Section: RAND (USA)
The Moscow Terror Attack Shows the Limits of the Russia-Iran Partnership
Growing military and economic ties between Russia and Iran pose a threat to U.S. and Western interests. But their relationship remains largely transactional. The Ukraine war has incentivized them to paper over their disputes for now, but has not erased significant differences which make it more difficult for Moscow and Tehran to forge a true...
Putin’s Cordon Sanitaire in Ukraine
Moscow is signaling a renewed Russian lunge into northern Ukraine to create a buffer zone and seize Kharkiv. Any Russian escalation in northern Ukraine deserves to be met with the full force of Ukraine’s own arms and those from the West. …read more Source::...
What Chinese Navy Planners Are Learning from Ukraine’s Use of Unmanned Surface Vessels
The continued success of Ukrainian unmanned surface vessel (USV) attacks on Russian naval facilities and warships has kept USVs in the defense analytical spotlight and naval analysts around the world, particularly those in China, are taking note. …read more Source::...
The Russian Air Force Is Hollowing Itself Out. Air Defenses for Ukraine Would Speed That Up
The Russian Aerospace Forces has fewer than 650 tactical aircraft when accounting for end-of-life aircraft; it has even less when accounting for accelerated usage. But these numbers are unlikely to change Russia’s behavior, based on its exhibited willingness to accept high losses, even for trivial gains. …read more Source::...
What Sweden’s Accession Means for NATO
Russia’s failed invasion of Ukraine pushed neutral Sweden to embrace a role in Europe and NATO’s collective defence and security. With the addition of its 32nd Member, NATO’s toolkit gains Sweden’s ground and air combat, nearshore and undersea warfare capabilities, as well as the country’s expertise in niche areas...
Pace Through Integration? UK Defence Attempts Procurement Reform, Again
The Ukraine war has exposed a challenge: how can allies gear their defence industries up to deliver materiel to Ukraine while remaining fit for purpose at home? By introducing a new integrated procurement model, the UK Ministry of Defence aims to consciously integrate lessons learned from past programmes—successful and otherwise. …read more...
Help Ukraine Win—or Risk Kicking Off a U.S. Losing Streak
Continued assistance to Ukraine is critical if the United States is to retain its position as the world’s indispensable nation and the many benefits Americans enjoy as a result. Failing to support Ukraine now might kick off an American losing streak that could take decades to overcome. …read more Source::...
Bolstering Ukraine’s Irregular War Against Russia
As Ukrainian forces assume a more defensive posture, Kyiv’s irregular warfare behind enemy lines becomes even more important. Ukrainian irregulars are already active, even striking distant targets in Russia. With Western support and technology, these silent warriors could become even more potent. …read more Source::...
As Europe’s Peace Unravels, Czech Republic Ties Its Defence More Tightly to NATO
The Czech Republic’s new defence strategy emphasises its commitment to its allies and Ukraine at a time when the cohesion of the Western Alliance is being challenged by both domestic and external factors. …read more Source::...
Breaking the Logjam: How to Start a Process That Leads to Negotiations
It is too early to begin real talks between Russia and Ukraine. And Kyiv would have to be in the lead when they begin. But all parties should take steps now to bring about the possibility of talks in the future. …read more Source::...
