In Depth Analysis, Commentary, and Publications
Affordable mass has become the watchword of defense modernization, be it swarms of drones or satellite constellations. What could such an approach mean for air and missile defense? Networks of passive, proliferated sensors could make one meaningful contribution.
On July 21, the CSIS Missile Defense Project rolled out our new report, Mesh Sensing for Air and Missile Defense. As threats to missile defense assets increase, the study assesses a vision for passive, proliferated sensor networks for surface-based air and missile defense. Using historical case studies and computer simulation-based analysis, the report identifies new considerations for sustainment, mission planning, network design, and mobility when deploying proliferated sensor meshes on Earth.
On July 2, 2025, the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) and the Association of the U.S. Army (AUSA) will host a Strategic Landpower Dialogue event featuring Vice Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army General James Mingus. The discussion will explore Army force planning, readiness, and initiatives to build a modern, capable force.
On June 27, 2025, the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) and the Association of the U.S. Army (AUSA) will host a Strategic Landpower Dialogue event,featuring General Ronald Clark, Commanding General, U.S. Army Pacific. The discussion will explore the role of landpower in the Indo-Pacific, contributions to joint operations, and the Army’s posture in the region.
On June 12, 2025, the CSIS Missile Defense Project hosted a fireside chat with Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, on why protecting America's electromagnetic spectrum is critical to U.S. national security. The discussion examined spectrum challenges across defense, critical infrastructure, and emerging technologies that underpin our national security.
Auctioning the low-3 S-band spectrum for commercial 5G use poses serious national security risks, potentially interfering with military radar and missile defense systems. Given escalating air and missile threats, the U.S. should maintain exclusive military access to this spectrum while continuing to study long-term sharing options.
The most ambitious visions of the Golden Dome missile defense architecture face tough budgetary decisions about their prioritization within the missile defense portfolio, in the Department of Defense capability mix, and across the federal budget.
On June 5, 2025, the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) and the Association of the U.S. Army (AUSA) hosted our seventh Strategic Landpower Dialogue event, featuring General Andrew Poppas, Commanding General, United States Army Forces Command. The discussion explored Army force readiness, emerging threats, and transformation in warfighting.
