by Richard Weitz In their latest annual assessment of Russia’s nuclear forces, Hans Kristensen and Robert Norris estimate that the Russian Federation has more than 4,400 nuclear warheads. Of these, they calculate that some 2,430 warheads are assigned to various strategic delivery vehicles (1,490 on 434 ICBMs, and 950 are…
By Robbin Laird There are several new elements of the evolving global maritime transportation system, which place increasing demand on the providers of maritime security. Among those dynamics are: Deeper offshore drilling (such as the Arctic), Very large cruise ships (which are tax the ability to provide safety and security),…
by Richard Weitz For several years, the Project on National Security Reform (PNSR) worked as a nonpartisan, nonprofit, public interest organization to revitalize the American government by transforming its national security system. Since the current national security system was developed in 1947, the world has changed. Funded and supported by…
Second Line of Defense had a chance to sit down with one of the two Harrier squadron commanders aboard the USS Kearsarge during the Bold Alligator 2012 exercise. Earlier, we discussed with Lt. Col. Hermley, Commanding Officer, Marine Attack Squadron 231, MCAS, Cherry Point, and the approach to be followed…
by Richard Weitz Perhaps the most original content in Vladimir Putin’s pre-election article on Russian defense policy is his comprehensive support for Russia’s controversial military reform program. Putin and other Russian leaders understand that, no matter how good the new weapons Russia is receiving, the Armed Forces need a newly…
3/19/12 by Robbin Laird As Ed Timperlake has argued in a companion piece, the UK shifting from the F-35C to an F-35B/A mix would make inherently good sense. https://sldinfo.com/the-uk-rethinks-the-f-35c-decision-shaping-a-british-led-expeditionary-strike-group/ At the heart of the shift is the ability to gain significant flexibility with the use of the new UK carriers…
Mine Warfare In Bold Alligator-12 and Expeditionary Warrior-12 Scott C. Truver, PhD In a SLD interview (http://www.sldforum.com/2012/03/the-way-ahead-after-bold-alligator-2012/), COL Bradley Weisz, Deputy Commander, Expeditionary Strike Group TWO, highlighted the importance of mine warfare (MIW), particularly mine countermeasures (MCM), in the joint/combined-forces Bold Alligator 2012 exercise conducted in February. “Both ESG-2 and…
On March 5, 2012,Second Line of Defense had a chance to sit down and to discuss Bold Alligator 2012 with the Commanding General of 2nd Marine Air Wing. The General had organized meetings the Friday before with several of the key actors in the exercise from 2nd MAW. In later…
