Why the Offshore Patrol Cutter Matters for the USCG and the Nation

03/30/2013
2013-03-30 By Scott C. Truver The U.S. Coast Guard has in place ambitious programs that will revitalize the U.S. cutter force to meet the daunting requirements of the 21st Century. Three highly capable cutter classes are underway in March 2013. First, the Legend-class high-endurance National Security Cutters (NSCs) have been…

The Missile Defense Challenge from Iran

03/30/2013
2013-03-30 by Richard Weitz Many questions remain regarding the actual capability of Iran’s ballistic missile program, especially the range and accuracy of the missiles, how rapidly Iran could arm them with a nuclear warhead, and Tehran’s intentions and strategy regarding the possible use of these missiles. However, Iran clearly possesses…

The F-35 is Essential to Japanese Security

03/27/2013
By Kiyoshi Takenaka Lockheed Martin's F-35 fighters are the best choice for Japan's future operational needs, the nation's highest-ranking uniformed officer said on Wednesday, in a vote of confidence for the state-of-the-art U.S. warplane.  His comments follow reports that some nations that have placed orders for the F-35s may reconsider…

MV-22 Lands in Stuttgart From ARG-MEU Deployment

03/27/2013
2013-03-27 The range and speed of the Osprey is a key capability which enables the ARG-MEU. [caption id="attachment_51809" align="alignnone" width="300"] MV-22 landing at Stuttgart airport with Air Berlin flight in the background. Credit: USMC[/caption] It allows for a increased capability to disaggregate the ARG-MEU as well. And it allows for support…

The Evolving North Korea’s Missile Arsenal: A Direct and Proliferation Threat

03/27/2013
2013-03-27 by Richard Weitz The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) is working on an intercontinental-range missile (ICBM) capable of hitting targets as far as California and Alaska. In 1998, 2006, 2009, April 2012, and most recently in December 2012, the DPRK test launched a three-stage long-range missile designed to…