Intercepts

Defense News offers the commentaries and opinions from military and industry decision-makers that frame the global debate about defense policy, programs and strategy.
The Putin-Trump relationship: Nothing more than smoke and mirrors [Editorial]
In an Aug. 3 tweet, President Donald Trump had this to say: “Our relations with Russia are at a historic low, and very dangerous.” But is it? Or is it actually no different than it’s ever been, except that the current administration implied for a brief period of time we might see the relationship repaired?
Commentary
Why, President Trump, you need the media [Commentary]
When there’s a clear effort to not cooperate with the media, it’s difficult to do our jobs. And I suppose that’s the point. But what I’d offer to the president is that closing the door on the press makes it awfully difficult to do your job as well.
Editorial: Strengthen Electronic Warfare
One of the key lessons of Moscow's invasion of Ukraine is the potency of Russia's electronic warfare capabilities, the product of decades of focused investment.
Lawmakers Press Top Officers for Arctic Plans
For weeks on Capitol Hill, lawmakers have been peppering Pentagon officials about their plans in the Arctic in recent weeks. Russia, it seemed, is winning in the Arctic while the US military hasn't even got its snow boots on.
Editorial: Lawmakers' Way Forward
This week, the Senate Budget Committee is going to mark up its 2016 budget resolution, which will frame the nature of the defense funding debate for the year.
In Europe, US Army Official Favors Host-Nation Basing
As shrinking budgets push the US Army (and the other services) to shutter facilities in Europe, the president's European Reassurance Initiative is surging dollars — some for military construction — to counter Russian aggression against Ukraine.
Editorial: Rafale a Better Option for India
Now that Paris has shelved plans to deliver two helicopter assault ships to Russia, Moscow is working overtime to convince India to dump plans to buy French fighters and instead buy a new Sukhoi jet.
US Soldiers Readying for Ukraine Deployment
The US Army is preparing to send approximately 300 troops at a time to train Ukrainian forces in western Ukraine, according to documents posted on a government contracting site.
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