Defense Archives

Israel's F-35I Adir Fighter. Image credit: Creative Commons

The Treaty

The Story of the Next Lebanon War Starts Now

Beirut, the once-fabled “Paris of the Middle East”, has been down on its luck in recent years. The lack of attention to Lebanon’s decline...

Mark Dubowitz and David DaoudAugust 8, 2024

An F-35 Lightning II from the 115th Fighter Wing flies alongside a KC-135 Stratotanker with the 121st Air Refueling Wing after being refueled over the skies of Wisconsin, March 20, 2024. The F-35 II's aerodynamic performance and advanced integrated avionics will provide next-generation stealth, enhanced situational awareness, and reduced vulnerability for the United States and allied nations. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Airman Ivy Thomas)

Uncategorized

The Neverending F-35 Debate: Is This Fighter Plane Worth $2 Trillion?

Making the Best Out of the F-35’s High Price Tag: The F-35 Lightning II’s total lifecycle will cost over $2 trillion – an eye-watering...

Brent M. EastwoodAugust 8, 2024

An F-15E Strike Eagle stands static on the flightline before morning takeoffs at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, Jan. 5, 2021. The 48th Fighter Wing conducts daily flying operations in order to ensure the Liberty Wing can deliver unique air combat capabilities when called upon by its NATO allies. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Madeline Herzog)

Military Hardware: Tanks, Bombers, Submarines and More

America’s One-War Military Is No Match for Reality

Four consecutive bipartisan defense strategy commissions have looked “under the hood” of America’s armed forces and all issued dire warnings. The Department of Defense...

Mackenzie EaglenAugust 7, 2024

An F-16 Fighting Falcon approaches the boom of a KC-10 extender aircraft during an aerial refueling mission out of Luke Air Force Base, Ariz., Nov. 16, 2016. F-16 pilots train on aerial refueling operations to be prepared for longer mission requirements. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman James Hensley)

Ukraine War

Why F-16 Fighters for Ukraine Really Do Matter

After months of pleading, Ukraine is finally getting F-16 fighter jets. The number and kind of missiles they’ll be equipped with are unclear. All...

Alexander MotylAugust 7, 2024

Sukhoi Su-33 launching from the Admiral Kuznetsov.

Military Hardware: Tanks, Bombers, Submarines and More

Russia’s Su-33 Aircraft Carrier Fighter Is Nothing Short of a Disaster

Since the Sukhoi Su-27 (NATO reporting name “Flanker”) air superiority fighter officially debuted in June 1985, it seems that the JSC Sukhoi Company has...

Christian OrrAugust 7, 2024

Uncategorized

Symbol or Substance: Do F-16 Fighters for Ukraine Really Matter?

Finally, at long last, Ukraine has F-16 Vipers. Of all the equipment that the West has transferred to Ukraine, advanced fighter aircraft hold perhaps...

Robert FarleyAugust 6, 2024

The Treaty

Washington Must Prevent a Saudi Nuclear Program

Under a landmark U.S.-Saudi security deal that the Biden administration is reportedly finalizing, the United States could be closer than ever to jumpstarting Saudi...

Grace YetterAugust 5, 2024