Defense Technologies

The groundbreaking technologies that are beginning to remake the business, culture, and lifestyle of so many civilians also present challenges to national security establishments. Artificial Intelligence (AI), directed energy, autonomous weapons, advanced robotics, 5G networks, additive manufacturing, quantum computing, and bio-/neurotechnology are only a few among the many cutting-edge technologies which the United States and its adversaries are preparing to militarize.

Modernizing space-based nuclear command, control, and communications

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
Modernizing space-based nuclear command, control, and communications

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
Modernizing space-based nuclear command, control, and communications

UkraineAlert Oct 8, 2024

The West must learn defense tech lessons on the Ukrainian battlefield

By Edward Verona

The Russia-Ukraine War is the most technologically advanced war in history but Western military strategists and weapons developers risk missing out on key lessons due to excessive caution, writes Edward Verona.
Conflict Defense Industry

Content

Hypersonic and Ballistic Tracking Space Sensor (HBTSS)

Issue Brief

Jul 15, 2024

Modernizing space-based nuclear command, control, and communications

By Peter L. Hays and Sarah Mineiro

While nuclear command, control, and communications (NC3) is in the midst of a modernization overhaul, the space-based elements of NC3 face unique geopolitical, technical, and bureaucratic challenges. This paper focuses on space-based missions and elements of the existing NC3 system, analyzing how ongoing modernization programs are addressing these challenges as well as offering recommendations.

China Defense Policy

In the News

Jul 11, 2024

Indo-Pacific production diplomacy event and report quoted by Aviation Week and Janes

On July 1, IPSI’s recent public event and issue brief on production diplomacy in the Indo-Pacific were quoted in an Aviation Week article. On July 10, this work was also featured in a Janes report focusing on defense industrial resilience through production diplomacy.

Australia Defense Industry

In the News

Jul 10, 2024

Hinata-Yamaguchi quoted in NK News on Russia-North Korea relationship

On July 9, IPSI nonresident senior fellow Ryo Hinata-Yamaguchi was quoted in an NK News article regarding a Russian military jet’s visit to North Korea, the first since the two countries signed a mutual defense treaty. Hinata-Yamaguchi noted that Russia appears open about its military cooperation with North Korea, predicting more overt military engagements and […]

Defense Policy Defense Technologies

Issue Brief

Jul 8, 2024

Turkey’s emerging and disruptive technologies capacity and NATO: Defense policy, prospects, and limitations

By Can Kasapoğlu and Sine Özkaraşahin

An issue brief exploring Turkey's defense technological ecosystem and leveraging its capabilities for the benefit of NATO.

Defense Industry Defense Policy

In the News

Jul 8, 2024

Webster in the China-Russia Report: China may produce drones for Russia
Arms Control Central Asia

New Atlanticist

Jul 3, 2024

Don’t cut corners on US nuclear deterrence

By Matthew Kroenig, Mark J. Massa

Bipartisan support for modernizing and expanding the US nuclear arsenal will be essential for the United States to deter its adversaries.

Conflict Defense Industry

UkraineAlert

Jul 2, 2024

Putin is using Belarus to escalate his nuclear threats

By Peter Dickinson

Russian dictator Vladimir Putin is increasingly using Belarus to escalate his nuclear intimidation tactics against the West, writes Peter Dickinson.

Belarus Conflict

UkraineAlert

Jun 26, 2024

Ukraine’s innovative drone industry helps counter Putin’s war machine

By David Kirichenko

Ukraine's rapidly expanding and highly innovative domestic drone industry is helping the country compensate for Russia's overwhelming advantages in both manpower and munitions, writes David Kirichenko.

Conflict Defense Industry

Issue Brief

Jun 25, 2024

A global strategy to secure UAS supply chains

By Matthew Kroenig, Imran Bayoumi

China exercises substantial control over the commercial drone market, which poses a security challenge for the United States and its allies and partners. What strategy will help the United States and its allies and partners counter China’s drone-market dominance?

China Defense Industry

Defense Journal by Atlantic Council IN TURKEY

Jun 24, 2024

Small, smart, many and cheaper: Competitive adaptation in modern warfare

By Atlantic Council Turkey Programs

T.X. Hammes reflects on the growing role of cheap and adaptable technologies in fighting the wars of tomorrow.

Defense Industry Defense Technologies
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Experts

Fellow

Elliot Ackerman

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Forward Defense Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

Afghanistan Defense Policy

Fellow

Robert Bassett Cross MC

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Forward Defense Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

Defense Industry Defense Policy

Fellow

Joseph T. Bonivel Jr.

Nonresident Senior Fellow

GeoTech Center

Cybersecurity Defense Technologies

Fellow

Debra Cagan

Senior Advisor, Eurasia Center

Eurasia Center

Defense Industry Defense Technologies

Fellow

Deborah Cheverton

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Forward Defense Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

Afghanistan Defense Industry

Fellow

August Cole

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Forward Defense Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

Defense Industry Defense Policy
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Events

Public Event Fri, March 27, 2026 • 12:00 pm ET

How Ukraine’s drones and Russia’s reconnaissance fit into the Iran war
Conflict Defense Industry Defense Policy Defense Technologies