Security

National security issues are a big part of what makes The National Interest a leading foreign policy resource. From the rise of China, the war in Ukraine, and Russia’s aggressive actions, we plan to cover any and all national security events from all sides. 

The newly commissioned HMS Anson, an Astute-class submarine

The Royal Navy’s New Astute-class Submarine Is Nearing Active Service

The Astute-class boats, are the largest and most advanced attack submarines ever built for the Royal Navy.

Chengdu J-36 as seen on December 26, 2024.

China’s Sixth-Generation J-36 Fighter Has Been Spotted Flying Once Again

This J-36 sighting suggests that China could be on track to introduce the world’s first sixth-generation platform.

What Is the Air Force Doing on the Southern Border?

Militaries exist, in most contexts, to help nations preserve their borders. In that sense, the application of U.S. assets towards stemming illegal immigration is a commonsense application of military might.

Cars sit in a lot with a Chinese flag

China’s Auto Sales in Russia Are Frozen Solid

Who could blame Russian consumers for being skittish about purchasing vehicles that can’t handle the cold?

An Israeli F-35I

An Israel F-35I Adir Has Fought in “Beast Mode” for the First Time

An F-35 in “beast mode” can lug an extra 22,000 pounds of internal and external weapons.

Here’s What a Venezuelan Invasion of Guyana Might Look Like

Venezuela’s army is far larger than Guyana’s. But Caracas might achieve better results with deniable “gray zone” attacks against its eastern neighbor than with an outright invasion.

Iranian military missiles, long-range, short-range and satellite missiles on Iran.

Iran’s Deterrence Dilemma

Tehran’s old answers to its problems with America and Israel just don’t work anymore.

Moscow, Russia - Red square view of St. Basil's Cathedral at sunrise.

Russia’s Imperial Mindset Hasn’t Changed

If its imperial vision isn’t decisively defeated, any peace agreement with Russia over Ukraine is guaranteed to be merely temporary.

An M1 Abrams tank

America’s M1 Abrams Tank Is Old But Tough

Ukrainian officials have commended the M1 Abrams tank’s resilience on the battlefield.

FCAS remote carriers mock-up at Paris Air Show 2019.

Does the Future Combat Air System Have a Future Without France?

Despite involving two of Europe's largest aviation firms and a leading information technology company, the program has been plagued with internal troubles.

Ukrainian military during the military parade on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of Ukraine's Independence

Ukraine Has Carried Out Another Incursion into Russian Territory

Kyiv’s military is now operating in the Russian Belgorod Oblast; despite this, Russia refused America’s proposed thirty-day ceasefire.

America’s Ambassador to Ukraine Resigns

Brink did not have an easy job—serving as the link between the United States and Ukraine at a time of profound difficulty for the latter country.