In Depth Analysis, Commentary, and Publications
The common analysis of recent air and missile defense engagements in the Red Sea through a cost exchange ratio framework ignores both the complexity of those engagements and the complicated value of air and missile defense.
New analysis identifies steps to improve the Department of Defense’s missile-tracking satellite constellation.
On January 24, 2024, CSIS hosted a conversation with Dr. Jack Watling on his recent book, The Arms of the Future: Technology and Close Combat in the Twenty-First Century (2023). The book examines how the emergence of novel weapons systems is shaping the risks and opportunities on the battlefield.
As the Department of Defense begins to deploy a space-based sensor constellation, Getting on Track unpacks the design tradeoffs involved and key pitfalls to avoid. Using advanced simulation tools, the authors underscore the necessity of diversifying satellite orbits, designing constellations for early, persistent coverage, and retaining requirements for fire-control-capable sensors.
On December 18, the CSIS Missile Defense Project released a new report, Getting on Track: Space and Airborne Sensors for Hypersonic Missile Defense. Drawing upon in-house computer modeling and simulation capabilities, the report analyzes the Pentagon’s current approaches, visualizes key technical tradeoffs, and discusses options for constellations with mixed orbits.
Small drones present a serious threat on the modern battlefield. This report examines the threat, the various kinetic and non-kinetic defenses available to defeat them, and how the U.S. Department of Defense has approached this air defense mission across the joint force.
On November 14, the CSIS Missile Defense Project rolled out our report, Countering Small Uncrewed Aerial Systems: Air Defense by and for the Joint Force. The study assesses the small drone threat, the defenses available to defeat them, and plans for C-sUAS doctrine, organization, training, materiel, leadership and education, personnel, and facilities.
On November 8, CSIS and AUSA hosted our third Strategic Landpower Dialogue event, featuring General James Dickinson, Commander of the United States Space Command. The discussion explored challenges in the space domain, the provision of space-enabled combat effects to joint warfighters, and General Dickinson’s vision for the relation of space and landpower in the joint force.
On October 12, CSIS and AUSA hosted our second Strategic Landpower Dialogue event, featuring General Charles Flynn, Commanding General of U.S. Army Pacific. The discussion explored challenges in the Indo-Pacific, the Army's role in the region, and General Flynn's vision for landpower in the joint force.
On September 29, 2023, the Project on Nuclear Issues published a report, Project Atom 2023: A Competitive Strategies Approach for U.S. Nuclear Posture through 2035. MDP Director Tom Karako and Rob Soofer contributed to one of the chapters, entitled, "Project Atom: Defining U.S. Nuclear Strategy, 2030-2050."
