Description

In this packed episode of The Lowdown, host John “Rain” Waters breaks down a wide range of developments in global military aviation and defense strategy. From General Kane’s anticipated confirmation as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff to the strategic forward positioning of B-2 bombers on Diego Garcia, the episode delivers an insider’s perspective on rapidly evolving geopolitical signals. Rain discusses the implications of retiring the A-10 from the Maryland Air National Guard, the ongoing debate around the sixth-generation F-47 fighter, and why the Air Force’s readiness rates are falling year-over-year. He also touches on troubling espionage cases involving U.S. soldiers, a bold Russian SOF infiltration via gas pipeline in Ukraine, and a $15 million bounty tied to illicit drone tech transfers. Plus, hear about the KC-135’s service life extension into the 2050s and the story behind the lost B-2 at Andersen AFB in 2008. Don’t miss the update on the SEAD series and the legacy of Wild Weasel missions.

fighter pilot, B-2 bomber, SEAD, F-47, A-10 retirement, Wild Weasel, General Kane, Joint Chiefs of Staff, Diego Garcia, strategic bombers, combat aviation, F-16, drone warfare, cyber espionage, KC-135, sixth-generation fighter, military readiness, Russian special operations, missile defense, B-21 Raider