The At the Water’s Edge Podcast explores national security and geopolitics from an insider’s perspective, looking at how national power, industrial policy, diplomacy, and military might shape our world and America’s place in it.
All content for At the Water's Edge is the property of WRKdefined Podcast Network and is served directly from their servers
with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.
The At the Water’s Edge Podcast explores national security and geopolitics from an insider’s perspective, looking at how national power, industrial policy, diplomacy, and military might shape our world and America’s place in it.
#23 Next Generation Strike UAVs with Ethan Thornton, CEO Mach Industries
At the Water's Edge
52 minutes
7 months ago
#23 Next Generation Strike UAVs with Ethan Thornton, CEO Mach Industries
Send us a text
In this episode, Scott interviews Ethan Thornton, the 21-year-old CEO of Mach Industries, a defense technology startup focused on creating innovative unmanned systems. They discuss the transition from traditional defense strategies to a new era of great power competition, the challenges of government contracting, and the importance of decentralized manufacturing. Ethan shares insights on the development of their products, Viper and Glide, and the cultural shifts needed within the defense sector to foster innovation and agility.
Mach Industries Website
takeaways
Ethan Thornton is the CEO of Mock Industries, a defense tech startup.
Mock Industries focuses on creating unmanned systems for modern warfare.
The company aims to provide asymmetric capabilities to the U.S. military.
Ethan emphasizes the importance of decentralized manufacturing in defense.
The journey of building a startup in the defense sector is challenging but rewarding.
Government contracts can be navigated successfully with the right approach.
Cultural shifts are necessary within the defense bureaucracy to encourage innovation.
The future of warfare will heavily involve unmanned systems and technology.
Ethan's background as a tinkerer and engineer shapes his leadership style.
Building a strong team is crucial for the success of a startup.
Chapters
00:00Introduction to Mock Industries and Its Mission
06:13Innovative Defense Technologies and Their Importance
09:24The Viper: A Game-Changer in UAV Technology
12:17Funding and Growth: From Idea to Reality
15:21Navigating Government Contracts and Market Dynamics
18:26Manufacturing Challenges and Strategies for Success
29:18Contracting Vehicles and Prototyping Challenges
32:26Balancing Capacity and Usability in Product Design
35:54Business Models: The Key to Disruption in Defense
39:49Building a Mission-Driven Team
42:44Cultural Shifts Needed in the Defense Industrial Base
46:44The Role of Unmanned Warfare in Modern Conflict
50:58The Impact of Cultural Change on the Defense Sector
Contact the show: atthewatersedgewp@gmail.com
Support the show
At the Water's Edge
The At the Water’s Edge Podcast explores national security and geopolitics from an insider’s perspective, looking at how national power, industrial policy, diplomacy, and military might shape our world and America’s place in it.
