Pacific Deterrence Initiative gets $2.1 billion boost in final NDAA

Pacific Deterrence Initiative gets $2.1 billion boost in final NDAA
Pacific Deterrence Initiative gets $2.1 billion boost in final NDAA

Congress rebuked the Pentagon for “improperly focused” budget request for the Pacific Deterrence Initiative.

Marines’ new warfighting concept focuses on small, agile forces with an eye on China

Marines’ new warfighting concept focuses on small, agile forces with an eye on China
Marines’ new warfighting concept focuses on small, agile forces with an eye on China

The “evolving” stand-in forces concept is “applicable globally” but singles out America’s chief rival.

Wormuth: Here’s the Army’s role in a Pacific fight

Wormuth: Here’s the Army’s role in a Pacific fight
Wormuth: Here’s the Army’s role in a Pacific fight

As “linchpin service,” Army sees logistical, communications and, yes, combat roles in possible conflict.

It’s a FOBS, Space Force’s Saltzman confirms amid Chinese weapons test confusion

It’s a FOBS, Space Force’s Saltzman confirms amid Chinese weapons test confusion
It’s a FOBS, Space Force’s Saltzman confirms amid Chinese weapons test confusion

China’s recent test of a FOBS/HGV hybrid is “a very forward-edge technology capability,” said Space Force’s Lt. Gen. Chance (Salty) Saltzman.

Pentagon’s Global Posture Review emphasizes China, but lacks major strategic changes

Pentagon’s Global Posture Review emphasizes China, but lacks major strategic changes
Pentagon’s Global Posture Review emphasizes China, but lacks major strategic changes

Rather than a large shift in resources and plans, the review, which looked at US troop locations and capabilities across the globe, ultimately concluded that no major strategic changes are needed.

China eyes MidEast market with upgraded L-15 attack trainer in Dubai

China eyes MidEast market with upgraded L-15 attack trainer in Dubai
China eyes MidEast market with upgraded L-15 attack trainer in Dubai

Though the Middle East is a major market with enormous potential for China, they’ve yet to establish any real foothold in the region.

‘Almost a melding’ of US, UK, Aussie services coming: NSC’s Kurt Campbell

‘Almost a melding’ of US, UK, Aussie services coming: NSC’s Kurt Campbell
‘Almost a melding’ of US, UK, Aussie services coming: NSC’s Kurt Campbell

The context for President Biden’s almost four-hour discussion Monday night with President Xi Jinpeng, Kurt Campbell said, is “that the United States is here to stay in the Indo-Pacific, and we’re going to defend and support the operating system that has been so good for so many of us for many years.”

Aussies would join US to defend Taiwan; Defense Minister says ‘inconceivable’ they wouldn’t

Aussies would join US to defend Taiwan; Defense Minister says ‘inconceivable’ they wouldn’t
Aussies would join US to defend Taiwan; Defense Minister says ‘inconceivable’ they wouldn’t

The reliably bellicose Global Times’ editor, Hu Xijin, slammed Dutton’s remarks in a Tweet, promising a “heavy attack” on Australia if it should get involved in any Taiwan conflict.

Chinese orbital bombardment? Don’t panic!

Chinese orbital bombardment? Don’t panic!
Chinese orbital bombardment? Don’t panic!

Around this time last month the defense world was sent a tizzy by a reported Chinese hypersonic orbital weapons test. While many questions remain unanswered, Bleddyn Bowen and Cameron Hunter of the University of Leicester have some advice: calm down. The following is an abridged and updated summary of a report published by the Asia-Pacific…

China’s newest aircraft carrier may launch early next year; How many aircraft?

China’s newest aircraft carrier may launch early next year; How many aircraft?
China’s newest aircraft carrier may launch early next year; How many aircraft?

In addition to the speedy construction of the carrier, analysts called attention to the shipyard’s foreign customers, who appear to be effectively subsidizing the carrier’s construction.

China invests in artificial intelligence to counter US Joint Warfighting Concept: Records

China invests in artificial intelligence to counter US Joint Warfighting Concept: Records
China invests in artificial intelligence to counter US Joint Warfighting Concept: Records

Researchers at Georgetown University’s Center for Security and Emerging Technology sifted through thousands of Chinese military and defense equipment contracts. Here’s what we found.

US Air Force three-star to Chinese air force: Let’s talk

US Air Force three-star to Chinese air force: Let’s talk
US Air Force three-star to Chinese air force: Let’s talk

Opportunities for the US and Chinese air forces to interface have “dried up” in recent years. That “should cause us a little bit of concern,” the Air Force’s director of staff said Friday.

‘One of the largest shifts in global geostrategic power:’ Milley on China’s rise

‘One of the largest shifts in global geostrategic power:’ Milley on China’s rise
‘One of the largest shifts in global geostrategic power:’ Milley on China’s rise

New Pentagon report highlights China’s growing nuclear arsenal, but stresses a broader danger: miscalculation by Beijing or Washington.

Aussies to pick ‘mature’ nuke sub design; Is UK’s Astute class frontrunner?

Aussies to pick ‘mature’ nuke sub design; Is UK’s Astute class frontrunner?
Aussies to pick ‘mature’ nuke sub design; Is UK’s Astute class frontrunner?

Analyst Tim Walton thinks it’d be wise for Australia to field other, complementary undersea warfare capabilities such as “the Transformational Reliable Acoustic Path System and mobile sensors such as Wave Gliders with towed arrays to inexpensively monitor straits and ocean areas.”