BLUF
The acquisition of new weapons systems should consider technology's economic and political impact. But, the focus should not be solely on high-tech weaponry. Technology that reduces logistics costs, maintenance, and replenishment is also important. Quality and quantity both matter.Summary
Jacquelyn Schneider writing in Foreign Affairs, makes the following points:
- The US needs to increase its weapon stocks.
- Which could mean the US investing more in high-tech weapon systems.
- However, the US is in short supply of semiconductors, cobalt, neon, and lithium.
- More resources are needed for both current weapons and R&D.
- Technology might reduce the cost of warfare in the long term.
References
Recent Runway Posts related to this topic:
- What the U.S. Military Needs to Learn from the Ukraine War- The Runway (airforce.gov.au)
- Rare earths in Australia must be about more than mining- The Runway (airforce.gov.au)
References from the Web:
- DEC 2022 6 Military Technology Trends to Watch (2023-2026)-Exploding Topics
- FEB 2023 Lessons from a year of war in Ukraine-Harvard Kennedy School
