Category: Indo Pacific

Indo-Pacific: Charting a Course through the World’s Pivot Point

The Indo-Pacific, stretching from the eastern shores of Africa to the western coast of the Americas, encompasses the Indian and Pacific Oceans’ vast and dynamic maritime landscape. This expansive area is home to a diverse array of countries, cultures, and ecosystems, making it a region of profound strategic, economic, and ecological importance.

Why This Matters: The Indo-Pacific is at the heart of global trade, with key sea routes that are vital for the movement of goods and energy resources. It’s a region where the interests of major powers intersect, leading to complex diplomatic and military dynamics. The United States, through its Indo-Pacific strategy, seeks to ensure a free, open, and inclusive region where sovereignty is respected, international law prevails, and prosperity is shared. The region’s security landscape is characterized by traditional and non-traditional challenges, including territorial disputes, freedom of navigation operations, piracy, and the impacts of climate change on maritime environments.

Topics Covered: The “Indo-Pacific” category offers insights into the strategic importance of the region’s maritime domains, the role of the U.S. Navy and its allies in promoting security and stability, and the challenges and opportunities presented by rising powers. Coverage includes analysis of military alliances and partnerships, defense and security cooperation, regional geopolitical developments, and the impact of emerging technologies in naval warfare. Additionally, this category explores the economic ties that bind the region’s countries together, environmental conservation efforts, and the promotion of international norms and values that contribute to the Indo-Pacific’s peace and prosperity.

Through expert commentary and in-depth analysis, the “Indo-Pacific” category aims to provide readers with a comprehensive understanding of the complexities and significance of this pivotal region, offering perspectives on how the United States and its Navy navigate and influence the evolving strategic landscape.

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MASGA Marks a Critical Milestone—But the U.S. Navy Still Needs Urgent Industrial Surge

Bill Cullifer, Founder
Bill Cullifer, Founder

Introduction

From Waltz’s Warning to MASGA’s Launch

On September 27, 2023, Congressman Mike Waltz published “America Needs a National Maritime Strategy,” warning that the United States lacked the shipbuilding capacity and strategic alignment needed to counter China and sustain a maritime advantage.

Nearly two years later, that warning has materialized into policy.

On April 9–10, 2025, the White House issued the executive order “Restoring America’s Maritime Dominance,” launching the Maritime Action Plan and creating the new Office of Shipbuilding under the National Security Council.

Then, on July 31, 2025, South Korea’s Finance Minister confirmed the formal launch of Make America Shipbuilding Great Again (MASGA)—a $150 billion industrial partnership investing in U.S. shipyards, workforce development, and dual-use naval-commercial platforms.

What MASGA Does

MASGA is the largest public-private shipbuilding effort since the Cold War and includes:

  • Investment from South Korean giants like Hanwha Group into American yards (including the acquisition of Philly Shipyard)
  • Joint U.S.–ROK workforce training programs to close skilled labor gaps
  • New production of replenishment, patrol, and logistics vessels for both Navy and commercial use
  • Maintenance and drydock support for U.S. Navy ships on U.S. soil

It’s a big step forward—but one that must be matched with urgency.

Admiral Caudle’s Stark Warning: “We Need a 100% Industrial Surge”

On July 29, 2025, during his confirmation hearing for Chief of Naval Operations, Admiral Daryl Caudle delivered a sobering message to the Senate Armed Services Committee.

To meet U.S. obligations under the AUKUS agreement—selling up to five Virginia-class submarines to Australia while sustaining our own fleet—the Navy must double its submarine output:

  • Current production: ~1.3 Virginia-class submarines per year
  • Required output: 2.3 per year

“We need a transformational improvement,” Caudle testified. “Not a 10 percent improvement, not a 20 percent—a 100 percent improvement.”

He added that international partnerships would be essential as the U.S. works to rebuild its organic capacity:

“There are no magic beans to that. The solution space must open up. We need ships today.”

Committee Chairman Roger Wicker stressed creativity, outsourcing, and urgency. Admiral Caudle agreed, calling for “an all-hands-on-deck approach.”

This is precisely where MASGA comes in.

Why MASGA Matters for the Navy

MASGA’s structure provides the kind of foreign capacity support and workforce relief Caudle explicitly called for. It aligns directly with the Navy’s urgent need for:

  • Surge production of submarines and surface combatants
  • Expanded maintenance infrastructure
  • Shipyard partnerships to relieve domestic pressure

Congressman Waltz anticipated this crisis in 2023. MASGA is the first large-scale step toward solving it.

The Broader Navy Production Challenge

Submarines aren’t the only problem. The Navy’s broader industrial needs remain acute:

  • Destroyer production has slipped behind plan; the Navy aims to buy 51 new destroyers over the next 30 years, but current yards are falling short.
  • Aircraft carriers like the USS John F. Kennedy (CVN‑79) are years behind schedule.
  • The Navy’s long-term fleet goal of 381 ships by 2042 will remain aspirational without massive industrial acceleration.

And even with MASGA, the Navy is still contending with an aging Military Sealift Command, an undersized Merchant Marine, and shipyard repair backlogs.

Modernization Means Autonomy—And We’re Behind

Modernizing the fleet doesn’t just mean more hulls—it means smarter platforms. The future of naval warfare will be shaped by autonomous surface and undersea vehicles, from uncrewed missile boats to AI-enabled minehunters and refueling drones. China is already fielding swarms of semi-autonomous systems in contested waters. Meanwhile, the U.S. Navy’s efforts under programs like the Medium and Large Unmanned Surface Vessel (MUSV/LUSV) remain limited by slow procurement and industrial bottlenecks. MASGA can accelerate the integration of autonomous systems by expanding modular shipbuilding capacity, repurposing civilian infrastructure, and enabling faster tech deployment across the fleet. Without autonomy, we fall behind—not just in numbers, but in survivability and battlefield adaptability.

What Must Come Next

MASGA is a launchpad, not a destination. To restore maritime power, the U.S. must:

Expand submarine production
Reach 2.3 attack subs/year by 2030. This requires labor, capital, and process modernization on a scale not seen in decades.

Accelerate surface fleet output
Ramp up destroyers, amphibious vessels, and support ships. Congress must deliver multi-year procurement and budget certainty.

Fix regulation and finance
Incentivize private capital to flow into U.S. shipyards, not Chinese ones. Close loopholes and create new maritime investment channels for Americans.

Grow the skilled workforce
Welders, naval architects, systems engineers—we need tens of thousands more. Joint international training must be paired with U.S. educational investments.

Modernize the Merchant Marine
We once had over 5,000 ships. Today, we have fewer than 80 engaged in international trade. This is a critical national vulnerability.

Closing Message: MASGA Is a Start, Not a Solution

MASGA validates the vision Mike Waltz articulated in 2023. It meets Admiral Caudle’s call for relief through allied partnerships. It aligns with the Navy’s production and readiness needs.

But China is still building. Delays persist. And the decision space for national security continues to shrink.

Let’s not wait another decade to act like a maritime power. Let’s build, now.

That’s why we launched Charting the Course: Voices That Matter—a 24-part educational series breaking down how we got here, what went wrong, and what must happen next. Our goal is simple: educate the public, connect the dots, and build the support needed to close the readiness gap before it’s too late.

Let’s move beyond slogans. Let’s build understanding, accountability, and strength—before the next crisis comes knocking.

Join us at StrongerNavy.org
Let’s roll.

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China’s Military Expansion in the South China Sea: A Growing Strategic Challenge: Mischief Reef

Introduction

The South China Sea, one of the world’s most strategically important waterways, has become the epicenter of a remarkable military transformation. Recent satellite imagery reveals the stunning scale of China’s military build-up across disputed islands and reefs, fundamentally altering the regional balance of power in ways that would have been unimaginable just two decades ago.

The Scale of Transformation

New satellite images from the Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative (AMTI) paint a picture of unprecedented military expansion. China now operates a sprawling 3,200-hectare network of military bases across the South China Sea, transforming once-submerged reefs into fortress-like installations capable of hosting advanced military aircraft, including nuclear-capable bombers.

The transformation of Mischief Reef exemplifies this dramatic change. Satellite comparisons show that what was merely underwater reef in 2004 has become a massive military complex featuring:

  • Sprawling runways capable of handling large military aircraft
  • More than 72 fighter jet hangars across major island bases
  • Surface-to-air missile installations
  • Anti-ship cruise missile emplacements
  • Extensive radar and communications infrastructure
  • Large harbors for naval vessels

As Gregory Poling, director of AMTI, describes it, these bases represent “the result of the quickest example of mass dredging and landfill in human history.”

Strategic Military Assets

China’s military presence in the region has grown to encompass 27 outposts total: 20 in the Paracel Islands and 7 in the Spratly Islands. Of these, four have been transformed into fully operational naval and air bases. The sophistication of these installations became particularly evident in May 2025, when satellite imagery captured two Chinese H-6K bombers—aircraft capable of carrying nuclear weapons—stationed on Woody Island in the Paracels.

This deployment marked the first confirmed presence of China’s most advanced bombers in the region since 2020, signaling Beijing’s growing confidence in projecting power far from its mainland bases. The H-6 bombers represent a significant strategic capability, with the range to threaten U.S. military installations throughout the region and the versatility to support various military scenarios.

Regional Tensions and International Law

China’s expansion occurs against a backdrop of competing territorial claims. Beijing asserts sovereignty over nearly the entire South China Sea through its “nine-dash line” claim, which overlaps with territories claimed by Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan, and Vietnam. Crucially, a 2016 international arbitral tribunal ruled that China’s sweeping claims have no basis under international law—a decision Beijing categorically rejected.

The militarization of these features directly contradicts China’s earlier assurances. Chinese officials had previously promised that the island-building activities would not result in militarization, making the current reality particularly concerning for regional stability.

Broader Strategic Implications

These developments represent more than territorial disputes—they signal a fundamental shift in regional power dynamics. The South China Sea carries approximately one-third of global maritime trade, making control over these waters economically as well as strategically significant. China’s ability to project military power throughout the region from these fortified positions gives Beijing substantial leverage in any future crisis or negotiation.

The speed and scale of this transformation have caught many observers off guard. What began as seemingly modest construction projects has evolved into a comprehensive military network that extends China’s defensive perimeter hundreds of miles from its mainland coast. This “fait accompli” strategy has proven remarkably effective, creating new realities on the ground—or rather, on the water—that are difficult for other nations to reverse without risking major conflict.

The Challenge Ahead

For the United States and its regional allies, China’s South China Sea expansion presents a complex strategic challenge. The installations are now permanent features of the maritime landscape, defended by increasingly sophisticated military capabilities. Any attempt to challenge China’s presence directly would likely trigger a major regional crisis.

Instead, the focus has shifted to maintaining freedom of navigation, supporting allied nations’ territorial claims through diplomatic means, and developing military capabilities that can operate effectively in this new environment. The recent deployment of advanced bombers to these bases suggests that China views its South China Sea positions not as defensive installations, but as platforms for power projection throughout the broader Indo-Pacific region.

Looking Forward

The militarization of the South China Sea represents one of the most significant geopolitical developments of the 21st century. In less than two decades, China has fundamentally altered the strategic map of one of the world’s most important waterways. The satellite images that document this transformation tell a story not just of engineering prowess, but of strategic ambition that will shape regional dynamics for generations to come.

As tensions continue to simmer and new military capabilities are deployed, the South China Sea remains a critical barometer of great power competition in the Indo-Pacific. The question is no longer whether China can build and maintain these installations, but how the international community will adapt to this new strategic reality.

The implications extend far beyond the immediate region, serving as a case study in how technological capability, strategic patience, and determined action can reshape international boundaries and power balances in the modern era. For observers of international relations, the South China Sea serves as a real-time laboratory for understanding how the global order is being challenged and potentially transformed in the 21st century.

Sources: Analysis based on satellite imagery from Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative (AMTI), reports from The Independent, Defense Mirror, and other verified news sources.

That’s why we launched Charting the Course: Voices That Matter—a 24-part educational series breaking down how we got here, what went wrong, and what must happen next. Our goal is simple: educate the public, connect the dots, and build the support needed to close the readiness gap before it’s too late.

Let’s move beyond slogans. Let’s build understanding, accountability, and strength—before the next crisis comes knocking.

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The Indo-Pacific Imperative: America’s Interests, China’s Ambitions, and the Navy’s Role”

Introduction

The vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean may seem distant to many Americans, but the security and prosperity of our nation are inextricably linked to the intricate geopolitical currents thousands of miles away. As part of our “Charting the Course” series, this post explores why the Indo-Pacific—particularly the islands in and around the Philippines and the South China Sea—is a linchpin for American interests and why a strong U.S. Navy is essential.

A Brief History of the Region – Pre-Colonial Era:

The South China Sea was historically traversed by traders from China, India, Arabia, and Southeast Asia. Ancient maritime kingdoms like Srivijaya and Majapahit relied on its waters for commerce and influence. – Colonial Period: Spain colonized the Philippines in the 16th century, later replaced by the United States after the Spanish-American War in 1898. Western colonial powers mapped and administered many islands, including disputed features. – World War II: Japan used the region as a springboard for its Pacific conquests. The Philippines was a central battlefield and strategic objective. – Post-War and Cold War: The U.S. maintained bases in the Philippines (Subic Bay and Clark Air Base) to counter Soviet influence and guarantee maritime stability. – Modern Tensions: In 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration rejected China’s vast claims over the South China Sea—yet China has continued militarizing the area.

The Indo-Pacific: A Region of Vital Importance Trade Route Overlay – Maritime shipping lanes through the South China Sea)

The map above highlights Southeast Asia, the Philippines, the Sulu Sea, and the contested Spratly Islands. Far from being remote specks on a globe, these are the crossroads of global commerce, strategic power, and vital resources.

Why This Region Matters – Global Economic Lifeline: Over half the world’s commercial shipping—including oil, gas, and manufactured goods—flows through Indo-Pacific sea lanes. Disruption means global economic instability. – Resource Richness: The South China Sea holds untapped oil, gas, and some of the richest fishing grounds on Earth. Control equals economic leverage. – Geostrategic Chokepoints: Straits like Malacca are arteries of global trade. Blockages would have ripple effects worldwide. – Territorial Disputes: China’s sweeping claims under its “nine-dash line” ignore international law and threaten stability.

Why Every American Should Care U.S. Navy Carrier Strike Group – Indo-Pacific deployment) – Your Wallet:

Disrupted shipping means rising prices—on everything from electronics to gasoline. – Your Security: The U.S. alliance with the Philippines is decades old. Honoring it deters aggression and upholds American credibility. – Our Values: Freedom of navigation and rule of law are at stake. China’s defiance of the 2016 arbitration ruling threatens global norms. – Countering Global Threats: U.S. naval presence helps deter piracy, illegal fishing, and extremism.

Understanding China’s Interests: Chinese Artificial Islands – Aerial military outposts on Fiery Cross Reef or Subi Reef) –

Sovereignty Claims: China insists on “indisputable sovereignty” over nearly all the South China Sea. – Economic Control: Energy reserves and fishing grounds are key to China’s survival and growth. – Strategic Depth: Artificial islands serve as military outposts, helping China create an Anti-Access/Area Denial (A2/AD) zone. – Regional Dominance: China aims to push out U.S. influence and replace it with its own.

The Indispensable Role of the U.S. Navy: Humanitarian Aid – U.S. Navy delivering disaster relief in the Philippines) – Guardians of Global Trade: Ensuring freedom of navigation is a core Navy mission. – Projecting Power and Deterrence: A visible, capable Navy deters conflict. – Supporting Allies: Exercises and operations with partners like the Philippines extend U.S. influence. – Responding to Crises: From disaster relief to piracy, the Navy leads with humanitarian action. – Upholding International Law: FONOPS challenge China’s excessive claims. – Logistics and Access: Bases in allied nations ensure global reach and readiness.

Regional Flashpoints & Hot Zones (Image Placeholder: Annotated Philippines Map – Highlighting Palawan, Sulu Sea, Spratlys, and Scarborough Shoal) – Scarborough Shoal: Site of repeated standoffs between Chinese and Philippine vessels. – Second Thomas Shoal:

Philippine Navy outpost continually harassed by China. – Spratly Islands: Militarized by China; claimed by Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, and others. – Palawan: Launch point for Philippine patrols and likely U.S. logistics hub. – Sulu-Celebes Seas: Transit corridors threatened by piracy and terror networks.

Recent Developments Philippine Navy with U.S. Navy – Joint patrol or port visit in Palawan – China’s Harassment:

Philippine vessels have been targeted with water cannons. – Philippine Pushback: Manila is strengthening its Navy and deepening alliances. – U.S. Support: Building Navy facilities, co-hosting exercises, and providing missile systems.

Regional & Global Context: First Island Chain Map – Taiwan, Philippines, Japan highlighted) – First Island Chain: The Philippines is part of the geographic arc vital for deterring Chinese expansion. – Gray Zone Tactics: China uses militias and coast guards to pressure neighbors without direct war. – Environmental Damage: Artificial islands harm coral reefs and biodiversity. – U.S. Navy’s Shipbuilding Challenges: While China expands its fleet, America must overcome delays and cost overruns.

Conclusion: Why This Matters Now The Indo-Pacific is not a distant concern—it’s a frontline in the battle for economic freedom, rule of law, and strategic stability. The U.S. Navy is not just a military force; it’s a pillar of national and global resilience. Investing in its strength is not optional—it’s essential for charting America’s future course.

This region—stretching from the Spratly Islands to the Sulu Sea, from Palawan to Palau—is where alliances are tested, supply chains are secured, and adversaries are deterred. The Philippines and surrounding waters are more than a map—they’re a mission.

At Americans for a Stronger Navy, we don’t advocate fear—we advocate responsibility. We believe war is preventable, but only if America wakes up and acts.

That’s why we launched Charting the Course: Voices That Matter—a 24-part educational series breaking down how we got here, what went wrong, and what must happen next. Our goal is simple: educate the public, connect the dots, and build the support needed to close the readiness gap before it’s too late.

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Arming for Peace: Why America Must Act Now to Strengthen the Navy and Defend Freedom

A Review of Heritage Foundation Report BG3902 by Americans for a Stronger Navy

Introduction

The Heritage Foundation’s latest report, “Arming for Peace: Expanding the Defense Industrial Base and Arming Taiwan Faster” (BG3902), echoes what Americans for a Stronger Navy has been sounding the alarm on: The threats facing the United States are real, escalating, and dangerously close to overwhelming our current naval capabilities. As Brent Sadler writes, the time for talk has passed. Action is overdue. If we don’t mobilize now, America risks losing the ability to deter war and defend freedom in the Indo-Pacific and beyond.

As Sadler states: “As Americans go about their daily lives unmolested, the world is accelerating in its change—much of it perilous to U.S. national survival.” He warns that “on the back of a decades-long sustained military build-up, China’s military is increasingly confident and willing to directly challenge the U.S.”

His call to action is clear: “The U.S. must restore ebbing national deterrence and prevent a war in Asia—while not ceding its democratic way of life and prosperity for the next generations.”

Key Findings That Should Wake America Up

China is preparing for war. Admiral Davidson’s 2021 warning that China could strike Taiwan by 2027 has not only proven prescient, it’s now backed by an unprecedented military buildup. China has conducted massive joint-force invasion rehearsals and increased provocations around Taiwan. As Brent Sadler put it, “Aggressive maneuvers around Taiwan right now are not exercises, as they call them. They are rehearsals.”

That warning was underscored this week when the Chinese military launched large-scale joint drills around Taiwan, including its Shandong aircraft carrier battle group. According to China’s own Eastern Theater Command, these drills are a “severe warning and forceful containment against Taiwan independence.” With missile forces, air strikes, and blockade rehearsals now unfolding, many in Taiwan — and around the world — are rightfully concerned. Sadler’s insights about China’s evolving risk tolerance add important context to these real-time developments.

Further validating the urgency, the U.S. Naval War College’s China Maritime Report No. 14 found that Chinese analysts themselves believe the PLA has narrowed the gap with the U.S. military, especially in its immediate region. “There is consensus in China that the PLA has narrowed the gap in overall military capabilities with the United States over the last two decades,” the report notes.

Russia and China are approaching U.S. shores. Testimony from U.S. Northern Command chief Gen. Gregory Guillot before Congress confirmed that joint Russian-Chinese military patrols have entered the U.S. Air Defense Identification Zone near Alaska — levels not seen since before the Ukraine war began. One coordinated flight last July saw Russian TU-95 and Chinese H-6 bombers test U.S. response time. This should serve as a wake-up call: our adversaries are not just projecting power near Taiwan, they’re probing U.S. airspace and waters closer to home. As Politico reported, Chinese “dual-use” vessels under scientific pretenses are mapping the Arctic for future military operations.

U.S. deterrence is fading. Years of underinvestment in shipbuilding and naval readiness have created dangerous gaps. Delays in weapons deliveries, inadequate port infrastructure, and a depleted missile defense stockpile are symptoms of a nation unprepared for a prolonged maritime conflict. As Sadler warns, “Failing to act… could result in the most destructive and consequential war the U.S. has ever had to fight.”

The Navy is stretched thin. The U.S. Navy has sustained an aggressive forward presence, but at great cost. Ship wear, sailor fatigue, and insufficient repair capacity are taking their toll. The grounding of the USNS Big Horn disrupted combat ops in the Red Sea, highlighting our logistical fragility. Sadler notes, “This comes at a cost in added wear on the ships and sailors reliant on a logistics infrastructure of ports, support ships, and dry docks too few to assure contested forward naval operations.”

The world is on fire. From Ukraine to the Red Sea to the Arctic, our adversaries are watching and testing U.S. resolve. China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea now operate more boldly, confident in America’s disunity and domestic distraction.

Taiwan is not a distant concern. More than 80,000 Americans live, work, or travel there. A war over Taiwan would drag us into conflict, devastate global supply chains, and send shockwaves through the U.S. economy. As Sadler puts it plainly, “Taiwan is where over 80,000 Americans live, work, or travel on any given day.”

China’s geographic advantage cannot be ignored. According to the CMSI report, Chinese military capabilities are particularly potent within the First Island Chain, which includes Taiwan. “Chinese capabilities may…contest U.S. supremacy in scenarios close to home,” the report warns. That’s where deterrence matters most—and where readiness is most urgently needed.

Why Americans Should Care

This is not just a Navy problem. It’s an American problem. Delays in defense production, weak infrastructure, and an uninformed public are national vulnerabilities. If Americans fail to understand what is at stake, we will fail to hold our leaders accountable. And if we fail to act, we will be forced to react under far worse circumstances.

A strong Navy protects freedom of navigation, global trade, energy security, and the American way of life. Without it, our adversaries will decide what happens in the Taiwan Strait, the Red Sea, the South China Sea — and now, even the Arctic.

What the Navy Needs Now

A modern Naval Act. We need a 21st-century version of the pre-WWII Naval Act to rapidly rebuild shipyards, expand production, and modernize our fleet. Sadler calls this “a promising first step to regain the ability to sustain a wartime economy in a prolonged war with China.”

Real investment in maritime infrastructure. Ports, dry docks, and logistics support are vital national security assets that must be revitalized now.

Faster arms deliveries to Taiwan. The delays in Harpoon, Javelin, and Stinger deliveries must be resolved. Taiwan’s ability to defend itself is our first line of deterrence. Sadler emphasizes that “how the new Administration responds and accelerates the arming of Taiwan will be key in sustaining the military balance and peace in the near term.”

A unified national strategy. We must operate differently — with diplomatic, economic, and military efforts aligned. Naval statecraft must be at the heart of this new Cold War strategy. Sadler emphasizes, “Naval statecraft is the recommended way forward; that is, a maritime strategic framework for using American power.”

The CMSI report reminds us that training, human capital, and logistics remain U.S. advantages. While China may be catching up in hardware, “Chinese training still lags. The gap in the software [human resources and development] is even bigger,” the report notes. But these gaps can close — unless we act now to protect and reinforce our edge.

An Engaged and Educated Public

At Americans for a Stronger Navy, we believe in peace through strength. But strength requires public awareness, buy-in, and civic action. That’s why we launched the Americans for a Stronger Navy Educational Series — to help Americans understand the stakes, the history, and the path forward.

We invite every reader to check out and sign up for the Educational Series on StrongerNavy.org. Learn what makes our Navy vital to our security and prosperity. Share it with others. Talk about it. Get involved.

Conclusion

We are not powerless. But we must not be silent. The Heritage Foundation, the U.S. Naval War College, and recent military testimony to Congress all point to the same reality: America is in the early stages of a long contest with near-peer adversaries, and we must prepare now.

It’s time for Americans to wake up, stand up, and demand a Navy that is ready not just for today’s threats, but tomorrow’s challenges.

America needs a stronger Navy. And the Navy needs a stronger America behind it.

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Aegis Combat System Proves It Can Counter Hypersonic Threats

Introduction.

On March 24, 2025, the USS Pinckney (DDG 91) made history. Off the coast of Kauai, Hawaii, the Navy successfully completed Flight Test Other-40 (FTX-40)—also known as Stellar Banshee—using the Aegis Combat System to detect and simulate engagement with a hypersonic missile threat. This test is a major milestone in the United States’ ability to defend against rapidly emerging threats from near-peer adversaries like China and Russia, both of whom are investing heavily in hypersonic technology.

Test Details: Simulating the Future of Warfare

A Medium Range Ballistic Missile (MRBM) equipped with a Hypersonic Target Vehicle (HTV-1) was air-launched from a C-17 aircraft. The USS Pinckney used a simulated SM-6 Block IAU interceptor and Lockheed Martin’s latest Aegis Baseline 9 software to detect, track, and engage the target. While no live intercept occurred, the simulated engagement offered critical insights and data collection, validating the system’s ability to counter maneuvering hypersonic threats.

This test also previewed the system’s scalability. Aegis can be deployed at sea or on land—key flexibility in a complex global security environment. The test utilized a virtualized Aegis software configuration, a leap forward in adapting the system for next-generation warfare.

Building on Momentum: Past Successes and What’s Next

FTX-40 follows the success of FTM-32, known as Stellar Sisyphus, in which the USS Preble (DDG 88) intercepted a MRBM with an upgraded SM-6 Dual II missile in a live-fire test. These continued advancements will pave the way for FTM-43, which will aim to perform a live intercept against an HTV-1 target.

The collaboration between the U.S. Navy, the Missile Defense Agency (MDA), Lockheed Martin, and other defense partners signals a renewed commitment to innovation and integrated missile defense.

Why Americans Should Care

Hypersonic missiles travel at speeds greater than Mach 5, can maneuver mid-flight, and are extremely hard to detect and counter with traditional systems. Adversaries like China and Russia are rapidly developing and testing these weapons. If successful, these weapons could bypass our current defenses and strike critical infrastructure, fleets, or even the homeland.

This test shows that the United States is not standing still. Our Navy is preparing for tomorrow’s battles—today. The Aegis Combat System’s evolving capabilities directly protect American service members at sea, allies abroad, and Americans at home. It’s another reason why investment in a stronger Navy isn’t optional—it’s essential.

Implications for the Navy

This test reinforces the Aegis system as the backbone of the Navy’s integrated air and missile defense strategy. With its growing flexibility, the system can support both forward-deployed naval units and U.S.-based missile defense installations. It also helps the Navy operate in contested environments—areas where hypersonic threats are expected to become commonplace.

Implications for Our Allies

Many of our closest allies—Japan, South Korea, Australia—also rely on Aegis-equipped ships or similar missile defense systems. Demonstrating this capability strengthens not only U.S. deterrence but also our credibility with partners. In a world where multilateral defense cooperation is key, proof of performance matters.

Closing Thought

FTX-40 didn’t just simulate a hypersonic intercept—it sent a clear message: The United States Navy is adapting and preparing to meet new challenges head-on. For Americans watching the headlines, this is a win worth knowing—and a mission worth supporting.

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Global Risks to Undersea Infrastructure and the Growing Need for Defense

All Hands on Deck by StrongerNavy.org

Undersea cables are the unseen arteries of modern communication, carrying 99% of the world’s internet and telecommunications traffic. Yet, as geopolitical tensions rise, these vital systems are becoming frequent targets of sabotage and hybrid warfare. Incidents from the Baltic Sea to the Taiwan Strait highlight both their strategic importance and vulnerabilities.

The Stakes: Why Undersea Cables Matter

  • Global Communication: These cables carry 99% of international data, enabling everything from financial transactions to government communications.
  • Economic Lifeline: Damaging these cables can disrupt trillions of dollars in daily transactions, impacting economies and businesses globally.
  • Military and Security Concerns: Undersea cables are vital for military communication, making them high-value targets in hybrid warfare strategies.

Recent Incidents and Their Implications
Baltic Sea

  • October 2023: The Hong Kong-registered containership Newnew Polar Bear dragged its anchor across the seabed, damaging the Balticconnector natural gas pipeline and data cables in the Gulf of Finland. The ship fled toward Russia, evading investigation.
  • December 2024: A power cable between Finland and Estonia was severed, and suspicion fell on a Russian “shadow fleet” tanker, the Eagle S. Finnish authorities found specialized surveillance equipment on board, allegedly used to monitor naval activity.

Taiwan Strait

  • February 2023: Two undersea cables connecting Taiwan to the Matsu Islands were severed by a Chinese fishing boat and cargo vessel, leaving the island without internet for weeks.
  • January 2025: The freighter Shunxin-39 severed a cable off Taiwan’s northern coast. Although the ship escaped investigation, Taiwan suspects deliberate sabotage. Herming Chiueh, Deputy Head of Taiwan’s Digital Ministry, said the cable-cutting was likely intentional: “You need to accidentally [drop your] anchor on the cable, and then you need to accidentally turn on your engine with the anchor down, and even [if] you realize your anchor is down, you need to keep the engine moving until you cut the cable.”

Red Sea

  • Houthi rebels were suspected of damaging cables belonging to four major telecom networks, though the group denied involvement.

The Strategic Significance of Undersea Infrastructure

  • Economic Importance: These cables carry trillions of dollars in financial transactions daily. Disruptions can cripple economies, hinder communication, and destabilize global markets.
  • Military Implications: Reliable undersea communications are vital for military operations and coordination. Sabotage could cripple responses during crises, delaying information flow and strategic decisions.
  • Geopolitical Pressures: Russia and China employ unorthodox tactics to assert dominance and destabilize their adversaries.

U.S. Navy and Allied Responses

  • Enhanced Patrols: NATO and allied nations are increasing naval presence in the Baltic and other regions to monitor suspicious activity.
  • Technological Investments: AI-driven systems and underwater sensors are being deployed to detect and deter sabotage.
  • Policy and Collaboration: Strengthened international legal frameworks and collaborative efforts among allies are essential for defending undersea infrastructure.

The Way Forward

  • Mitigating Risks: Building redundant systems, deploying advanced monitoring technologies, and fostering public-private partnerships are key steps to reduce vulnerabilities.
  • A Call for Action: Safeguarding undersea cables requires prioritization at the highest levels of government and international collaboration to counter hybrid threats.

Undersea cables, often taken for granted, are critical to the global economy, security, and military operations. The recent spate of incidents underscores the need for vigilance, innovation, and collaboration. For the U.S. and its allies, safeguarding these invisible lifelines is not just a technical challenge—it’s a strategic imperative.

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U.S. Naval News Wednesday –Weekly Roundup: October 16-23, 2024

Introduction: This week’s roundup highlights the U.S. Navy’s best and the brightest, strong partnerships, innovative technologies, and commemorative milestones, reflecting its ongoing commitment to maritime security and operational readiness. From joint exercises with allies to leadership changes and technological advancements, the Navy continues to shape its global influence.

U.S. Navy Global Engagement and Readiness

Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group Collaborates with Italian Navy
The Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group conducted a second Multi-Large Deck Event (MLDE) with Italy’s ITS Cavour Carrier Strike Group in the U.S. 5th Fleet Area of Responsibility on October 18, 2024. This joint exercise showcases the U.S. Navy’s commitment to working with allies to enhance interoperability and promote maritime security in key regions.

U.S., UAE Forces Launch Exercise Iron Defender
U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard units, alongside the UAE Naval Defense Forces, began the Iron Defender 24 exercise in the Arabian Gulf. This 10-day exercise focuses on enhancing regional security and improving joint maritime operations.

USS Harpers Ferry Returns Home from Deployment
After a successful seven-month deployment in the U.S. 7th and 3rd Fleet areas of operation, USS Harpers Ferry (LSD 49) returned to San Diego on October 18, 2024. The amphibious dock landing ship and the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) conducted numerous operations during their deployment, demonstrating the Navy’s global reach and readiness.

Leadership and Personnel Changes

Navy Relieves Top Commanders at Japan Ship Repair Facility
On October 21, 2024, the U.S. Navy removed Capt. Zaldy Valenzuela and Cmdr. Art Palalay, the commanding and executive officers at the U.S. Naval Ship Repair Facility and Japan Regional Maintenance Center in Yokosuka, citing a loss of confidence in their leadership. This change comes as the Navy continues to emphasize accountability and performance across its leadership.

Remembering Two Trailblazing Aviators: Lt. Cmdr. Evans and Lt. Wileman
The Navy mourns the loss of two decorated aviators, Lt. Cmdr. Lyndsay “Miley” Evans and Lt. Serena “Dug” Wileman, who tragically died during a routine training flight near Mount Rainier on October 15, 2024. Both were role models and trailblazers in naval aviation, leaving a lasting impact on their squadrons and communities.

Innovation and Technology

Carderock Hosts Navy Small Business Symposium
The Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) Carderock Division hosted a Small Business Industry Day in collaboration with the NavalX Capital Tech Bridge on October 16, 2024. The event aimed to foster partnerships between the Navy and private industries, particularly focusing on expanding naval innovation and technology.

Navy Announces Future Commissioning of USS Beloit
The U.S. Navy has scheduled the commissioning ceremony for the USS Beloit (LCS 29), a Freedom-variant Littoral Combat Ship, for November 23, 2024, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. This new vessel will enhance the Navy’s near-shore operational capabilities

International Partnerships and Exercises

Fifth U.S. Navy Destroyer Homeports in Rota, Spain
The USS Oscar Austin (DDG 79) arrived at its new homeport of Naval Station Rota on October 15, 2024. The destroyer is the fifth U.S. Navy ship to shift to Rota, further bolstering the Forward Deployed Naval Forces-Europe presence and enhancing U.S. strategic capabilities in the region.

National Museum of the United States Navy Site Formally Announced
On October 18, 2024, Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro formally announced the new location for the National Museum of the United States Navy during a ceremony in Washington, D.C. This marks a significant step in preserving and honoring the Navy’s history for future generations.

China, Russia, and Iran Watch

China Watch
Chinese naval forces remain highly active in the Indo-Pacific, continuing joint patrols with Russian warships in the Northwest Pacific. These exercises highlight China’s growing naval capabilities and influence in contested waters. Meanwhile, China’s shipbuilding industry continues to outpace other nations, presenting challenges to the U.S. in terms of both production capacity and modernization.

Russia Watch
Russian and Chinese naval forces recently completed major exercises in the western Pacific, signaling a deepening military alliance. The exercises underscore Russia’s commitment to projecting power in the Arctic and challenging NATO’s presence in the region.

Iran Watch
The Navy remains vigilant in the Middle East as tensions with Iran continue to escalate. The Iron Defender 24 exercise between the U.S. and UAE demonstrates the Navy’s strategic focus on securing vital maritime routes and responding to threats in the Arabian Gulf.

Conclusion:

This week’s news highlights the Navy’s ongoing efforts to maintain global partnerships, enhance readiness, and honor its personnel. With joint exercises, leadership changes, and continued technological innovation, the U.S. Navy remains at the forefront of ensuring maritime security and operational excellence.

Stay tuned for our next post, where we’ll dive deeper into the technical aspects of TRAM and how it promises to revolutionize naval operations.

Please support the Navy and the Americans for Stronger Navy by following us on Facebook or by completing the contact us page by clicking here.

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U.S. Naval News Wednesday – October, 10-16, 2024: Operational Highlights and Strategic Developments

USS Annapolis

Welcome to this week’s edition of U.S. Naval News Wednesday, covering the latest operational activities, strategic shifts, and key developments for the U.S. Navy from October 10 to October 15, 2024. In this update, we explore the Navy’s dynamic actions across the Indo-Pacific, relief efforts in the Philippines, advancements in missile reloading technology, and more. We also feature updates in our China Watch, Russia Watch, and Iran Watch sections to keep you informed on the latest geopolitical movements.

Top Stories

  • USS Annapolis Returns to Guam: The Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine USS Annapolis (SSN 760) concluded a three-month deployment across the Indo-Pacific, returning to its homeport of Naval Base Guam​.
  • Truman Strike Group Transits Strait of Dover for the North Sea: On October 14, the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group (HSTCSG) transited the Strait of Dover, heading to the North Sea for operations alongside NATO allies, demonstrating strategic partnerships and interoperability​.
  • Happy Homecoming | USS Theodore Roosevelt Returns: The USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) returned to San Diego after a 9-month deployment, completing operations across the Indo-Pacific and highlighting the resilience of its crew​.
  • USS Preble Arrives in Japan with Advanced Laser Weapon: The guided-missile destroyer USS Preble (DDG 88) docked at Yokosuka Naval Base equipped with a high-energy laser weapon, preparing for testing within the U.S. 7th Fleet​.
  • Navy Tests Reloading Missiles at Sea: A first-of-its-kind test saw the Navy successfully reloading missiles on a guided-missile cruiser while underway, a significant step in enhancing operational flexibility​.
  • USS Boxer Delivers Typhoon Relief in the Philippines: The USS Boxer (LHD 4) and the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit provided critical support in Luzon, Philippines, as part of U.S. disaster relief efforts following recent typhoon damage​.
  • Navy’s 249th Birthday Celebrations: Celebrations marking 249 years of the Navy’s service took place across the U.S., featuring ceremonies and concerts attended by naval leaders and veterans​.
  • UK Fears Chinese Hackers Compromised Critical Infrastructure: UK Labour ministers were briefed on systemic cyber incursions by Chinese hackers, raising concerns over potential impacts on critical infrastructure​.

China Watch

  • Chinese Carrier Group Returns to South China Sea: After exercises simulating a blockade of Taiwan, the Liaoning Carrier Strike Group has redeployed to the South China Sea, highlighting continued regional tensions​.
  • Pentagon Criticizes China’s Taiwan Drills: On October 14, China conducted a large-scale military drill that simulated a blockade around Taiwan, sparking condemnation from the Pentagon, which described the exercise as destabilizing​.
  • China Encircles Taiwan with Military Maneuvers: In a show of force, China encircled Taiwan with warships, warplanes, and an aircraft carrier, vowing its readiness for conflict. Taiwan’s government condemned the exercises as provocations​..
  • AUKUS Progress and Nuclear Training: The U.S. Navy’s training of Australian personnel is a vital step in the AUKUS partnership, aiming to enhance nuclear capabilities and joint defense efforts in the Indo-Pacific​.

Russia Watch

  • Russia-China Cooperation in the Arctic: U.S. military officials are increasingly concerned about the strategic partnership between Russia and China in the Arctic, a region of growing geopolitical importance​.
  • Russian Naval Activity in the Black Sea: Intelligence reports indicate a rise in Russian naval maneuvers in the Black Sea, keeping Western allies vigilant in the face of ongoing conflicts with Ukraine​.
  • NATO and U.S. Forces Respond: As Russia maintains a strong maritime presence, the U.S. Navy and NATO allies continue to strengthen their readiness, ensuring security in contested waters​

Iran Watch

  • U.S. Navy Counters Drone Threats in Red Sea: The U.S. Navy remains actively engaged in countering drone and missile threats in the Red Sea, providing security for vital shipping routes​
  • Navy Intercepts Iranian Missile Targeting Israel: In a recent operation, the U.S. Navy successfully intercepted an Iranian missile aimed at Israel, demonstrating its commitment to regional security and the protection of allies​.
  • Strategic Deployments in the Persian Gulf: The Navy has bolstered its presence in the Gulf, ensuring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz amidst heightened tensions with Iran​.

Additional Highlights

  • CH-53K Training Device Now Operational: New training tools for the CH-53K helicopter have been deployed, enhancing the capabilities of Naval Air Systems Command​.
  • Navy’s Submarine Supplier Contracts: The Navy’s $1.28 billion contract with General Dynamics Electric Boat aims to stabilize the submarine supply chain​.
  • USS Frank Cable Visits Jeju-Do: The submarine tender’s recent port visit to Jeju-Do, South Korea, underscores the U.S. Navy’s commitment to regional partnerships​.
  • USS New York Docks in Cyprus: The USS New York (LPD 21) arrived in Larnaca, Cyprus, for a routine port call, strengthening regional cooperation efforts​.

U.S. Naval Tachnology and Industry Watch

Epirus’ Drone-Disabling HPM Technology: The U.S. Navy is set to test Epirus’ high-p7ower microwave (HPM) technology as part of the Advanced Naval Technology Exercise (ANTX-CT24). This technology aims to disable small vessels and drones, providing a non-lethal means to counter seaborne threats​.

Private 5G Networks for Naval Operations: The Republic of Korea Navy has partnered with Samsung and KT Corporation to develop a private 5G network for its “Smart Naval Port” project. This network will support operations, enhance security, and create a digital twin of naval bases for improved decision-making​

Rapid Fielding of New Capabilities: The U.S. Navy’s Rapid Capabilities Office has been advancing new methods to quickly integrate tested technologies into the fleet. This includes deploying portable versions of systems like the Aegis combat system, enabling faster operational deployment of advanced weaponry​Raytheon’s Barracuda Mine Neutralization System: Raytheon has advanced its Barracuda mine neutralization technology through a series of hydrodynamic tests, moving closer to operational deployment. This system is designed to enhance the Navy’s capabilities in mine countermeasures​

Naval Technology.

Uncrewed Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Expansion in the Fifth Fleet: The Navy has expanded the deployment of MQ-4C Triton UAVs Thales’ CAPTAS-4 Sonar System: The U.S. Navy has taken delivery of Thales’ CAPTAS-4 Variable Depth Sonar (VDS) for enhanced anti-submarine warfare capabilities. This system will be deployed on multiple platforms, improving detection range and precision .Autonomous Systems Testing on Littoral Combat Ships: Recent experiments aboard Littoral Combat Ships (LCS) have tested the integration of the Army’s Typhon missile system with Navy platforms, demonstrating a new approach to joint-service weapons deployment​

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Unleashing Unmanned Systems: A Critical Strategy for Taiwan Defense

“Unmanned Hellscape” Admiral Samuel Paparo, commander of US Indo-Pacific Command vision

Bill Cullifer, founder
Bill Cullifer, founder

Hooyah to the recent announcement by Admiral Samuel Paparo, commander of US Indo-Pacific Command! His groundbreaking defense strategy is designed to fortify the Taiwan Strait against potential Chinese aggression. Dubbed the “unmanned hellscape,” this plan is poised to revolutionize modern warfare by leveraging a massive deployment of unmanned systems to create a formidable first line of defense.

The Strategy Unveiled

Admiral Paparo’s bold declaration at the International Institute for Strategic Studies’ Shangri-La Dialogue Summit outlines a vision where thousands of drones, ranging from surface vessels to aerial systems, would be deployed to thwart any invasion attempts by China. This strategy aims to inflict significant disruption on Chinese forces, thereby buying the US valuable time to mobilize and assist Taiwan effectively.

The essence of this approach lies in the creation of an inhospitable environment for invaders, transforming the Taiwan Strait into a perilous zone filled with autonomous defense mechanisms. This tactic not only underscores the importance of technological advancements in defense but also highlights a shift towards more innovative and less conventional methods of warfare.

Investment in Unmanned Systems

The success of the “unmanned hellscape” strategy is contingent upon substantial investments in drone technology. The US Department of Defense’s Replicator initiative is a pivotal component of this plan, aiming to develop and field thousands of autonomous systems. This initiative is a direct response to China’s overwhelming numerical advantage in terms of military assets, seeking to counterbalance it with a more sophisticated and elusive drone force.

Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks has emphasized the critical nature of this investment, highlighting a $1 billion allocation for the fiscal year towards developing these capabilities. The goal is to create drones that are not only cost-effective but also resilient and adaptable, capable of functioning effectively in the dynamic and challenging conditions of modern warfare.

Lessons from Global Conflicts

The importance of drones in contemporary conflicts is further evidenced by their extensive use in the Russia-Ukraine war. Both sides have employed UAVs for intelligence gathering, target acquisition, and direct attacks, demonstrating the versatility and impact of these systems. Ukraine’s experience underscores the necessity for reliable, secure, and advanced drones, free from the vulnerabilities associated with Chinese-made models, which have been subject to data leaks and electronic warfare attacks.

American-made drones, powered by next-generation artificial intelligence and autonomous capabilities, have proven to be invaluable in countering Russian aggression. These drones offer a blueprint for how the US can support its allies, including Taiwan, by providing advanced UAVs that can operate independently and adapt swiftly to battlefield conditions.

Implications for US Defense and Diplomacy

The deployment of unmanned systems as a primary defense strategy marks a significant evolution in military tactics. For the US, this not only enhances its defensive capabilities but also sets a precedent for its allies and partners. The emphasis on rapid, iterative development and the integration of AI-driven technologies positions the US at the forefront of drone warfare, ensuring it remains a dominant force in future conflicts.

Furthermore, this strategy has broader implications for US foreign policy and defense diplomacy. By championing the development and distribution of American-made drones, the US can strengthen its ties with allies, deter adversaries, and promote a cohesive defense network against common threats.

Conclusion

Admiral Paparo’s vision for an “unmanned hellscape” in the Taiwan Strait is more than a defensive measure; it is a testament to the transformative power of technology in modern warfare. As the US continues to invest in and develop advanced unmanned systems, it not only fortifies its own defenses but also provides a robust support framework for its allies, ensuring a stable and secure global landscape.

For Americans for a Stronger Navy, this development reaffirms our commitment to advocating for innovative defense strategies that leverage cutting-edge technologies.

It is a call to action for continued support and investment in our military capabilities, ensuring that we remain prepared to face and overcome any challenges that lie ahead.