Exclusive Science & Tech

SecDef Austin Summons Hypersonics CEOs

Pentagon meeting set for next week in race to outpace China and Russia.

Ideas

Slouching Towards Armageddon

As Cold War-type dangers return, we should restore the things that once pulled the world back from the brink.

Ideas

Unless Biden Acts Now, His Nuclear Policy Will Look a Lot Like Trump’s

The smart move is to declare a "sole purpose" policy and reverse the dangerous expansion of nuclear missions.

Ideas

Who’s Afraid of an ICBM Review?

It’s worth spending five figures to assess whether to move ahead with a program that could cost more than a quarter-trillion dollars.

Threats

2021 Top Ten: Air Force

The emergency evacuation from Kabul, unprecedented in scope and speed, was the operational highlight of the year.

Ideas

Don’t Attack Iran

Those who advocate strikes against nuclear sites are underestimating the risks and overestimating the benefit.

Ideas

Nuclear Command-and-Control Satellites Should Be Off Limits

Blowing up some satellites causes problems. Blowing up these could cause nuclear war.

Threats

US, S. Korea to Write New War Plan to Counter N. Korean Nukes, Missiles

During visit, defense chiefs also expected to announce Seoul will test for long-awaited operational control of joint forces in 2022.

Ideas

A Low Bar for Success in Today’s Iran-Nuke Talks

The Nov. 29 session between the U.S., Iran, the European Union, and the rest of the P5+1 has the air of a make-or-break moment.

Ideas

New Tech Will Erode Nuclear Deterrence. The US Must Adapt

A nuclear-only review can’t properly assess sensors and weapons from hypersonics to directed energy.

Science & Tech

North Korean Uranium Mining Picked Up From 2017 to 2020

Satellite photos show accelerated mining efforts but the meaning of the activity is still unclear.

Threats

China Likely to Have ‘At Least’ 1,000 Nukes by 2030, Pentagon Estimates

Beijing’s new capabilities could embolden a Taiwan attack—but that’s not likely within the next two years, Milley says.

Ideas

Strengthen U.S. Security Through Nuclear Arms Reductions

Biden has an opportunity to bolster deterrence, reduce proliferation risks, and lower the risk of nuclear war.

Threats

Air Force Secretary Warns of China’s Burgeoning Nuclear Arsenal, Reveals B-21 Detail

Frank Kendall also criticized Congress for not allowing the Air Force to retire old, unneeded warplanes and questioned the need for hypersonic weapons.

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.

Threats

Biden’s 6-Month Clock On Russia-U.S. Nuke Talks Starts Now

Officials met for the first time in Geneva on Wednesday. They’re set to come together again in September.

Ideas

Launch Arms-Control Talks with China

Instead of saber-rattling, the Biden-Harris administration and leaders across the political spectrum should be putting the pressure on Beijing to come to the table.