The hottest Defense Substack posts right now

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Top World Politics Topics

Kiel Institute Report on Ukraine War Manufacturing: A Deep Dive

Simplicius's Garden of Knowledge • 8572 implied HN points • 22 Oct 24
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics Military Defense International relations Conflict
  1. Russia's military production is increasing rapidly, even surpassing the losses they faced in Ukraine. This means they are becoming stronger despite the conflict.
  2. Ukraine's air defense is not as effective as reported, with lower interception rates than the government claims. This highlights a gap between what is being communicated and the reality on the ground.
  3. Germany's military capabilities are struggling to keep up, and in some areas, they are declining. They would need up to 100 years to rebuild their military stockpiles to past levels, in stark contrast to Russia's quick production capabilities.

If It's To Be War With Iran, Let It Be The War That Nobody Comes To

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2854 implied HN points • 16 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military Foreign Policy War Defense Political Commentary
  1. If the US goes to war with Iran, many soldiers might die for no good reason. It's not about freedom, but about decisions made by powerful people.
  2. Joining the military in this situation could lead to suffering without purpose, so it's better to avoid it if possible.
  3. Wars can often be pointless, and it's sad to think about fighting and dying for reasons that are not really justified.

After the Bombs: What Remains of Iran’s Nuclear Program?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 904 implied HN points • 23 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Military Defense International relations National Security
  1. The U.S. military dropped large bombs on Iran's nuclear sites, marking a big moment for America and the Middle East. Many people are discussing the fallout of this action and what it means for the future.
  2. There are concerns about how effective the strikes were since reports suggest that Iran may have moved important equipment before the bombs fell. This raises questions about whether Iran's nuclear program is truly damaged.
  3. In Israel, there is a mix of hope and uncertainty following the strikes. Some are feeling optimistic about potential changes, while others worry about possible retaliation and the larger implications of the conflict.

Die Linke is back

Comment is Freed • 113 implied HN points • 25 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Defense Elections Foreign Policy Political parties
  1. Die Linke made a surprising comeback in the recent German elections, gaining more votes than expected. This shows that there is still a significant interest in their policies despite their historical challenges.
  2. The new German government will need to figure out how to increase defense spending without going against the debt rules. This could be tricky and may require support from parties like Die Linke, which traditionally opposes higher military budgets.
  3. There is a growing realization in Germany about the need for strong defense capabilities, especially after changes in U.S. foreign policy. This might lead to unusual alliances in politics as different parties look for solutions.

TRUMP DOWNGRADES THE US MILITARY

Seymour Hersh • 25 implied HN points • 03 Mar 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Defense Leadership Policy Military Government
  1. Firing General Charles Brown from the Joint Chiefs of Staff is seen as a misguided decision. Many believe that he had valuable experience and connections that were beneficial to US military leadership.
  2. The appointment of a less qualified replacement raises concerns about the future of military leadership in the US. It could lead to less effective decision-making at high levels.
  3. There are worries about Trump's approach to military leadership and how it affects international relations, especially with countries like Israel and Iran. The changes might harm efforts to stabilize those relationships.
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An Argument For Tariffs

Points And Figures • 746 implied HN points • 17 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economics Trade Policy Defense Industry
  1. Tariffs can hurt consumers because they end up paying higher prices. Even if some believe they help local businesses, they can actually make those businesses less competitive.
  2. In some cases, tariffs might be necessary to protect industries that are important for national security, like drone technology. This can help the country stay strong in a competitive world.
  3. Big companies can create advantages that make it hard for others to compete. If countries like China dominate certain industries, tariffs may be needed to keep a fair playing field.

Debate: Should the U.S. Intervene in Iran?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 352 implied HN points • 17 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Defense Nuclear Issues Military Action International relations
  1. The U.S. is debating whether to intervene in Iran to stop its nuclear program, especially after Israel's recent actions. It's a big decision for President Trump, who needs to consider if Iran is a real threat.
  2. There are two main views on this issue: one group believes the U.S. should stay out of Middle Eastern conflicts, while the other supports military action to prevent Iran from getting nuclear weapons.
  3. Israeli leaders argue that Iran's threat is not just a regional issue but affects global security, including the U.S. This raises questions about America's role in international conflicts.

Applied Digital, Defense Semiconductors, and 1998

Mule’s Musings • 96 implied HN points • 09 Jun 25
🕹 Technology AI Semiconductors Defense Digital Government
  1. Applied Digital focuses on combining technology with government projects. This partnership can lead to innovation and improved efficiency in services.
  2. Defense semiconductors are crucial for national security. They help in developing advanced technologies used in defense systems.
  3. Understanding the history of technology and its applications, like in 1998, gives insight into current trends and future developments. Learning from the past is important for progress.

True Pressure Rate (TPR): Week 6 Update

Trench Warfare • 79 implied HN points • 15 Oct 24
🎾 Sports Football Analytics Player evaluation Defense Statistics
  1. True Pressure Rate (TPR) is a new tool for evaluating pass-rushers that focuses on the quality of pressures, not just the amount. This helps to understand who the best defenders really are.
  2. Pressures are categorized into three quality levels: Rare High Quality, High Quality, and Low Quality. This classification provides deeper insight into a player's performance and effectiveness.
  3. The Pressure Quality Ratio (PQR) compares high-quality pressures to low-quality ones. This helps identify players who may not have a lot of pressures but are still working hard and making an impact.

Europe's Final Fate

Diane Francis • 839 implied HN points • 18 Jul 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Foreign Policy International relations Defense Economy
  1. The upcoming U.S. presidential election will impact Europe's future, especially regarding NATO and the Ukraine war. The choice between an internationalist or an isolationist president affects how the U.S. supports Europe.
  2. If the U.S. reduces its role in NATO, Europe might need to increase its military spending and support Ukraine on its own. This could lead to economic instability in Europe as they face ongoing conflicts.
  3. European leaders feel frustrated about U.S. politics but recognize they must adapt regardless of who wins in America. Cooperation will be essential, regardless of the situation.

Containerized Missile Systems Without Cranes

Tapa’s Substack • 4 HN points • 05 Oct 24
🕹 Technology Defense Logistics Engineering Aerospace Innovation
  1. Containerized missile systems aim to fit missiles into shipping containers for easy transport. This could help with quick deployment and keeping them hidden.
  2. Most missiles are too tall for standard shipping containers, requiring them to be laid down horizontally. This makes launching them more complicated.
  3. A new idea suggests using a small jump jet to lift and angle the missile for firing, making it faster and potentially cheaper than using a crane system.

Japan isn't quite "back", but it has a fighting chance

Noahpinion • 11000 implied HN points • 22 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Economic Policy Defense Immigration Industrial Policy Corporate culture
  1. Japan's stock market is rallying due to foreign investment, but the real economy is struggling with recession and weak manufacturing and exports.
  2. Japan is increasing defense spending and bringing in foreign workers to address labor shortages, however, concerns remain about assimilation and potential backlash.
  3. Japan needs to focus on reclaiming its position in key industries like electronics, developing a software industry and EVs, and reforming its corporate culture to boost economic growth.

🛰 The story of the US Space Force: A Quick Q&A with … defense policy analyst Todd Harrison

Faster, Please! • 548 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Defense Space Military Policy International
  1. The US Space Force is essential because the number of satellites in space is rapidly increasing, and protecting them is crucial for both national security and economic reasons.
  2. The Space Force not only tracks and defends military satellites but also faces various forms of attacks, especially cyber threats, requiring strategies to counter these non-kinetic challenges.
  3. Future roles of the Space Force may include protecting commercial space interests, similar to how the Navy protects maritime commerce, as space becomes increasingly important for global trade and security.

Pete Hegseth’s Islam Problem

Nonzero Newsletter • 508 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Government Foreign Policy Defense Legislation
  1. Pete Hegseth has controversial views on Islam, suggesting it is a continuous threat to the West, which could impact his role in defense if appointed.
  2. His lack of managerial experience raises concerns about his capabilities to lead the military effectively.
  3. Hegseth's views might worsen tensions with Muslim-majority countries and influence how U.S. foreign policy is shaped, especially regarding military actions.

How Stupid Do They Think We Are?

startupdreams • 317 implied HN points • 11 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Defense Media Public Opinion Foreign Relations
  1. There are reports of drones flying over New Jersey, and Congress is concerned, but no one knows what they are. It seems surprising that such mysterious drones could evade radar and air defenses.
  2. A Congressman claimed that these drones might be launched from an Iranian 'mothership,' which seems hard to believe. It raises questions about the technology and motives behind this claim.
  3. Many people feel skeptical and frustrated by the government's explanations, suggesting this situation resembles previous misleading claims that led to unnecessary conflicts.

Staggering Towards the Abyss

imetatronink • 4402 implied HN points • 29 Jul 23
🌍 World Politics Conflict Military Alliances Defense
  1. The US may struggle to establish air superiority against Russia due to Russian air defenses.
  2. American air power may not be able to sustain prolonged warfare against peer adversaries like Russia, China, or Iran.
  3. There is increasing military coordination between Russia, China, and Iran, hinting at joint defense against possible attacks.

Putin Invites Top Russian Correspondents For Candid War Q&A + SitRep Updates

Simplicius's Garden of Knowledge • 7533 implied HN points • 14 Jun 23
🌍 World Politics Military Diplomacy Conflict Geopolitics Defense
  1. Putin held a press conference with top Russian correspondents for a candid Q&A about the war.
  2. During the chat, Putin made interesting admissions about deficiencies in the Russian army and production of modern systems.
  3. Putin hinted at Russia's future plans in Ukraine, mentioning that they will depend on the situation and outcome of Ukraine's counter-offensive.

Ukraine War, 11 February 2024

Sarcastosaurus • 1985 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Conflict Military International relations Defense Government
  1. The West's failure to supply enough artillery ammunition to Ukraine has led to Russian advances with adapted assault tactics, exploiting their advantage in resources.
  2. General Syrsky assumed command of ZSU in Kyiv, taking steps like rushing reserves to Avidiivka and making strategic appointments.
  3. The situation in Avidiivka is critical, with intense air strikes by the Russian Air-Space Force supporting a ground attack, putting Ukrainian positions at risk.

Is a Foreign Adversary Flying Drones over New Jersey?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1303 implied HN points • 12 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics National Security Government Defense Public Policy Surveillance
  1. There have been strange reports of large drones flying over critical places in New Jersey. Residents are confused and want to know where these drones are coming from.
  2. A congressman suggested that an Iranian mothership is behind the drone sightings, but this claim was quickly denied by the Pentagon. They said there is no evidence of such a mothership.
  3. Local and state officials are struggling to provide clear answers about the drones. Despite concerns, the Pentagon states that there has been no threat to military installations.

CIA-adjacent VC community convenes in Boston during ice storm

All-Source Intelligence Fusion • 691 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Intelligence Venture Capital Cybersecurity Defense Technology Policy
  1. A group of former CIA members and venture capitalists met in Boston to discuss new tech ideas for military and safety purposes. They talked about big topics like cybersecurity and defense technology.
  2. One interesting pitch was about using micro nuclear reactors to power U.S. military bases. They also discussed how these reactors could be involved in cryptocurrency mining.
  3. The importance of developing U.S. technology to stay competitive against countries like China was a hot topic. Everyone agreed that the U.S. must innovate to keep up.

Trump & Hegseth Shock on Ukraine

John’s Substack • 11 implied HN points • 13 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Trump Ukraine Foreign Policy Defense Europe
  1. Trump and Hegseth are proposing major changes to the US policy on Ukraine. They believe this could reshape how the US interacts with Europe.
  2. Hegseth mentioned that Ukraine is unlikely to join NATO soon. This reflects a shift in the US's approach to European alliances.
  3. Trump suggested that there might be potential talks with Putin about ending the conflict in Ukraine. This indicates a desire for negotiation rather than continued involvement.

The Six Big Questions of 2025

Phillips’s Newsletter • 81 implied HN points • 02 Jan 25
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics Conflict International relations Defense Strategies
  1. Ukraine is increasing its long-range weapons to target Russia more effectively. This means they are ready for deeper strikes, which could change the dynamics of the conflict.
  2. The focus will be on military production from both sides in 2025. This could determine who has the upper hand in the ongoing war.
  3. There are key questions that need answers to understand how the war will unfold in 2025. These questions are critical for predicting the future events in the conflict.

Top Links 602 Vibe cession born out. America's Hindenburg moment. The CIA's shadow banking & why guns are different.

Chartbook • 500 implied HN points • 29 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Economy Defense Intelligence Crime
  1. The term 'vibe cession' suggests a cool down in economic enthusiasm. This means people may be feeling less optimistic about the economy.
  2. America's 'Hindenburg moment' refers to a serious crisis or failure. It's a warning sign that something big could go wrong.
  3. The CIA's involvement in shadow banking shows the different ways money can be used, especially when it comes to guns and security. This has implications for how we view finance and power.

Picking a Proven Winner: NRO and Starshield

Ill-Defined Space • 47 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Aerospace Defense Space Manufacturing Intelligence
  1. The National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) is rapidly deploying satellites using SpaceX's Starshield, increasing its satellite fleet significantly in a short time. This means they are becoming more reliant on a single company for their satellite manufacturing needs.
  2. In contrast, the Space Development Agency (SDA) is struggling to build a solid supply chain and is concerned about its satellite manufacturers. They need to make and deploy a larger number of satellites than currently planned.
  3. The NRO's approach may help it quickly achieve its goals, but it raises questions about the risk of depending heavily on SpaceX for critical military capabilities.

Top Links 646 Defense tech. The Trump tower in Belgrade. Time-biased and space-biased media. The global gender crisis & the book DuBois could not finish.

Chartbook • 286 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Defense Media Gender Architecture Tech
  1. There is ongoing discussion about defense technology and its impacts on society. People are exploring how tech shapes our safety and security.
  2. The mention of the Trump tower in Belgrade shows that events and places linked to political figures continue to draw attention. The tower serves as a symbol of larger political themes.
  3. The global gender crisis highlights ongoing issues related to equality. It suggests a need for deeper conversations and solutions around gender disparities.

Why Does Pete Hegseth Keep Talking About ‘Warfighters’?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 607 implied HN points • 11 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Policy Defense Government Military
  1. Pete Hegseth wants to change the Pentagon's culture to focus more on military effectiveness and less on political correctness. He believes this will improve how the military operates.
  2. He frequently uses the term 'warfighters' to describe the type of soldiers he aims to support. This suggests he sees them as effective combatants rather than just bureaucratic figures.
  3. Hegseth has publicly supported soldiers who have been accused or convicted of war crimes, which raises concerns among some of his Republican supporters about the implications of his leadership style.

Pentagon confirms erasure of Project Maven-related contract records

All-Source Intelligence Fusion • 712 implied HN points • 05 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Defense Surveillance Legislation National Security
  1. The Pentagon deleted public records of a $200 million AI surveillance contract called Project Maven, raising concerns about transparency.
  2. They justified this erasure by citing national security rules that allow withholding information from public databases.
  3. Some agencies, like the CIA, are exempt from certain federal procurement regulations, making it unclear how broadly these rules are applied.

Seaplanes Bring Out the Worst in the Potomac Flotilla

CDR Salamander • 1257 implied HN points • 17 Jul 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military Defense Congress Acquisition National Security
  1. During wartime, aircraft are crucial and seaplanes historically played a role in rescuing flyers in distress.
  2. The ShinMaywa US-2 seaplane is seen as a modern, versatile, and necessary asset for military operations.
  3. Issues in military acquisition systems can hinder the procurement of vital equipment like seaplanes.

Weekend Listening: The Real Team America

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2026 implied HN points • 03 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Defense Terrorism National Security Leadership
  1. There is growing concern over potential conflicts involving the U.S., China, Russia, and other nations, which could escalate into a global war.
  2. Many Americans, including influential figures like business leaders and journalists, are investing in innovative defense technologies to strengthen national security.
  3. Innovation in software is seen as crucial for modern defense, enabling the development of advanced weapon systems and vehicles with AI and autonomous capabilities.

When the Old-Timers Go Marching In (Part 1) [i]

Black Mountain Analysis • 569 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24
🌐 International Military Conflict Defense Modernization Alliance
  1. The article discusses the use of old air defense missile systems in recent wars, highlighting their continued relevance and effectiveness despite their age.
  2. Various countries have modernized the 2K12 Kub (SA-6) system, improving detection range, reliability, and engagement capabilities to extend the system's service life.
  3. In conflicts like the Yemen civil war, the 2K12 system has been utilized, showcasing potential for ambushing and targeting coalition aircraft with modified IR-homing missiles.

THE SHOW NOTES: NFL Ratings Dominance, Obama's Warning to Biden, & Where’s The Defense Secretary?

Erick Erickson's Confessions of a Political Junkie • 719 implied HN points • 08 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Election International relations Defense Leadership
  1. NFL dominated TV ratings with 93 of top 100 broadcasts last year
  2. Biden's Defense Secretary was hospitalized without notifying the administration, causing communication issues
  3. Biden's campaign fundraising is not meeting expectations, causing concerns within the team