Tag: defense strategy
111 articles
US Marine Corps Targets Drone Threats with Squad-Level Countermeasures
The US Marine Corps is tackling the growing drone threat by arming its smallest units with countermeasures, filling a critical gap in its defense capabilities. This move is part of a new doctrine, GCE 2040, which reimagines ground combat in a world where drones, sensors, and AI are increasingly prevalent.
US Weighs Loyalty Tests in European Force Posture Review
Loyalty tests can backfire, warn experts Mara Karlin and Julianne Smith, as the US considers a new review of its European force posture that may judge countries on their ideological alignment with America. The proposed pass/fail criteria have sparked debate, with critics arguing that such tests erode, rather than build, loyalty.
US Navy Weighs Major Ford Class Carrier Design Change
The US Navy is reconsidering a key design decision behind its Ford Class carriers, one that moved the island 140 feet further aft than its Nimitz-class predecessors, in a change that could significantly alter the ship's operational capabilities. This shift was no accident - it was the result of careful design studies that aimed to create more usable flight-deck space and a new operational rhythm.
Top US Military Leaders Outline Missile Defense Priorities
Top US military leaders, including Gen. Stephen Whiting and Lt. Gen. John Rafferty, took center stage at the 2026 Space and Missile Defense Symposium to outline the country's missile defense priorities. The high-profile keynote addresses signal a strong focus on missile defense, drawing both leadership and an engaged audience.
DoD Accelerates Zero Trust Push Beyond Users, Devices
The Pentagon is making swift strides in implementing Zero Trust principles for its IT systems, focusing on users and devices, and is now poised to take this momentum to the next level. A upcoming webinar will assess progress and explore the future of Zero Trust across the Department of Defense.
US Navy Recategorizes Virginia-Class Subs as Guided-Missile Boats
The US Navy has upgraded the status of its Virginia-Class subs equipped with Virginia Payload Modules (VPMs) to guided-missile submarines, recognizing the game-changing firepower they bring to the underwater battlefield. This move signals a major boost to the Navy's strike capacity, operational flexibility, and deterrence capabilities.
Indonesia's Military Shifts Inward, Testing Australia Defense Pact
Indonesia is shaking up its military strategy, ramping up domestic defenses and putting its Australia defense pact to the test. With plans to establish 750 new territorial development battalions, the country is signaling a significant shift inward.
Air Force Weighs Reviving Scrapped B-52 Bombers Amid Operational Demands
The Air Force is considering a bold move: reviving retired B-52 bombers from the Arizona boneyard to meet rising demands on its bomber force. This potential revival is a cautious but practical option, with the Air Force having already explored the feasibility of restoring these aircraft.
US Weighs Munitions Stockpiles as Iran Fighting Pauses
President Donald Trump brushed off concerns about dwindling high-end munitions, confidently asserting that the US has a substantial stockpile, with Trump adding that he'd like to have even more. The US is actively restocking and ramping up production to replenish its arsenal.
Pentagon Chiefs Under Fire as Iran War Rationale Shifts
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth faced intense scrutiny from senators over his claims about the US war on Iran, struggling to provide clear answers about the strategy and impact of the conflict. Hegseth made assertions about the devastating effects of US strikes on Iran's military and infrastructure, but also made partial admissions about Tehran's ongoing capabilities.
Pentagon Lacks Unified Hypersonic Missile Strategy, GAO Warns
The Pentagon is missing a crucial unified strategy for its hypersonic missile programs, with the Navy and Army making separate investment decisions that could lead to costly delays and inefficiencies. This fragmented approach risks wasting over $50 billion in taxpayer funds.
Air Force Opts for Two-Pilot Crew for B-21 Raider Bombers
The US Air Force has decided that the B-21 Raider bombers will be flown by a two-pilot crew, a configuration that will tap into the extensive combat experience of its pilots to maximize the aircraft's lethality and survivability. This setup matches the current standard for the B-2 and is designed to support the B-21's mission needs.
Marines Forge Alliances in Pacific Exercise
In a live-fire exercise at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Maj. Gen. Valerie Jackson emphasized that forging strong alliances and partnerships is crucial, so that when crisis strikes, partners can seamlessly work together. Interoperability isn't just a goal - it's a practical necessity that could mean the difference in the face of a determined adversary.
US Marine Littoral Regiment Proves Capabilities in Philippine Exercise
The 3rd Marine Littoral Regiment proved its mettle in a recent Philippine exercise, demonstrating its capabilities in a real-world test that marked a major milestone in its development. Col. Gabe Diana hailed it as a strategic victory, but emphasized that it's just one data point in a journey of continued growth and improvement.
Japan Air Force Renamed to Reflect Expanded Space Domain Role
Japan is taking a giant leap in its defense strategy, renaming its air force to the Japan Aerospace Self-Defense Force to reflect its expanded role in the space domain. This move, approved by parliament on June 26, 2026, will take effect on April 1, 2027, and marks a significant shift in Tokyo's military capabilities.
Australia Bolsters Maritime Security with Nuclear-Powered Submarines
Australia is taking a bold step to safeguard its maritime lifelines and ensure a secure future, with the acquisition of nuclear-powered submarines set to bolster the nation's defence. By protecting its vast maritime domain, the country is securing the sea routes that bring in vital essentials like fuel, food, and medicine.
Pentagon seeks $5B to overhaul 'deteriorating' research labs
The Pentagon's research labs are in a state of disrepair, posing safety risks and technical limitations that threaten the US military's ability to stay ahead of the curve. A recent review led by Assistant Secretary for Science & Technology Joseph Jewell calls for a $5B overhaul to modernize these critical facilities.
US-UK Nuclear Pact Bolsters Mutual Deterrence
The US-UK nuclear partnership is a two-way street, with Washington gaining tangible technical, operational, and strategic advantages from the collaboration, just as London has benefited from US support for over 65 years. This mutual deterrence pact serves US interests just as much as British ones, experts argue.
Pentagon Orders Review of US Troop Posture in Europe
The Pentagon has ordered a comprehensive review of US troop deployments across Europe, sparking significant implications for the region. This pivotal move is dissected in The Break Out's latest episode, where experts Lee Ferran and Ashley Roque delve into the directive's details and potential impact.
US Navy Needs a Strategy to Back Up Its Planned Expansion
The US Navy is at a critical crossroads, with a rare opportunity to expand its fleet amid bipartisan support - but a clear strategy to back up this growth is noticeably missing. Without a comprehensive plan, this promising moment could slip away, leaving the Navy's future at risk.
US Air Defenses Face Munitions Stockpile Challenges
The US air defense systems have proven effective, but their success relies on a dwindling stockpile of crucial components like solid rocket motors, leaving the nation with fewer interceptors and limited options to defend against threats. A balanced approach, or "high-low mix," is urgently needed to address the pressing issue of munitions shortages.
Navy Overhauls Science Strategy to Accelerate Tech Deployment
The Navy is revolutionizing its approach to science and technology with a bold new strategy that prioritizes speed and selectivity in deploying cutting-edge tech to those who need it most. By fostering closer collaboration with key stakeholders, the Office of Naval Research aims to rapidly deliver game-changing innovations to sailors and marines.
NATO Overhauls Modernization Approach Amid Rising Threats
NATO's modernization approach has undergone a significant transformation in recent years, driven by the need for faster learning, greater experimentation, and interoperable systems in the face of rising threats. This shift, sparked by Russia's invasion of Ukraine, is revolutionizing how the alliance approaches force design and innovation.
Senators Push for New Autonomous Warfare Combatant Command
The Senate Armed Services Committee is pushing for a new combatant command dedicated to autonomous warfare, aiming to revolutionize the future of battle by harnessing the power of unmanned systems. This proposed Robotic and Autonomous Systems Combatant Command, led by a four-star general, could accelerate the development of the US's unmanned force.