The hypersonic imperative

New Atlanticist Nov 1, 2024

NATO needs a defense industrial strategy that prioritizes being strong, smart, and together

By Kristen Taylor, Luka Ignac

A recent two-day summit underscored the ways in which the credibility of allied deterrence hinges on robust defense industrial cooperation.
Defense Policy Defense Technologies
The hypersonic imperative

New Atlanticist Oct 30, 2024

In defense of Draghi’s defense idea: Three models for a centralized defense procurer for the EU

By Thomas Goldstein

Only a European defense procurer can provide the institutional reform to overcome intra- and intergovernmental paralysis and invest at scale.
Defense Industry Defense Policy
The hypersonic imperative

New Atlanticist Oct 28, 2024

The US needs a stronger defense industrial base. Option contracts can help.

By Michael Hogan

The US government would pay a premium on current orders, but it would then have the option to purchase a larger amount within a fixed timeframe.
Defense Industry Defense Policy

The Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security works to develop sustainable, nonpartisan strategies to address the most important security challenges facing the United States and the world.

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Content

Strategic Insights Memo

Mar 12, 2025

The hypersonic imperative

By Michael E. White

Hypersonic weapons and counter-hypersonic defenses will be essential for the United States to deter and, if necessary, prevail in a war against one or more great powers. This is why the Department of Defense and Congress must prioritize the accelerated fielding of these capabilities.

China Defense Industry

TURKEYSource

Mar 12, 2025

Now more than ever, the United States needs a Black Sea strategy

By Arnold C. Dupuy

Peace and prosperity in the Black Sea will require more than a cease-fire in Ukraine; it will require a new Black Sea security and development strategy.

Conflict Defense Policy

In the News

Mar 11, 2025

Soofer quoted at National Institute for Public Policy symposium on nuclear and missile defense policy

By Atlantic Council

On November 20, 2024, Forward Defense senior fellow Robert Soofer gave remarks at a symposium on “Nuclear and Missile Defense Policy in the Second Trump Administration: What to Expect and What Should be Done” hosted by the National Institute for Public Policy. In the published notes from the symposium, Soofer was quoted on the unique […]

China Defense Policy

In the News

Mar 11, 2025

Chilton interviewed about the “Golden Dome” on Aerospace Advantage Podcast

By Atlantic Council

On March 8, Forward Defense distinguished fellow Kevin P. Chilton was interviewed on The Aerospace Advantage podcast by The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies. In the episode, Chilton spoke on the realities of the “Golden Dome,” saying, “I’m 100 percent for it for the United States of America but I would say first things first. […]

China Defense Policy

In the News

Mar 7, 2025

Leaders of Hypersonics Capabilities Task Force author SpaceNews op-ed

By Atlantic Council

On March 6, Hypersonic Capabilities Task Force co-chairs Deborah Lee James, Ryan McCarthy, and lead author, Michael E. White, published an op-ed in SpaceNews entitled, “How the nation can make fielding hypersonic capabilities a national priority.” The article argues that the U.S. must urgently prioritize the development and deployment of hypersonic capabilities to counter growing […]

China Defense Policy

New Atlanticist

Mar 5, 2025

How Europe wants to rearm itself

By Piotr Arak

Ahead of an important European Union (EU) meeting on March 6, plans are in development at both the EU and member state levels to boost defense spending.

Conflict Defense Policy

UkraineAlert

Mar 4, 2025

Europe has the resources to defend itself and back Ukraine against Russia

By Agnia Grigas

By leveraging its economic strength, demographic advantage, and military potential, Europe can confidently counter Putin’s imperial ambitions and provide Ukraine with the support it needs to resist Russia’s invasion, writes Agnia Grigas.

Conflict Defense Industry

Issue Brief

Mar 4, 2025

Making AUKUS work: The case for an Indo-Pacific defense innovation consortium

By Elliot Silverberg, Jacob Sharpe, and Rob Murray

The AUKUS partnership, focused on defense innovation in the Indo-Pacific, faces challenges in technology-sharing due to regulations like ITAR and EAR. The proposed Indo-Pacific Strategic Partnership for Accelerated Research and Knowledge in Defense (SPARK) aims to overcome these barriers, fostering faster co-development and co-production of advanced defense technologies

Australia Defense Industry

New Atlanticist

Mar 3, 2025

To tackle China-enabled drug cartels in Mexico, Trump will need military authorization

By Doug Livermore

An authorization to use military force against Mexican drug cartels would unite various government agencies in a coordinated effort to combat a major threat to US national security.

China Defense Policy

In the News

Feb 28, 2025

Soofer interviewed on NucleCast podcast about homeland missile defense

By Atlantic Council

On February 25 Forward Defense senior fellow Robert Soofer was interviewed by Dr. Adam Lowther, Strategic Advisor to the ANWA Deterrence Center, on the NucleCast podcast. In the episode, they discussed the evolving threats from countries like North Korea, Russia, and China, and the need for a robust missile defense strategy that reassures allies and deters adversaries.

China Defense Policy
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R. Clarke Cooper

Distinguished fellow, Middle East Programs

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative

Africa Defense Policy

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Scott Cooper

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Forward Defense Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

Afghanistan Civil Society

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Robert Bassett Cross MC

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Forward Defense Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

Defense Industry Defense Policy

Fellow

Ann Marie Dailey

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security Transatlantic Security Initiative

Defense Policy Europe & Eurasia

Fellow

Peter J. Dean

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Indo-Pacific Security Initiative Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

Australia Conflict

Fellow

John R. Deni

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security Transatlantic Security Initiative

Defense Policy Europe & Eurasia
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Events

Public Event Wed, August 13, 2025 • 10:00 am ET

The US Space Force’s Jonathan Farrow on the US Space Warfighting Framework
Defense Policy National Security Space Security
Public Event Wed, October 8, 2025 • 9:00 am ET

2025 Energy & Defense Summit
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