and Aerospace Report podcast, our weekly podcast on the global defense and aerospace business sponsored by Bell, and hosted by Defense & Aerospace Report Editor Vago Muradian. Each week, we'll bring you interviews with industry leaders and the business' best analysts to put events in context, identify trends and keep an eye on what's next in a fast-moving world. Defense & Aerospace Report is your global source for national security and aerospace news, thought leadership and analysis, founded and edited by Vago Muradian. more

A show about the defense industry. // 'We want to become the Netflix of podcasts.' —Tim Hartman, CEO of Government Executive more

Breaking Doctrine is the podcast of the US Combined Arms Doctrine Directorate (CADD) at Fort Leavenworth, KS. The podcast will explore timely topics of interest, regarding current and emerging Army and joint doctrine. Our guests will include a broad range of Army and other Service professionals with the vast knowledge and years of experience required to facilitate discussion on a variety of military doctrine-related topics. more

Today's Battlegrounds with H.R. McMaster is a podcast that provides a needed forum with leaders from key countries to share their assessment of problem sets and opportunities that have implications for U.S. foreign policy and national security strategy. more

This is the podcast of WAR ROOM, the official online journal of the U.S. Army War College. Join us for provocative discussions about U.S. national security and defense, featuring prominent national security and military professionals. more

The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies is proud to present The Aerospace Advantage, with Heather 'Lucky' Penney as the host. Every week, Lucky takes listeners into the world of aerospace power and help the audience understand what it takes to fly and fight in the sky, while also protecting America's interests in space. Whether talking to top generals, standing on a flight line full of combat aircraft, looking at a rocket being prepared for launch, or hearing from those who have laid it all on the line in defense of the nation—this podcast will afford unprecedented access and insight into where the combat aerospace community is going and why. more

Brought to you by the Texas National Security Review, this podcast features lectures, interviews, and panel discussions at The University of Texas at Austin. more

This podcast is for and about soldiers of the Canadian Army. Its primary goal is to provide them with useful information through thoughtful and open discussions that reflect their mutual interests and concerns. Though soldiers are our primary audience, the topics covered on this podcast should be relevant to anyone who supports our soldiers or who has an interest in Canadian military matters. more

The Defence & Security Podcast Network hosts a unique series of podcasts, featuring discussions with key enablers from across the Australian defence and security industry. The podcasts provide the perfect blend of business intelligence and insights from a range of guests, which include government officials, ADF personnel, industry stakeholders, and members of the academic community. By aligning ourselves with the ADF and the Commonwealth government, we are uniquely placed to deliver a dynamic 360° platform that bridges the gap between the customer (Defence) and industry. We split our focus not just into the traditional sectors of Land (Army), Air (Air Force) and Sea (Navy), but into the six new Capability Streams: - Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance, Electronic Warfare and Cyber - Key Enablers - Air and Sea Lift - Maritime and Anti-Submarine Warfare - Strike and Air Combat - Land Combat and Amphibious Warfare As Defence moves to ensure the Force Structure Review and the First Principles Review: Creating One Defence plans are met, Australian industry involvement is critical for mission success. The Defence & Security Podcast Network will provide you and your business with valuable lessons, tips and insights into the industry, putting your company in the best position to take part in the increased Defence spending. We'll cover every aspect of doing business in the defence industry, from the tender process to recruitment, success stories, access points to Defence, smart business strategies, and geopolitical insights. Subscribe to the Defence & Security Podcast Network and be part of this exciting and innovative industry. more

Navy Milbloggers Sal from 'CDR Salamander' and EagleOne from 'EagleSpeak' discuss leading issues and developments for the Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and related national security issues. more

State Secrets is a weekly interview podcast featuring Cipher Brief experts and national security leaders.

The CGAI Podcast Network is created and produced by the Canadian Global Affairs Institute. Join us each week to explore the energy, defense, and international affairs stories that matter to Canadians. Listen now to CGAI podcasts 'The Global Exchange', 'Defence Deconstructed', and 'Energy Security Cubed', and partner podcasts 'Battle Rhythm' and 'Conseils de sécurité'. Visit www.cgai.ca for more, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn. The Canadian Global Affairs Institute (CGAI) is a charitable, independent, non-partisan, research institute based in Ottawa, Ontario and Calgary, Alberta. more

Award winning Defence podcast from BFBS.

A new show and vertical focused on defense tech and the defense industrial base, created and produced by WAR ON THE ROCKS and supported by BOOZ ALLEN HAMILTON. more

Sea Control is CIMSEC's Flagship podcast. We focus on maritime security, naval affairs, and defense and foreign policy. more

Fault Lines, the National Security Institute's flagship podcast, gets you quickly up to speed, three-times-a-week, on the national security and foreign policy debates shaking up America. Our regular cast of foreign policy experts includes NSI Founder and Executive Director Jamil N. Jaffer, NSI Advisory Board Member Lester Munson, and NSI Senior Fellows Morgan Viña, and Jessica Jones. Tune in to learn more about the issues dominating headlines and the news stories you may have missed. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. more

In Our Defence is a weekly podcast that breaks down wars, weapons, and the world of military power with clarity, curiosity, and zero jargon. Hosted by journalist Dev Goswami, each episode features sharp, story-rich conversations with leading defence experts, offering distinct perspectives and nuances on how nations prepare, fight, and defend. From battlefield strategy and military tech to geopolitics, intelligence, and national security -- In Our Defence focuses on conversations that are grounded, engaging, and made for curious minds. No fluff. No noise. Just a clear line of sight into the world of conflict. more

Featuring interviews, analysis, and discussions covering leading issues of the day related to electromagnetic spectrum operations (EMSO). Topics include current events and news worldwide, US Congress and the annual defense budget, and military news from the US and allied countries. We also bring you closer to Association of Old Crow events and provide a forum to dive deeper into policy issues impacting our community. more

The preeminent podcast for all things drones, defense tech, defense policy, and modern warfare. Featured guests include industry leaders, policy experts, military warfighters, business titans, and many more. Hosted by Steve Simoni, co-founder and President of Allen Control Systems. more

From the Defense & Aerospace Report... This is The DownLink Podcast, hosted by Laura Winter. From the intersection of space, business, and defense... Not just what's over the horizon, but what's happening above it.The DownLink Podcast is 2023, 2024, and 2025 Defense Media Award-winner. more

National Defense is a podcast on military technology and defense industry trends, from the articles of National Defense Magazine. more

At Defense Tech Underground, our mission is to serve American national security by championing the transformative impact of technology on the common defense. Hosted by Stanford students and alumni with military or national security backgrounds, our podcast is the platform where key leaders in defense technology and national security—including founders, venture capitalists, government leaders, military leaders, and active service members—share their insights and experiences. more

CNA's experts understand today's complex and dynamic national security environments. On CNA Talks, you'll find analysis of globe-shaping conflicts, foreign policy and shifting alliances, regional breakdowns, pandemics and other health crises, environmental disasters, homeland security concerns, and the future of strategic competition. Follow CNA Talks to go behind the headlines and learn from data-driven, objective, discussions on the factors shaping today's national security landscape. more

The Shephard Defence Podcast tells the stories of the defence industry, trends in military technology and the procurement programmes that get the kit into the hands of the warfighter. In a monthly news roundtable, Shephard Media's team of international journalists and analysts take deep dives into defence issues, focusing on niche market sectors and looking at where the trends are heading. We also feature content developed by Shephard Studio in cooperation with our partners. If you work in the defence sector, have an interest in defence technologies, or are an end-user of military equipment, then the Shephard Defence Podcast is aimed at you. more

We are a world-leading authority on global security, political risk and military conflict. We were founded in 1958, and have offices in London, Washington, Singapore and Bahrain. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. more

Welcome to NucleCast, the official podcast of the ANWA Deterrence Center. NucleCast is an engaging, educational podcast featuring a series of discussions and interviews with experts in nuclear policy, technology, and deterrence. The show is hosted by Dr. Adam Lowther, Strategic Advisor to the ANWA Deterrence Center and an expert on nuclear deterrence. more

This is the podcast of the Joint Advanced Warfighting School (JAWS), a joint war college part of National Defense University. Join us monthly for elite discussions on war, history, theory, strategy, and current national strategy and security concerns. more

The Mitchell Institute hosts some of the most senior leaders and thought influencers of the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Space Force, and Department of Defense for an intimate hour-long discussion on the pressing issues of the hour as well as long-term strategic visions. The live sessions are attended by a broad swath of individuals from the Department of Defense, Capitol Hill, defense industry, and academia who influence defense policy and budget, and they receive wide press coverage. more

Australian Defence Magazine (ADM) is dedicated to reporting the business of defence capability planning and procurement as well as reporting the development of infrastructure to support the ADF.ADM's main objective is to provide an essential communications bridge between defence industry and its single source customer, the Department of Defence.ADM also reports on the budgetary process, the policy development, the capability planning process and the procurement decisions which together provide the equipment and resources for Australia's defence force.This podcast showcases the people and topics of interest to ADM and supplements the content found in the magazine. more

The Startup Defense explores the intersection of commercial technology and defense innovation. Callye Keen (Kform) talks with expert guests about the latest needs and trends in the defense industry and how startup companies are driving innovation and change. From concept to field, The Startup Defense covers artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, mission computing, autonomous systems, and the manufacturing necessary to make technology real. more

Defence Talks: Securing UK Advantage is a podcast presented by the Council on Geostrategy in partnership with trade association ADS Group, and sponsored by industry powerhouse BAE Systems. Hosted by Paul Mason and Viktorija Starych-Samuolienė, this podcast explores the key themes in British defence in the context of an increasingly contested international security environment. It will consider how the UK can shape the international agenda, focusing on how technology, innovation, skills, and defence strategies help to advance Britain's interests, as well as those of its key allies and partners. www.britainsworld.org.uk more

ETI provides research and analyses to inform the development and integration of emerging technologies into the defense industrial base. This podcast will feature topics and speakers focusing on emerging technologies. more

These podcasts are a way of shedding a bit more light on Defence decisions particularly acquisitions because the system has become secretive and taxpayers have a right to know what's going on. But it's even worse than that with Defence sometimes putting out information that is misleading and in some cases plain wrong. We discuss the Defence Strategic Review and debunk the claims that it is some sort of radical and positive move. No it is not. We also have a few words about the outrageous decision to purchase the SURTASS towed array sonar via FMS and preview the ANAO report into the Hunter class frigate program.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. more

U.S. foreign policy for the future. Security Dilemma brings you conversations with the experts, policymakers, and thinkers charting new paths forward from the wreckage of recent decades and toward a national security and defense policy guided by prudence and restraint. Cohosts John Allen Gay and A.J. Manuzzi bring you the information you need to shape a wiser approach. Security Dilemma is a podcast of the John Quincy Adams Society, an independent nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing a new generation of foreign policy leaders. more

In this era of uncertainty, knowledge is power. Hosted by Dr. Seth G. Jones, The Last Line of Defense breaks down and analyzes the latest national security news. Each episode provides practical solutions to the toughest national security questions—from war and peace around the world to the role of emerging technology in defense.  Produced by Marla Hiller. more

In an increasingly competitive maritime environment, the Saltwater Strategists provide insightful and considered discussion on maritime issues in the Indo-Pacific. Well respected strategists, academics, international relations and maritime professionals from across the region provide their thoughts on the maritime challenges and opportunities within the region. If you want to understand current maritime issues within the Indo-Pacific region, the Saltwater Strategists: The Pacific Series is the podcast for you.The Saltwater Strategists is a product of the Australian Naval Institute (ANI). The ANI is a non-profit self-supporting organisation that encouraging the promotion and advancement of knowledge related to the maritime profession. The ANI Provides an exchange of ideas concerning issues related to the maritime profession. more

This series of podcasts features interviews with leaders and experts in the Canadian defence industry as well as reports and profiles on the very latest defence technology. more

The weekly news show on defense politics, policy, procurement and technology from the the world's leading defense media, Breaking Defense. Available here in audio podcast form, or on our site in video. Follow and subscribe today! more

Contested Ground exposes the complex and murky world of greyzone warfare, and how state and non-state actors vie for influence beneath the threshold of armed conflict. In our interconnected and globalised world, new opportunities have emerged for states to advance their interests within the global system. From cyber operations to disinformation campaigns, and from economic coercion to food security, join us as we navigate how state and non-state actors engage in this high-stakes game of power and influence. Get in touch, get your questions answered by our experts or share your stories. Contact ****@contestedground.com.auFor daily news and analysis visit www.defenceconnect.com.au and www.cyberdaily.au more

'At the Boundary' is going to feature global and national strategy insights that we think our fans will want to know about. That could mean live interviews, engagements with distinguished thought leaders, conference highlights, and more. It will pull in a broad array of government, industry, and academic partners, ensuring we don't produce a dull uniformity of ideas. It will also be a platform to showcase all the great things going on with GNSI, our partners, and USF. more

The CDA Institute's programming convenes experts in Canadian defence, international security, and politics to provide nuanced discussion about current and ongoing issues in defence and security. https://cdainstitute.ca/ more

Deterrence Matters is where timely national security issues meet candid conversation and we come together to explore the deterrence challenges making headlines and shaping the future. From emerging threats and strategic competition to nuclear policy and the changing security environment, each episode offers fresh perspectives, informed debate, and sometimes a little humor along the way. Our goal is simple: build greater understanding of deterrence, develop the next generation of deterrence professionals, and strengthen the workforce entrusted with preserving peace, security, and stability. more

Strategy Matters is produced by the Strategy and Policy Department at the U.S. Naval War College. Co-hosts Dr. Vanya Bellinger and LtCol Brendan Neagle speak with a variety of experts to explore theory and history of war, focusing on lessons applicable to the modern strategist.The views presented by the faculty or other guest speakers do not reflect official positions of the Naval War College, DON or DOD. more

Probably the best defense commentary in the world. Top military and defense industry analysis in 45 minutes or less. more

The Aerospace & Defense Technology podcast provides independent coverage of information that impacts the business, innovation, and trends occurring across all segments of aerospace and defense, with an emphasis on technology. Across a continuing series of seasons, the A&DT Podcast provides insights into the most pertinent topics occurring in today's aerospace system engineering field. The podcast also features interviews with experts on topics featured at SAE Media Group Defense's U.S. and Europe-based live conferences and exhibitions. more

Defence Uncut by Quwa is the first English-language podcast zeroing in on Pakistan's defence scene. Each bite-sized episode dissects current procurements, strategy shifts, and security events, connecting the dots so listeners gain a clear, data-driven big-picture view. Hosted by Bilal Khan, Defence Uncut turns dense news into precise, engaging analysis for professionals, enthusiasts, and anyone who needs to stay ahead of Pakistan's rapidly evolving military landscape.Learn more about Quwa at https://quwa.org more

Conversations with Vanguard Defence brings together the military, government and industry leaders shaping Canada's defence future. Through candid interviews and expert analysis, the podcast explores the policies, technologies, operational challenges and strategic decisions affecting Canada's defence and security community. It builds on Vanguard Defence's long history as Canada's defence trade journal of record, providing informed perspectives and practical insight from the people closest to the issues. more

'For more than two decades, Vishnu Som and Shiv Aroor have covered wars, national and international security - on land, at sea and from the air. Together, Som and Aroor, two of India's most credible Editors come together for an unmissable weekly podcast - Ctrl+Alt+Defence - a no-holds barred conversation between two of India's leading experts on critical themes that define India's security' more

Armada International provides unrivalled reporting and analysis regarding defence technology, procurement trends and ongoing operations. more

Deterrence Down Under is a production of the NIDS Broadcasting Network and is focused on Australia and deterrence challenges in the Indo-Pacific region. more

DefenceReport's podcast on military and security matters. Based in Canada, but with an international outlook. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. more

Coming August 4: CTRL + ALT + DEFENSE podcast hosted by Billy Mitchell and Meagan Metzger! A raw, unfiltered new podcast from DefenseScoop and Dcode, exploring how cutting-edge technology, institutional barriers, and evolving national security priorities collide in today's defense landscape.CTRL + ALT + DEFENSE features candid conversations with leaders across defense, tech, venture capital, and policy—bringing forward diverse perspectives on the future of defense innovation.From the front lines of government to the forefront of technology, this series examines the challenges and breakthroughs shaping tomorrow's mission-critical decisions—with no spin, no agenda, and no filter.⁠Stay tuned. ⁠Follow DefenseScoop on Social Media • https://www.twitter.com/DefenseScoop• https://www.linkedin.com/company/defensescoop• https://www.facebook.com/DefenseScoop/• https://www.instagram.com/defensescoop/• https://www.threads.net/@defensescoop• https://www.youtube.com/@defensescoop• https://bsky.app/profile/defensescoop.bsky.social• https://www.tiktok.com/@defensescoopnewsAbout DefenseScoop DefenseScoop is the premier community-driven news source dedicated to the U.S. military's acquisition, development and use of technology as a force for modern defense. As the Department of Defense moves in the direction of Joint All Domain Command and Control and other initiatives to connect the joint force and fight future battles, DefenseScoop will deliver the latest insights, trends and analysis on this pivotal transformation and engage Pentagon and service senior leaders to discuss ways technology can be a central fixture in our nation's ability to understand threats, make decisions and take action in a rapid manner. ⁠https://defensescoop.com/about/ more

Hosted by Anna Ahronheim, The Defense and Tech Podcast from The Jerusalem Post dives into the intersection of security, innovation, and strategy in Israel and beyond. Each episode brings you in-depth conversations with military experts, tech leaders, and policymakers shaping the future of defense. From battlefield technology and cybersecurity to innovation startups and regional threats, we explore how Israel's defense and tech ecosystems are changing the modern world. more