Brent M. Eastwood

Washington, D.C., Washington, D.C., United States

Senior Defense Editor at National Security Journal

Senior Defense Editor at the National Security Journal @NationalSecJour. Author of Humans, Machines, and Data and Don't Turn Your Back on the World.

Articles

F-16XL Fighter Has a Message for the U.S. Military

2 days ago | 19fortyfive.com | Brent M. Eastwood

Key Points – The F-16XL, an experimental derivative of the F-16 developed in the early 1980s, featured a radical cranked-arrow delta wing that nearly doubled the wing area of the standard model. -This design allowed for twice the payload and significantly greater range. -Two prototypes, built by General Dynamics with NASA assistance for the Air Force’s Enhanced Tactical Fighter competition (to replace the F-111), showcased these enhanced capabilities.
President Trump Faces New Impeachment Problems

2 days ago | nationalsecurityjournal.org | Brent M. Eastwood

Key Points and Summary: President Trump’s team is reportedly preparing for a potential third impeachment attempt, particularly if Democrats regain control of the House of Representatives in the 2026 midterms. -This concern is fueled by early impeachment articles filed by Rep. Shri Thanedar and supportive comments from other Democrats like Sen. Jon Ossoff.
Help, Trump and Democrats: The Walls Might Be Closing In on Social Security

3 days ago | nationalsecurityjournal.org | Brent M. Eastwood

Would Raising the Retirement Age Save Social Security? – Social Security is likely doomed without significant reform by 2035, when the trust fund runs out. There are not enough people paying into the system. More Baby Boomers retire each day. For many retirees, this is their only form of income. No politician can even utter the words “changes to Social Security” for fear of causing a mass insurrection. So, what can be done to save the system? One way to reform it is to raise the retirement age.
Forger the F-35: China's J-20 Stealth Fighter Now Comes in 'Beast Mode'

3 days ago | nationalsecurityjournal.org | Brent M. Eastwood

The Chengdu J-20 fighter can fly in frightening “beast mode.”That means the Chinese fifth-generation warbird can bring a pack of trouble to an aerial flight. Its long-range air-to-air missiles and precision-guided weapons for ground strikes make the Mighty Dragon one of the most effective fighters in the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) fleet. This weapons loadout is impressive, and its stealth characteristics allow it to dominate adversaries in its backyard.
The Air Force's 'New' B-52J Bomber Won't Fly Until 2033 and Is Now Way Over Budget

3 days ago | 19fortyfive.com | Brent M. Eastwood

Key Points: The US Air Force’s crucial B-52J radar modernization program has triggered a “significant” Nunn-McCurdy cost breach, with costs reportedly rising 17% above baseline, exceeding the 15% threshold. -Making matters worse, the new bomber won’t fly until 2033. -This necessitates formal congressional notification by May 24th and places the upgrade—replacing the B-52’s obsolete AN/APQ-166 radar with Raytheon’s AN/APQ-188 AESA system—under intense scrutiny.
Who Has the Fastest Hypersonic Missile? Russia, China, or America?

3 days ago | 19fortyfive.com | Brent M. Eastwood

Key Points – While Russia and China surged ahead early in the hypersonic weapons race, recent American advances are quickly closing the gap. -Russia’s Mach-8 Zircon missile and China’s DF-17 previously dominated headlines, but the U.S. Army and Navy are now successfully testing hypersonic glide vehicles and scramjet-powered cruise missiles.
'Stunning Breakthrough' Could Allow B-1B Lancer Bombers to Carry 36 Hypersonic Missiles

4 days ago | 19fortyfive.com | Brent M. Eastwood

Key Points – The B-1B Lancer, a Cold War-era bomber scheduled for retirement by 2036, could see a dramatic revival as a hypersonic missile platform. -Recent Air Force testing explores equipping the bomber with Hypersonic Attack Cruise Missiles, leveraging modular pylons that allow it to carry up to 36 hypersonics simultaneously. -This capability significantly extends the bomber’s combat relevance, enabling swift, powerful strikes at speeds exceeding Mach 5.
The Eurofighter Typhoon Could Replace the F-35 in Canada

4 days ago | nationalsecurityjournal.org | Brent M. Eastwood

Key Points: As Canada reviews its F-35 purchase amidst political friction with the US, the Eurofighter Typhoon presents a capable alternative. -The Typhoon offers high speed (Mach 2), agility for dogfighting, and “swing-role” versatility ideal for switching between air policing and ground attack, armed with potent missiles like Meteor and IRIS-T.
HMS Queen Elizabeth Aircraft Carrier: Britain’s $8.2 Billion Royal Navy Mistake?

6 days ago | 19fortyfive.com | Brent M. Eastwood

Key Points – Britain’s flagship carrier, HMS Queen Elizabeth, has faced persistent operational setbacks, including propulsion issues that forced the ship to miss critical NATO exercises in 2024 and the costly loss of an F-35B stealth fighter due to human error. -Despite these problems, the Royal Navy maintains the advanced carrier is vital for maintaining global influence and naval strength. -Critics argue the vessel’s $8.2 billion cost demands greater reliability.
The Astute-Class Submarine Has a Message for the U.S. Navy

6 days ago | 19fortyfive.com | Brent M. Eastwood

Key Points: Britain’s Astute-class submarines rival the US Virginia-class in stealth, speed, and lethality. Equipped with powerful Rolls-Royce nuclear reactors that require minimal maintenance, they move silently at up to 30 knots. -Astute boats deploy Spearfish heavyweight torpedoes and Tomahawk missiles, enabling precise, long-range strikes. Advanced electronic warfare suites and sonar systems provide unmatched survivability, while quieting technology makes them nearly undetectable.