The National Interest

Summary: The U.S. Navy plans to retire four Ohio-class SSGNs between 2026 and 2028, raising concerns about a potential missile gap with China. Originally designed as ballistic missile submarines during the Cold War, four Ohios were converted to guided missile submarines capable of carrying 154 Tomahawk missiles each. 

He did it. In announcing during a lengthy live interview with radio host Howard Stern that he was happy to debate Donald Trump, President Joe Biden threw the first punch. “I am somewhere,” he said. “I don’t when. I’m happy to debate him.”

Summary: The F-35 Lightning II, a cutting-edge fifth-generation stealth fighter, faces delays in becoming combat-ready due to setbacks with the TR-3 software update. Initially planned for completion in April 2023, the update has been postponed until at least 2025 due to manpower shortages and technical complexities.

The United States’ defense strategy in North and West Africa seldom gets the media attention it deserves. A recent decision by Niger’s ruling military junta to suspend its military cooperation with the United States, and its pivot towards Russia, signals that it’s at a critical juncture. Taking the correct steps to address this development is crucial.

Summary: The F-14 Tomcat, developed in response to the U.S. Navy's need for a long-range interceptor in the 1960s, was a technological marvel designed to counter the threat of Soviet bombers and missiles.

Summary: The USS Bennington, part of the U.S. Navy's Essex-class aircraft carriers, played a pivotal role during World War II and beyond. With a displacement of 34,000 tons and capable of speeds up to 17 miles per hour, the Bennington was a formidable presence, enhanced by innovative deck-edge elevators that increased flight deck area and operational efficiency.

Summary: The U.S. Air Force and Navy are collaborating on a "Collaborative Combat Aircraft" (CCA) initiative, focusing on developing unmanned aerial systems (UAS) to act as "loyal wingmen" to manned fighters.

Summary: India has begun delivering BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles to the Philippines as part of a $375 million deal, enhancing Manila's defensive capabilities amid rising tensions with China in the South China Sea.

The growing ties come due to shared religion and culture, alongside burgeoning trade, investment, and development initiatives from the Gulf region. This turn of events comes as a very welcome development for Central Asian states, offering them another direction for their various multi-vector foreign policies and, in particular, for mitigating the leverage that Russia and China wield in the region.

Summary: The U.S. Navy's aircraft carriers, long the dominant force in maritime strategy, face increasing threats from advanced weapons systems like hypersonic missiles, anti-access/area denial (A2/AD) capabilities, and drone swarms.