May 31, 2016
Tried and True Tomahawk
Modernizing the right tools for the mission during this austere budget environment
By James Feldkamp
Since 2001 the specter of radical Islamic terrorism has dominated the debate on national security, often at the expense of protecting ourselves against equally looming but more traditional military threats. By focusing on land wars in the Middle East for the past 15 years, we have allowed other global adversaries to develop next generation weapons capabilities and upgrade their naval forces much to the detriment of our national interests. With the increased belligerency of Russia, Iran and especially China, it is clear that the United States must adequately fund, upgrade and re-invigorate our military in this new, multi-polar world in which we live.
China has increased its military spending by an average of 11 percent per year for the last two decades. Focusing on sea power and sea denial, the Chinese have built airstrips on Fiery Cross Reef and in the Spratly Islands in order to effectively dominate the commons of the South China Sea - an area where the U.S. has maintained stability for over 70 years. Similarly, Russia poses a renewed threat on the other side of the world. Putin seeks nothing less than a restoration of Soviet-era sea power over the next five years. Meanwhile, Iran has devoted years to strengthening its anti-ship missile capabilities, with the clear intention to deny and humble the U.S. in the Arabian Gulf, and across the greater Middle East. Our adversaries are testing our resolve.
http://www.realcleardefense.com/articles/2016/05/31/tried_and_true_tomahawk_109403.html
