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Iran may well lay mines in small numbers, but it is unlikely to produce expansive, carefully engineered minefields on the scale Iraq achieved in 1990.
If we can’t produce components needed for our most advanced weapon systems domestically, then we could find ourselves at the mercy of stalled global supply
Justin Sanchez • JANUARY 5, 2026
Elevating AI and chips to national priorities is essential, but it’s also time to give biotechnology and biosecurity the same strategic focus. The U.S. should stop treating biosecurity as a low-visibility, high-impact endeavor and recommit to biotechnology as a launchpad for economic prosperity, with biosecurity as the guardrails that keep us accelerating in the right direction into the future.
South Korea has a robust navy that could help in Hormuz. A closer look reveals that its core ships are intricately integrated with deterrence on the Korean peninsula.
Europe should aim to stand on its own feet and, where it can, set the pace.
This is not a debate about manned versus unmanned, nor about exquisite versus cheap. It is about operational effectiveness.
In the absence of direction and accountability, an “assume breach” mindset can help agencies and operators prepare for attacks and expedite the implementation of this guidance.
The volume, velocity and value of data have increased exponentially as defense organizations modernize, but so have the risks.
Getting these platforms into the hands of forces is critical, but fielding tools is only the start. Leaders must ensure people have the time, training and permission to learn them well.
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