One of the lessons of Iraq is that ‘the surge’ appears to be successful and may be replicated (I hope) in Afghanistan. Nevertheless, we should always look for a less costly way. …

International coordination is key to countering modern-day freebooters

Maritime piracy is experiencing a renaissance not seen since the period of the Barbary pirates. Last year, 111 ships were attacked off the dangerous …

The European Union launched its first naval operation to combat piracy off the Somali coast, dubbed “Operation Atalanta,” on Dec 8. Its one-year mission is to “take the necessary measures, including the …

Next Generation Long Range Strike system provides strategic options

Following the Defense Department’s decision in 2006 to accelerate the Next Generation Long Range Strike (NGLRS) system, design and development is poised to …

Defense challenges for the Obama administration

If he needed a memory jogger, the latest round of Israeli-Palestinian fighting is sure to remind President Barack Obama that he is inheriting myriad national security …

TO THE AIR FORCE for rushing through with the revamped TSAT program. The Transformational Satellite communications System is a classic example of why Pentagon acquisition reform is essential. Plagued by budget cuts …

ARH replacement opens chances for contractors

Another defense procurement program is heading for a re-competition this year after the original contract was canceled when the winner fell four years behind schedule with …

TO THE NAVY for cutting funding of its P-8 patrol aircraft program. In the Defense Department’s fiscal 2010 budget proposal, the Navy has requested a shift of more than $900 million from …

With pirates off the coast of Somalia grabbing ships and headlines, the Navy’s 5th Fleet in Bahrain has established a new command that will head up an international force of navies to …

TO THE OBAMA DEFENSE TEAM for indicating early on its intent to instill disci¬pline in the weapons pro¬curement process. In its public debut, the team suggested it would move away from supplemental …