The Chinese Naval fleet has become the world’s largest, threatening the U.S. maritime dominance and unrestricted freedom of navigation in East Asia and the South China Sea. Although the U.S. Navy wants to build 381 ships by FY2042, public shipyards have their hands full. Delays in ship production and industrial inefficiencies have ramped up costs.…

Considering Israel’s proximity to hostile neighbors, it is fair to assume the nation has more wants than needs when it comes to arms. From air defense systems and fighter jets to main battle tanks and surface-to-air missiles, the Jewish state already possesses the most dominant military in the Middle East. While Israel’s fleet is well-stocked…

Relations between Iran and Russia continue to warm amidst an increasingly unstable geopolitical climate. The two allies signed a cooperative agreement this week, signaling Tehran and Moscow will lean on each other more as they similarly face a slew of Western sanctions. This “comprehensive strategic partnership,” penned by Russian president Vladimir Putin and his Iranian counterpart Masoud…

In the next few years, the U.S. Air Force will say goodbye to the B-1 Lancer. The venerable bomber, known affectionately as the “Bone,” will be phased out, alongside the B-2 Spirit, in favor of the forthcoming B-21 Raider. But the B-1 will be difficult to replace, at least with respect to its specifications, which are impressive…

As I noted in my recent story on the passing of Col. Perry Dahl (USAF, ret.) at the ripe old age of 101, American fighter aces—i.e., combat aviators who destroyed five or more enemy aircraft in aerial combat—are a dying breed. Part of the reason this is the case is that the United States Armed Forces hasn’t produced any…

After fifteen months of bloodshed, negotiators have announced a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas with the hope that the pause will blossom into a more permanent peace. Outgoing President Joe Biden announced the deal, taking partial credit for the arrangement, which the United States (along with Egypt and Qatar) will oversee as formal guarantors.…

When one thinks of Cold War-era main battle tanks that remain in service in the present day, chances are the American-made M1 Abrams comes immediately to mind, along with the Russian-made T-72, the British-built Challenger, and Israel’s homegrown Merkava. But unless you’re a hardcore student of military history and international relations alike, chances are you might not realize that South Africa…

On January 13, The National Interest published my story of the passing of Col. Perry Dahl (USAF, ret.), who had been one of the last living World War II fighter aces; Dahl had passed away at his home in Tampa, Florida, on December 2, 2024, at the age of 101. Now, I have the sad duty of reporting on the…

Nearly three years into Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, an end to the war is still not in sight. Since Moscow launched its offensive in February 2022, both sides have suffered from hefty personnel, weapons, and equipment losses. The Kremlin, heavily sanctioned by the international community for its invasion of a sovereign nation, has particularly suffered from a…

Central Asia is a strategically significant region abundant in resources and economic potential. It can and should emerge as a hub for positive and profitable U.S. engagement. Securing critical minerals, accessing uranium to support the nuclear sector, and opening new markets for American companies are all on the horizon. Enhanced regional cooperation, connectivity, and collaboration…

While most American military aircraft are given names that connote athleticism, virility, hostility, or prowess (i.e., Lighting, Raptor, Poseidon, Thunderchief, Mustang, Apache, Talon, and Sabre), others are simply given the name that fits. Consider the F-111 Aardvark. The name doesn’t exactly suggest nobility or aptitude, but it fits—thanks to the F-111’s elongated nose, which bears…

Pete Hegseth has made it through his confirmation hearing and now appears to be on a glide path for confirmation as secretary of defense. The hearing, which lasted four hours, subjected Hegseth to questioning before the Senate’s Armed Services Committee in an attempt to gauge the Trump nominee’s worldview and qualifications to run a nuclear-armed…