10 Breaking Defense op-eds that defined 2025
It's been a whirlwind of a year — and the defense establishment has plenty of thoughts on how it's unfolded and what might come next.
Emerging tech, allies and the NPOR flexibility we need
In this op-ed, former Navy and DoD official Jamie Morgan argues the current Foreign Military Sales system must evolve to meet non-program of record (NPOR) demands.
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Powering the future: Securing America with domestically made microelectronics
Onshoring and investment in military-specific semiconductors anchor a cornerstone of the defense industrial base.
The AI aircraft debate rages, but both sides are wrong
In the debate of AI versus human pilots, ULA's Tory Bruno considers a compromise where AI supports warfighters rather than replace them.
Reforms to Navy’s research office must come without sacrificing scientific freedom
The Office of Naval Research is going through a necessary evolution to ensure the Navy is prepared for decades to come, writes Lorin Selby.
Europe must invest in munitions to keep the US invested in Europe
An increased production in munitions from Europe takes the burden off the US while securing Europe's position as a key defense partner, write Michael Kidd and Giana Farry.
How private capital and allied investment can refill America’s empty shelves
A structured Surge Inventory Purchase Vehicle could be the key to ensuring America’s inventory stays stocked and ready for wartime, writes John Ferrari in this op-ed.
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GPS: Still the gold standard in global navigation
The GPS network continues to prove its unmatched reliability, and it’s only getting stronger.
How to design a credible air deterrent for Ukraine after a ceasefire
If a ceasefire in Ukraine happens, the European Union should lead the creation of an Allied Air Command for Ukraine (AAC-U), write Dave Deptula and Jahara Matisek.
An overlooked national security challenge: Maritime supply chain security
Congress has passed three pieces of legislation to address maritime security, but that's not enough for an issue this global, writes Elisabeth Tamte in this essay.
Upgrade carrier air wings with F/A-XX or lose to China
If the US is to stand a chance against China, the time is now to move out on the Navy's future next-gen fighter, explains Rebecca Grant of the Lexington Institute.
The sabotage of Secretary Hegseth’s acquisition reform initiative
AEI's Bill Greenwalt breaks down key changes between the draft and final version of Pete Hegseth's acquisition memo - and finds some startling shifts.
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How warfighters communicate when their missions are beyond visual line of sight
Standoff capability means warfighters stay connected and remain remotely located in a safer environment while making it harder for adversaries to target them.
Lessons for combat medicine from the Ukraine conflict
The Army must evolve its medical response operations in light of drone warfare and other modern battlefield developments, combat medic Zachary Hilmer argues in this op Ed.
Trump’s heavy hand in Latin America may erode US power
President Donald Trump’s tactics in Venezuela and other Latin American countries will ultimately have the opposite effect of what he’s trying to achieve, writes Daniel DePetris of Defense Priorities.
Securing America’s grid through transformers and workforce resilience
Juliana Fleming in this essay explores the national security risks the US is facing due to a vulnerable electric grid.
Drones don’t win wars, stockpiles do: The case for a US-India munitions partnership
As stockpiling munitions becomes increasingly more important, India and the US should team up to create an "arsenal alliance," writes Kriti Upadhyaya from The Heritage Foundation.