United States of America | The Runway

KEY POINTS:

Economic Giant: Home to the world's largest economy, with a diverse industrial base and leadership in global innovation.
Cultural Powerhouse: A major global influencer through its entertainment industry and technological innovations like Hollywood and Silicon Valley.
Geographical Variety: Features a vast range of geographical landscapes, contributing to its diverse climate and tourism opportunities.
International Influence: Holds a pivotal role in global affairs.
ANZUS Treaty: Signed with Australia and New Zealand in 1951.
AUKUS Partnership: Enhances military capabilities with Australia and the UK, focusing on technology sharing and regional threat countermeasures since 2021.
Military Spending: World's largest at $997 billion in 1994. China next at $314 billion.

Air & Space Power

US F-35 drops inert nuclear bomb to show future atomic strike mission capability

The F-35 successfully completed B61-12 nuclear bomb flight tests at Tonopah, Utah, validating reliability and extending weapon life by 20 years. This milestone confirms the F-35 as the only fifth-gen fighter certified for nuclear missions.

Military Management

Two Dangerous Assumptions in U.S. Defense Planning and How to Fix Them

Decades of U.S. dominance have bred complacent assumptions about mobility and sustainment in the Indo-Pacific. Williams argues planners must confront logistical, geographic, and force design limits, adopting realistic, resilient postures grounded in war-gaming and analysis.

Air & Space Power

US Army’s first hypersonic battery to be fully equipped by December

The U.S. Army’s first hypersonic weapon battery, Dark Eagle, will be fully armed by December 2025, marking a major milestone in America’s race with China and Russia to field operational long-range hypersonic strike capability.

Air & Space Power

Australia, US move toward co-producing guided weapons

Australia and the United States have signed a Joint Statement of Intent to co-produce guided weapons, establishing a joint office and advancing sovereign missile manufacturing under Australia’s $21 billion GWEO Enterprise.

Air & Space Power

Australia will store, maintain USMC Ospreys

Operating primarily out of Darwin and the northern Australian training areas, the MV-22 aircraft help maintain a secure region, strengthen interoperability between the Australian Defence Force and the USMC, and provide engagement across the Indo-Pacific.

Air & Space Power

First flight tests begin for Air Force’s drone wingmen

Rapid testing of US collaborative combat aircraft (CCA) highlights a new approach to acquisition—prioritising speed, competition, and adaptability to deliver scalable un-crewed systems. 1000-plus CCAs planned for strikes, reconnaissance, electronic warfare and decoys.

Military Management

‘Nasty’ Fights of the Future Require More Realistic Training, Says Panel

US forces are focussing on training to be delivered at speed and at the density to meet rapidly changing threats and capability. They are making training realistic and adaptive through exercises, simulators and live-virtual-constructive modes.

Military Management

General: 8% cuts ‘painful,’ but could bring fresh funds for Air Force

US Air Force must achieve an 8% budget cut while maintaining lethality and deterrence. This may involve retiring older platforms and cancelling noncrucial programs. Other air forces will watch how it achieves this balance.

Air & Space Power

Space Force lacks ‘warfighting ethos,’ experts say

The Mitchell Institute's report recommends new policies allowing weapons in space; increased funding and personnel; the development of a warfighting concept to shape a more assertive culture among guardians; and better tracking of space activity.

Strategic Influence

The Pentagon's Next Crisis: Russia and China Trading Military Secrets?

Growing cooperation between Russia and China in military technology raises concerns, but overreacting could push them closer. Russia wants Chinese drones and semiconductors. China desires Russian aviation and submarine propulsion technology.

Strategic Influence

What America’s Iron Dome effort should learn from Israel’s air defense systems

Israel’s missile defence network has proven effective against diverse aerial threats. The US should enhance existing systems and cooperation with Israel to develop next-generation defences, adapting to increasingly complex and evolving threats.

Strategic Influence

To safeguard the Arctic, Trump should work with Denmark and Greenland

This article discusses the historical and strategic importance of Greenland to Denmark and the US, emphasizing the need for continued NATO integration of Arctic defence due to Russia's militarization and China's regional ambitions.

Technology & Innovation

US Navy’s spectacular laser test

Powered by the ship’s supply, the weapon successfully struck an aerial drone, demonstrating precise, cost-effective defence against air and sea threats. Laser systems could reduce reliance on conventional ammunition stockpiles, enhancing sustainability and operational efficiency.

Strategic Influence

To secure Taiwan, the United States must first secure Ukraine

Maintaining US support for Ukraine is strategically linked to defending Taiwan, as it weakens Russian resources, deters Chinese aggression, and strengthens the US industrial base. Ignoring Ukraine could cause a two-front war against reconstituted adversaries.

Strategic Influence

Some US allies contribute, some loaf. Here’s a numerical assessment

This article looks at Defence spending as a percentage of GDP, long term meeting of targets, purchase of US weapons, and support for US-led combat coalitions. Australia, Britain, and the Netherlands lead, Germany and Japan underperform.

Air & Space Power

Air Force’s newest plane, the Skyraider II, honors a legendary aircraft

The US Air Force’s new single-engine turboprop will support special operations with precision strikes and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance. It follows the naming tradition of A-10 Thunderbolt II and F-35 Lightning II, honouring past aircraft.

Air & Space Power

US Navy Declares IOC for Super Hornet IRST

The US Navy has declared initial operational capability for an advanced infrared tracking system on Super Hornets. Australia has ordered the same system, with deliveries set for 2025.

Air & Space Power

Robot wingmen vs. China: What a think tank’s wargame revealed about a key USAF concept

The Mitchell Institute's wargame emphasizes affordable drones, preferring cost-effective Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCAs) for efficiency.

Air & Space Power

The USAF Is Stitching Two Wrecked F-35s Together to Make One Flyer

In a world first, the USAF is combining two broken F35 aircraft to salvage usable parts into one working aircraft.

Communication & Cognition

Americans are shocked to discover what counts as 'near' in Europe, highlighting a vast cultural difference they hadn't considered before

A British TikToker went viral after claiming that a location two hours away wasn't considered close.

Air & Space Power

Israel Is Getting Precision Weapons from America to Fight Hamas

The $320 million package enables Rafael USA to transfer SPICE Family Gliding Bomb Assemblies to Rafael Advanced Defense Systems in Israel.

Technology & Innovation

Why Biden’s multibillion-dollar bet on hydrogen energy is such a big deal

Clean hydrogen aims to meet climate goals and boost US manufacturing through seven major hubs.

Strategic Influence

President Biden wraps up his visit to wartime Israel with a warning against being ‘consumed’ by rage

Biden visited Israel for 7.5 hours to show U.S. support following a recent Hamas attack, also brokering a limited humanitarian aid deal for Gaza.

Strategic Influence

CNN Poll: Americans are deeply sympathetic toward Israelis and see their military response to Hamas attacks as justified

A majority of Americans are sympathetic to Israeli and Palestinian people. Around 71% feel a lot of sympathy for Israelis. 41% feel a lot of sympathy for Palestinians.

Technology & Innovation

Can expensive, American-made weapons like F-16s turn the tide in Ukraine’s war against Russia?

Despite the tanks, artillery and other equipment supplied by Western allies, the Ukrainian counteroffensive against Moscow’s invasion has stalled. This has left many wondering what else is needed.

Technology & Innovation

America and China’s $574 billion chip war has already scored an ‘extraordinary success beyond anyone’s wild dreams’ for Joe Biden

The escalating U.S.-China semiconductor rivalry has resulted in significant strategic moves, notably benefiting the Biden administration.

Strategic Influence

America’s Military-Industrial Base Needs a Revival

The US urgently needs a national defence-industrial base mobilization to supply the weapons and equipment for its security as well as to support Ukraine and prepare for possible conflict with China. The huge US economy can support this.

Americans are building natural disaster-proof homes shaped like domes that cost roughly the same as the average US house

Resistant to extreme weather, these homes can withstand floods and hurricanes.

Strategic Influence

Biden chooses Lisa Franchetti to head Pentagon military branch

President Biden nominated Admiral Lisa Franchetti to lead the US Navy, making her the first woman to head a Pentagon military service branch. Her distinguished career includes leading the US 6th Fleet and US naval forces in South Korea and serving as an aircraft carrier strike commander.

Strategic Influence

How Franchetti’s experience made her Biden’s pick to lead the Navy

Adm. Lisa Franchetti's nomination as the first woman to lead the Navy under President Biden makes her the first woman to lead any of the services in the USA. Her achievement is a significant milestone in breaking gender barriers in the military.

Air & Space Power

Why Only America Flies The F-22 Raptor Stealth Fighter

Despite perhaps not being the only reason, the most obvious reason is that the US wants to be the only country to possess F-22 technology.

Strategic Influence

The Newest American Military Bases Abroad

After US bases on home soil, the biggest American bases are generally in Europe. And although American troops can be required anywhere in the world, Europe houses most of the newer US bases.

Technology & Innovation

F-35B: America’s Ultimate Stealth Fighter?

The F-35B is the most complex aircraft of the F-35 program due to the engineering required to deliver an improved vertical hover and vertical take-off capacity.

Strategic Influence

NATO allies offer Ukraine security assurances as Biden hits out at 'craven' Putin

REUTERS: President Zelenskiy is confident that Ukraine will join NATO after security stabilization. Biden supports this, while Russia critiques NATO's perceived Cold War tactics.

Strategic Influence

Biden: We won’t ‘make it easy’ for Ukraine to join NATO

President Biden said Ukraine must meet NATO standards, implying no easy path to alliance membership.

Technology & Innovation

AI Is Changing How Americans Find Jobs and Get Promoted

Changes in human capital management systems, more strategic, data-driven HR and talent management practices, and increased bias awareness are reshaping hiring, development, promotion, and termination processes. Hence, personnel should comprehend AI's role in their workplace.

Military History

All 20 American WW2 Aircraft Carrier Planes, and How Many Were Built

US carrier-based aircraft were crucial in the Pacific theatre. The rugged and reliable Grumman F4F Wildcat was initially the main fighter. However, rapid technological improvements created the F6F Hellcat, which proved highly effective in combat.

Biden Will Nominate USAF’s Brown to Chair Joint Chiefs

President Joe Biden will nominate Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Charles Q. Brown Jr. as the next Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman. The nomination was confirmed by a senior administration official. Gen. Brown's appointment comes after reports that he had been selected as the president's senior military adviser.

Strategic Influence

How USAF Is Tackling Pilot Retention: More Money, More Stability

The US Air Force experienced a net loss of about 250 pilots last year. In response, the USAF is launching a new program that provides financial bonuses and guaranteed assignment locations while reducing the frequency of deployments.

Strategic Influence

How USAF Is Tackling Pilot Retention: More Money, More Stability

The US Air Force experienced a net loss of about 250 pilots last year. In response, the USAF is launching a new program that provides financial bonuses and guaranteed assignment locations while reducing the frequency of deployments.

Strategic Influence

USAF Analysis: China Hopes The US Can’t Afford Enough B-21s to Make A Difference

Numerous Chinese publications have downplayed the viability of the new B-21 Raider. Some articles suggest that the US cannot afford a sufficient number of bombers to make a significant impact in a conflict with China.

Technology & Innovation

US President Joe Biden meets with Microsoft, Google CEOs, outlining expectations on safe artificial intelligence use

President Biden expressed concerns regarding privacy, civil rights, and national security risks. He requested that companies increase transparency with policymakers and assess the safety of their products for enhanced protection.

Technology & Innovation

Australian hypersonic spaceplane technology ready for export to the USA

Australian company Hypersonix will provide hypersonic technology (engines and drones) to the USA Defense Innovation Unit for testing in early 2024.

Military History

In 1945, a Japanese Balloon Bomb Killed Six Americans, Five of Them Children, in Oregon

During WW2, the Japanese released 9,000 balloons, each carrying a bomb—1,000 balloons reached the USA—apart from the party from Oregon, there were no other casualties.

Strategic Influence

America in Decline? World Thinks Again.

Barely a year ago, some countries dismissed the United States as a ‘has-been’ after its withdrawal from Afghanistan. Now, the world is again recognizing America’s deep strengths and appeal.

Strategic Influence

Joe Biden’s Ukraine Strategy Is A Success

Supporting Ukraine for roughly 5% of the U.S. annual military budget is in the US national interest as it is not only the morally right thing to do, but it reduces Russia's capability to wage conventional war in the future.

Military Management

US-China chip war: America is winning

Advanced microchips drive economic and scientific advancement as well as military capabilities; therefore, the US is investing in the manufacturer of microchips within the USA.

Strategic Influence

United States Air Force and Pentagon unveil new B-21 Raider stealth bomber in tightly controlled ceremony

The B-21 Raider is the first new American bomber aircraft in more than 30 years, and almost every aspect of it is classified.

Technology & Innovation

Deterrence the American way’: The new B-21 bomber debuts

B-21 names the Raider after the Doolittle Raiders, the implication being that distance is no protection against the B-21.

Someone has to do it’: American vets in Ukraine train front-line medics as war rages with Russia

American veterans have volunteered to support and train Ukrainian military medical personnel.

Military Management

Joe Biden Just Crushed China's Semiconductor Industry

China is dependent on the US for access to advanced semiconductor chip technology—the US restricting China's access to US chips is likely to have a significant effect on China's economy.

Technology & Innovation

NGAD: The Air Force’s Next Stealth Fighter Will Be Built for a Russia or China War

A whole of government approach is needed to ensure the U.S. Air Force 6th generation Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) fighter is operational before the end of the decade.

Strategic Influence

‘Dirt det’ marks first time American F-35Bs have operated from an Australian base

Twelve Marine Corps F-35B Lightning IIs and 300 personnel based near Hiroshima, Japan, have been operating from RAAF Base Tindal as part of Exercise Pitch Black.

Strategic Influence

USAF Eyeing MQ-28 Ghost Bat For Next Gen Air Dominance Program

Due to its relatively rapid development and modular design, Australia’s Ghost Bat could be “a risk-reduction mechanism” for the drone component of America’s Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) system systems.

Technology & Innovation

Why America's Virginia-Class Is Really 5 Submarines In 1

Using incremental improvements in design and production processes allows the United States Navy to launch Virginia Class Submarines on an almost annual basis.

Military History

William 'Billy' Mitchell -- 'The father of the United States Air Force'

Against strong opposition, General Billy Mitchell championed the need for the US to acquire an independent Air Force.

Strategic Influence

Beijing bristles at Biden’s "yes" for US military intervention if China invades Taiwan

Chinese authorities have denounced US President Biden’s assertion that the US and Japan would intervene militarily if China invaded Taiwan, as that would jeopardise Chinese President Xi Jinping's ambition of national integration.

Strategic Influence

Readout of President Biden’s Call with Prime Minister-Designate Anthony Albanese

The White House has released a ‘readout’ of a phone call from US President Joe Biden to newly-elected Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, congratulating Mr Albanese on his election win.

Strategic Influence

5 Reasons Why Geography Is America's Greatest Weapon Against an Invasion

The USA sits between two oceans, the Pacific and the Atlantic; and it has land borders with Mexico and Canada, neither of which are ever likely to prove a threat to the USA—it is Geography that keeps the USA safe from invasion.

Putin, Zelenskyy and Biden all have unique leadership styles

Hunter and Scott argue that the 2022 Russo-Ukraine Conflict has three key leaders, each of who use a different type of leadership.

Putin, Zelenskyy and Biden all have unique leadership styles

Hunter and Scott argue that the 2022 Russo-Ukraine Conflict has three key leaders, each of who use a different type of leadership.

Managing the opioid crisis in North America and beyond

In 2020, North America observed the deadliest year yet of what can only be described as an opioid epidemic, with more than 100,000 drug overdoses recorded in the USA—almost 76,000 of them attributed to opioids.

Strategic Influence

U.S. strongly committed to Japan defense, Biden tells Kishida, hails military boost

US President Joe Biden has told Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida that the United States was ‘completely’ committed to defending Japan.

Military History

The Battle of the Bulge: Hitler’s Desperate Gambit Crushed by American Grit

The Battle of the Bulge reminds us that without adequate fuel supplies, no military can succeed.

Military History

Chuck Yeager obituary American pilot who was the first person to fly faster than the speed of sound

Chuck Yeager the first person to break the sound barrier in level flight.

Communication & Cognition

A human is not a horse. So why is a livestock drug sweeping America?

Thousands of people worldwide are treating themselves with a horse medication in the mistaken belief it will successfully treat, or prevent, COVID-19.

Military History

George Kennan urged American leadership and patience to counter the Soviets. Instead, the Cold War ensued

While some were considering military action against an expansionist USSR, George Kennan convinced the Truman Administration there was a better strategy.

Military History

"The Most Complete Naval Victory": How America Smashed Japan at Midway

The US' victory at Midway was due to a superior strategy and a very high level of tactical leadership.

Technology & Innovation

This British Jet Bomber Was So Good The Americans Wanted It Too

Designed by the British in 1945, the Canberra Bomber was pitted against the world's best and outperformed them all.

Strategic Influence

To Start a War: How the Bush Administration Took America Into Iraq

Robert Draper’s new book describes how the 2003 Iraq War started, which, Draper argues, took place because of paranoia and a comprehensive intelligence failure.

Communication & Cognition

Most Americans think they can spot fake news. They can't, study finds

Up to 75% of Americans believe they can spot 'fake news', but a study has shown that they can’t, and worse still, they are more than likely to share 'fake news'.

US mulling military response to ransomware attacks, Biden officials say

The US is taking ransomware attacks very seriously and is considering how to respond to future cyberattacks.

Air & Space Power

USAF Releases New Airpower Doctrine

The USAF has recently (Apr 2021) released its new doctrine; the Chief of Staff of the USAF, Gen Charles Brown, notes that this doctrine serves as a a new cornerstone of airpower philosophy’.

Air & Space Power

USAF Releases New Airpower Doctrine

The USAF has recently (Apr 2021) released its new doctrine; the Chief of Staff of the USAF, Gen Charles Brown, notes that this doctrine serves as a a new cornerstone of airpower philosophy’.

Americans turn to VPNs to prevent online Fraud and Hacking

A new report shows that Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) usage has increased in the USA as Americans try to find a way to increase their online security

Biden Showcases the Strength, Excellence of American Military Diversity

On International Women’s Day 2021, US President Joe Biden confirmed the promotion of two women to four-star rank—both were also appointed to command combatant commands.

Biden Showcases the Strength, Excellence of American Military Diversity

On International Women’s Day 2021, US President Joe Biden confirmed the promotion of two women to four-star rank—both were also appointed to command combatant commands.

Strategic Influence

American, Chinese diplomats clash publicly at start of first talks under Joe Biden's presidency

The first face-to-face meeting between Biden Administration Officials and their Chinese counterparts has ended without any improvement in relations.

Strategic Influence

Biden, Australia, and the Future of ANZUS in the Indo-Pacific

Now that the Biden administration is in office, Australia must take the initiative to ensure we get the outcomes we consider that we need for our region.

USA Army Reserve Gets First Cyber General

Strong and consistent leadership has resulted in Colonel Robert Powell being the first US Army Reserve Officer to be promoted to flag rank in the Cyber Branch.

USAGOV: Common Scams and Frauds

This USA Government web site provides a list of common scams and frauds—avoiding scams and frauds could help people maintain their financial wellbeing.

Technology & Innovation

Maverick For America- Red 6

An airborne augmented reality system might be one way that the US military can cut the cost of training.