Opinion

Defense News offers the commentaries and opinions from military and industry decision-makers that frame the global debate about defense policy, programs and strategy.

How to ensure the US and its allies have the weapons they need

Prioritization, not capacity, is the real issue facing allies as they continue to supply Ukraine but also to ensure NATO members have enough defense items.

7 hours ago

A F-22 Raptor from the 325th Fighter Wing flies alongside a F-35 Lightning II from the 33rd Fighter Wing over the Emerald Coast. Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla., will receive three F-35 squadrons starting in 2023. (Air Force/1st Lt. Savanah Bray)

Accelerating change today to ensure air dominance tomorrow

Today, our Air Force’s tactical skills are sharp, and its equipment is still as good or better than any. But our edge is shrinking.

30 hours ago

Commentary

Success denied: Finding ground truth in the air war over Ukraine

If the U.S. Air Force clings to its offense-first, air-superiority vision it may share the fate of Russia's air force: surprised and largely sidelined.

Why the US still must invest in homeland missile defense

At least four crucial considerations help make the case for sustaining and strengthening the homeland missile defense posture.

7 days ago

Congress must act on Small Biz Innovation Research reauthorization

There are two reasons given for Congress’ failure to reauthorize the 40-year-old program: national security and so-called SBIR mills.

8 days ago

US Air Force needs to embrace air denial as a core mission

Though the impulse to hold tight to the air superiority paradigm may be strong, the future of air warfare is denial.

3 weeks ago

Are autonomous ships and vehicles ‘unmanned’ or ‘uncrewed’?

Most literature in this field from all sources – whether academic, governmental or other – tends to use the gender-biased terms “manned” and “unmanned."

3 weeks ago

Washington must act to build capable federal cybersecurity workforce

As technology and adversary techniques advance, so do the technical skills required by the federal workforce at all levels

3 weeks ago

Simulation sandbox can speed development of uncrewed military vehicles

AI-based simulations can shorten testing periods by running thousands of different scenarios simultaneously.

3 weeks ago

Congress may tighten scrutiny of US investment in foreign technologies

Legislation seeks to counter threats by adding new controls to the flow of U.S. capital and intellectual property abroad.

4 weeks ago

Why Washington should provide ATACMS weapons to Ukraine

The ATACMS can help Ukraine defeat the invasion while avoiding direct conflict between Russia and NATO.

4 weeks ago

Pentagon vision for synchronized forces hinges on digital engineering

Under JADC2, the Pentagon is working to connect sensors from the Air Force, Army, Marine Corps, Navy, and Space Force into a single network.

5 weeks ago