Science & Tech

How Equipment Left In Afghanistan Will Expose US Secrets

Even rendered inoperable, equipment now in the hands of the Taliban will yield troves of information about how the U.S. builds weapons and uses them.

Ideas

Defense One Radio, Ep. 87: Climate change vs. everyone

In this episode, we review how our understanding of the threats posed by human-caused climate change is evolving, and we look at some ways the U.S. could more smartly compete with China.

Threats

US Marines Must Relearn to Protect Pacific Supply Lines, Commandant Says

As a backup, Berger says, troops must learn to “forage” for some supplies.

Policy

China Hawks Try for Beijing Olympics Boycotts on Defense Bill

Democrats rejected proposals that could affect military bases, but unlikely allies appear to be forming.

Threats

China’s Top Priority In Afghanistan Is Stability, Experts Say

Three miles away from the Kabul airport chaos, it’s business as usual at the Chinese embassy.

Ideas

Taiwan Wants Paladins. Congress Should Say No

Taipei’s only hope for an effective defense is not armor but asymmetry.

Policy

Spacesuits and Lawsuits Put 2024 Moon Landing in Jeopardy

Two lunar-exploration spacesuits won’t be ready, a new report says, while bid protests have held up work on the lander.

Ideas

China’s New Missile Fields Are Just Part of the PLA Rocket Force’s Growth

Since 2017, the PLARF has grown by one-third and worked to streamline and improve various support functions that are key to combat efficiency.

Science & Tech

Report: China Is Hacking Russia, Too

Moscow may be just “waking up” to the fact that their new partner sees them as a target.

Ideas

Pull US AI Research Out of China

International scientific collaboration is a great thing, but not when it is fueling a despotic superpower’s oppression at home and belligerence abroad.

Science & Tech

If China and the US Claim the Same Moon-Base Site, Who Wins?

Relatively few craters are attractive, and there’s no consensus about avoiding conflict over them.

Science & Tech

Can We Spot Illegal Fishing Fleets from Space?

The Defense Innovation Unit is offering prizes for using satellite-mounted radar to fight a growing national-security problem.

Threats

In the Newly Noisy Arctic, Underwater Operations Are Getting Harder

Less ice means more ships, which means more problems for sonar operators and their skippers.

Policy

‘We Will Not Flinch’: Austin Promises US Will Continue to Bolster Taiwan’s Self-Defense

In Singapore, defense secretary chides Beijing for “aggression...coercion...genocide” but says he wants a “constructive, stable relationship with China.”

Ideas

What China’s Vast New Cybersecurity Center Tells Us About Beijing’s Ambitions

The 15-square-mile campus in Wuhan will serve as school, research lab, incubator, and talent cultivator.