DefenseNews reports on Commission on Software-Defined Warfare final report

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
DefenseNews reports on Commission on Software-Defined Warfare final report

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
DefenseNews reports on Commission on Software-Defined Warfare final report

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

In the News

Mar 26, 2025

DefenseNews reports on Commission on Software-Defined Warfare final report

By Atlantic Council

On March 26, Courtney Albon of DefenseNews published an article analyzing the defense industry’s response to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s recent directive on software acquisition, highlighting Forward Defense's Commission on Software-Defined Warfare report as a key framework for understanding the broader reforms required.

Artificial Intelligence Defense Industry

In the News

Mar 26, 2025

Cartwright and Kandasamy in COTS Journal on the Commission on Software-Defined Warfare

By Atlantic Council

On March 26, COTS Journal published an article by Gen James “Hoss” Cartwright, USMC (ret.) and Jags Kandasamy, Commissioners on Forward Defense’s Commission on Software-Defined Warfare, highlighting key recommendations from the Commission’s final report.

Artificial Intelligence Defense Industry

Uncategorized

Mar 26, 2025

TX Hammes publishes issue brief on Chinese port and base investments overseas

By Thomas X. Hammes

On March 21, TX Hammes, nonresident senior fellow at Forward Defense, published an issue brief through the Atlantic Council, entitled ‘Chinese exploitation of overseas ports and bases’ in which he detailed the threat posed by aggressive Chinese investment strategies globally to US national security. Further, Hammes argues the inability to react to recent Chinese actions […]

Defense Policy English

In the News

Mar 26, 2025

Exclusive on Atlantic Council Commission on Software-Defined Warfare final report published in Axios

By Atlantic Council

On March 26, 2025, Colin Demarest of Axios published an exclusive on the Pentagon's software-hardware balance and featured Forward Defense's Commision on Software-Defined Warfare report.

Artificial Intelligence Defense Industry

New Atlanticist

Mar 25, 2025

Peace requires more than a handshake: Misreading Russia’s war aims will prolong Putin’s aggression

By Zak Schneider

Understanding Russian President Vladimir Putin’s ideological motivations for invading Ukraine is essential to negotiating a lasting peace.

Conflict Defense Policy

TURKEYSource

Mar 25, 2025

How Germany’s incoming government will work with Turkey

By Hürcan Aslı Aksoy

A stronger German focus on national interests, security, and leading the EU may reshape Germany-Turkey relations to be more transactional in the years ahead.

Defense Policy Elections

In the News

Mar 24, 2025

Rodriguez, Shanahan, and Sweatt cut into the stakes and opportunities of software-defined warfare on All Quiet on the Second Front podcast

By Atlantic Council

On March 24, Stephen Rodriguez, senior advisor at Forward Defense and director of FD's Commission on Software-Defined Warfare was a featured guest alongside Lt Gen Jack Shanahan on the podcast All Quiet on the Second Front, hosted by Tyler Sweatt.

Artificial Intelligence Defense Industry

Issue Brief

Mar 21, 2025

Clarity is power: The Trump administration needs a new US Navy Navigation Plan

By Bruce Stubbs

The US Navy’s current Navigation Plan (NAVPLAN) is an insufficient document. Bruce Stubbs writes that the Navy must embrace the red and identify course corrections and promote greater clarity, specificity, and transparency in its guidance.

Defense Policy Indo-Pacific

Issue Brief

Mar 21, 2025

China’s exploitation of overseas ports and bases

By Thomas X. Hammes

The control and administration of overseas ports and bases by China poses a serious risk to the United States in the event of a potential conflict. The Chinese People’s Liberation Army could exploit these ports and bases to challenge control of the sea.

China Defense Policy

In the News

Mar 21, 2025

Soofer featured at NSSA’s SpaceTime event on “Golden Dome for America”

By Atlantic Council

On March 20, Forward Defense senior fellow Robert Soofer joined Lt. Gen. Henry “Trey” Obering, USAF (Ret.), and Chris Williams for NSSA’s SpaceTime event, “Golden Dome for America.” The discussion explored the policy, budgetary, and programmatic implications of President Trump’s recent executive order establishing a homeland air and missile defense system.

China Defense Policy
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Experts

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Shawn Creamer

Nonresident Senior Fellow

GeoStrategy Initiative Indo-Pacific Security Initiative

Security & Defense East Asia

Fellow

Marvin J. Park

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Indo-Pacific Security Initiative Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

China Defense Policy

Fellow

LeAnne Noelani Howard

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security Transatlantic Security Initiative

Defense Policy Europe & Eurasia

Fellow

Nathan K. Finney

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Indo-Pacific Security Initiative Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

Conflict Defense Policy

Fellow

Jongsun Kim

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Forward Defense Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

Defense Industry Defense Policy

Fellow

Owen J. Daniels

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Forward Defense Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

Defense Industry Defense Policy
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Events

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Strengthening US shipbuilding: Congress’s role in maritime revitalization
Defense Industry Defense Policy Defense Technologies Maritime Security