Brothers in Aerospace and Defense

In this episode, hosts DeWayne Allen and Rob Wesley launch the new Power and Propulsion series with aerospace transformation leader Lillian Dukes. Drawing from decades of experience across aviation operations, supply chain, restructuring, and executive leadership, Lillian shares what it really takes to stabilize broken organizations, rebuild credibility, and lead transformation that actually sticks. The conversation covers re...

In this episode, hosts DeWayne Allen and Rob Wesley break down how missile defense systems work using a simple framework: detect, decide, and defeat. They walk through the sensor networks that identify threats, the command-and-control systems that evaluate response options, and the intercept technologies that stop incoming targets. Along the way, they also dig into the business side of missile defense, from billion-dollar sen...

In this episode, hosts DeWayne Allen and Rob Wesley break down Weapons and Payloads 101, shifting the focus from aircraft platforms to the systems that actually determine mission success. They walk through air-to-air, air-to-ground, and standoff weapons, explain how payload decisions drive aircraft design, and unpack why integration and lifecycle sustainment account for so much of the cost in aerospace and defense. From the 2026 Na...

DeWayne Allen and Rob Wesley go behind the curtain on the communications ecosystem that keeps aircraft moving safely through crowded skies, especially during peak holiday travel. They connect the business of aviation comms (who pays, how it scales, and why modernization is accelerating) with the real operational flow of a flight, from clearance to taxi-in. The conversation also spotlights the next wave of complexity: integrating dr...

In this episode, hosts DeWayne Allen and Rob Wesley demystify government contracting in aerospace and defense, showing how contract models quietly dictate risk, margins, engineering choices, and cash flow across programs. They walk through firm fixed price, incentive fee, cost-reimbursable, IDIQ, time & materials, and performance-based logistics structures, explaining where each fits and how they shape both business and technic...

In this episode, hosts DeWayne Allen (P&L) and Rob Wesley (technical) pull back the curtain on the real business of deep space. We connect market momentum—massive IPOs, fresh capital, and Big Prime partnerships—to the engineering breakthroughs that make multiyear missions and off-world industry possible. We cover the four core technical hurdles (radiation, propulsion, life support, ISRU), the bonus frontier of auton...

Duane Allen and Rob Wesley break down America’s Golden Dome Defense Program—an AI-powered, multi-layer missile shield integrating satellites, radars, interceptors, and lasers. They explore its rapid detection and response capabilities, the $25B budget commitment, the industry heavyweights and disruptors driving it, and the sweeping changes it’s sparking across defense tech, supply chains, and the workforce. This i...

In this episode, hosts DeWayne Allen and Rob Wesley explores America's Golden Dome Defense Program, a highly ambitious defense initiative. They delve into the technical workings of the program, the key companies involved, and its reflection in the defense budget. The discussion highlights the fusion of space-based sensors, artificial intelligence, and layered interceptors designed to detect and destroy various missile threats. ...

In this episode, hosts DeWayne Allen and Rob Wesley delve into the critical topic of aerospace cybersecurity. They discuss the evolving landscape of cyber threats targeting aerospace and defense systems, the increasing sophistication of cyber-attacks, including zero-day exploits and AI vulnerabilities, and the significant impacts on national security. Additionally, they explore the burgeoning business opportunities in cybersecurity...

Welcome to a special edition of Brothers in Aerospace & Defense, recorded live at NSBE 2025! In this episode, we explore cutting-edge advancements in aerospace, energy, and defense with leaders from NSBE’s Special Interest Groups (SIGs). Our powerhouse panel shares insights on industry challenges, career strategies, and how Black engineers are shaping the future.

Hear them discuss:

• The latest breakthroughs in aerosp...

In this special episode, hosts DeWayne Allen and Rob Wesley tackle a crucial and timely discussion—how professionals in the aerospace and defense industry can navigate the elimination of DEI initiatives. For over two decades, DEI programs have fostered mentorship, created opportunities, and strengthened the pipeline for Black technical talent. With recent policy changes leading to their reduction or elimination, many professi...

In this special episode, hosts DeWayne Allen and Rob Wesley take a deep dive into the most impactful events in the aerospace and defense industry in 2024. From groundbreaking technological advancements to sustainability efforts and workforce developments, this episode highlights the key moments shaping the future of the industry. Plus, a look ahead at what’s coming in 2025!

Connect with us:

DeWayne Allen on Linkedin

Rob...

In this episode, hosts Dewayne Allen and Rob Wesley delve into the latest innovations and trends within the aerospace and defense industry. They discuss the increasing focus on sustainability, highlighting groundbreaking technological advancements in electric propulsion and hydrogen-based fuel systems. Key newsmakers include the U.S. Army's autonomous surveillance drone and NASA's Artemis 3 lunar mission preparations. Throughout th...

In this episode, hosts Dewayne Allen and Rob Wesley dive into the intersection of technology and business within the dynamic aerospace and defense industry. They discuss major events and newsmakers from September 2024, including the Global Aerospace Summit, India's successful drone flight, and NASA's Earth Science Mission. They explore each agency's unique missions, technical needs, business priorities, and current challenges, such...

In this engaging episode, DeWayne Allen and Rob Wesley delve into the intricate world of the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA). They also provide a detailed look into the future of technology in intelligence operations, emphasizing the importance of AI, machine learning, and autonomous technologies. They highlight how these advancements can enhance situational awareness, operational efficiency, and safety while reducing costs.

"Understanding your value to the business is crucial for career growth in the aerospace and defense industry."

In this engaging episode, DeWayne Allen and Rob Wesley delve deep into the world of aerospace and defense industry career success. They discuss essential strategies such as getting depth and breadth in your field, creating a personal board of directors, transitioning to a managerial role, understanding your value to the b...

"Autonomous technologies continue to be the fastest growing product in the industry, spanning from commercial seafloor mapping to military applications like mine countermeasures."

In this engaging episode, DeWayne Allen and Rob Wesley delve deep into the world of aerospace and defense technology, focusing on the latest advancements within the marine and deep-sea autonomous platforms. From discussing SpaceX's pivotal contract for d...

In this episode, we'll cover the major challenges within the aerospace and defense supply chain and discuss three potential solutions: supplier IP, reverse engineering, and having alternate sources. DeWayne and Rob highlight the importance of supply chain management and its impact on the industry's bottom line.

Key Takeaways:

• The complexity and globalization of the supply chain present significant risks.
• Protecting supplier IP...

In this episode, they discuss all things DARPA (Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency) and its collaboration with the aerospace and defense industry. They highlight key DARPA space programs, and discuss how DARPA does business with industry, emphasizing the agency's willingness to take risks and pursue high-risk, high-reward projects. Overall, this episode provides a comprehensive overview of DARPA's role in shaping the future ...