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Op-Ed

A Barracuda unmanned surface vessel undergoes testing in southern Ukraine, on March 30, 2026. The multifunctional drone boat is developed by the Barracuda unit of the 40th Separate Coastal Defense Brigade, part of the 30th Marine Corps of the Ukrainian Navy. It features a modern tracking system, remote control, and artificial intelligence elements. (Photo by Nina Liashonok/Ukrinform/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Unmanned warfare has now expanded to the high seas. Is the U.S. ready?

The American military’s recent success with autonomous platforms — as well as the unmanned advances of partners like Israel, Ukraine and Taiwan — offers three main lessons…
A Soldier takes a cell phone picture as Lt. Col Astrid Ruiz-Fernandez, the exiting commander of the 205th Theater Public Affairs Support Element, speaks to the 205th TPASE for the last time as the commanding officer during a change of command ceremony June 7, 2025 at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston, TX. (U.S. Army Reserve photo by Staff Sgt. Blake A. Essex)

We know how to protect our troops from telecom attacks. We’re just not doing it.

The carriers won't act without pressure. Congress and the Pentagon need to force their hand now.
A sign for the National Security Agency (NSA), US Cyber Command and Central Security Service, is seen near the visitor’s entrance to the headquarters of the National Security Agency (NSA) at Fort Meade, Maryland, February 14, 2018. (Photo by SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Images)

The Pentagon’s cyber reform effort stumbles out the gate

After trusting the military to fix its own problems with unsatisfactory results, it is time for President Trump and the Congress to seize the reins and establish…
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U.S. Marines compete in wargaming during Modern Day Marine 2026 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Washington, D.C., April 30, 2026. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Matthew A. McDonnell)

The future of war arrived. We aren’t ready.

Every operational plan in every military headquarters in the world is now obsolete. The hedge strategists said this day would come. It has arrived. The question is…
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