James Carafano

1 week ago | 19fortyfive.com | James Carafano

Key Points – China’s aggressive posture toward Taiwan and broader Indo-Pacific ambitions has renewed America’s reliance on aircraft carriers, reaffirming their strategic importance despite high costs and vulnerabilities. -Aircraft carriers offer unmatched mobility and power projection, crucial for deterring adversaries like Beijing. Although critics question their relevance amid emerging threats, the U.S. Navy has few viable alternatives to immediately replace the carrier’s unique capabilities.

1 week ago | 19fortyfive.com | James Carafano

Key Points: The US Army’s cancellation of the M10 Booker light tank program reflects a shift towards strategic clarity under the Trump administration and Defense Secretary Hegseth, prioritizing combat relevance over flawed projects. -The M10, initially intended as an air-droppable asset for light forces, became too heavy due to requirements creep, losing its niche. Its cancellation signals a move away from programs not delivering effective capability efficiently.

2 weeks ago | 19fortyfive.com | James Carafano

Key Points: Assessing the US Army’s readiness for major conflict (“World War III”) under the second Trump administration, this analysis argues the force will likely become more realistically aligned with global challenges. -While not envisioning a massive expansion, Trump’s pragmatic approach avoids overstretch while recognizing global interests. -The Army’s key strengths—logistics, expanding long-range fires, infrastructure defense, and special operations—will remain vital.

2 weeks ago | 19fortyfive.com | James Carafano

America’s Aircraft Carrier Dominance—Thank China: Absent the leaders in Beijing acting like they will be the next Golden Horde, America’s fleet of aircraft carriers might have been headed for the mothball fleet, floating museums, or candidates as artificial reefs. That’s not going to happen. The odds are that the Trump administration will extend the lease on life for carrier-centric fleet operations for another generation. Here is why.

2 weeks ago | 19fortyfive.com | James Carafano

Why AbramsX Could Be An Amazing Tank: Weapons of armed conflict are subject to different rules of obsolescence than other technologies. That is why decades-long predictions of the end of armor’s utility have passed out of favor while these metal monsters still prowl the battlefield. The US Army’s intent to develop a new generation of the long-serving heavy combat Abrams tanks makes sense if America plans to continue to field effective armed land power in the decades ahead.