Edward Ho’s Post

The rapid evolution of hypersonic technology marks a seismic shift in the global balance of power. As outlined in "Hypersonic Horizons: The Next Generation of Air Superiority" we are on the brink of a transformative era in military capabilities. Hypersonic weapons promise unparalleled speed, maneuverability, and reach, leaving little margin for traditional defenses to respond. How we navigate this technological frontier will dictate not only air superiority but also the strategic calculus of deterrence and global stability. Our preparedness and innovation today will determine security and influence for generations to come. #HypersonicTech #NationalSecurity #AirPower #StrategicDeterrence #Innovation https://buff.ly/4fcIyTn RealClearDefense 20th Air Force War on the Rocks Institute for the Study of War Council on Foreign Relations International Center for Journalists (ICFJ) International Journalists' Network (IJNet) The Economist Reuters The Associated Press The New York Times BBC News https://buff.ly/3Uc6HRl https://buff.ly/4f9T11j https://buff.ly/3Ugc8ii

The rapid evolution of hypersonic technology marks a seismic shift in the global balance of power. As outlined in "Hypersonic Horizons: The Next Generation of Air Superiority" we are on the brink of a transformative era in military capabilities. Hypersonic weapons promise unparalleled speed, maneuverability, and reach, leaving little margin for traditional defenses to respond. How we navigate this technological frontier will dictate not only air superiority but also the strategic calculus of deterrence and global stability. Our preparedness and innovation today will determine security and influence for generations to come. #HypersonicTech #NationalSecurity #AirPower #StrategicDeterrence #Innovation https://buff.ly/4fcIyTn RealClearDefense 20th Air Force War on the Rocks Institute for the Study of War Council on Foreign Relations International Center for Journalists (ICFJ) International Journalists' Network (IJNet) The Economist Reuters The Associated Press The New York Times BBC News https://buff.ly/3Uc6HRl https://buff.ly/4f9T11j https://buff.ly/3Ugc8ii

Today in Asia Times, I wrote about the evolving dynamics of air superiority between the US and China. The article highlights China's advancements in ultra-long-range missiles and precision strike capabilities, which are challenging the US's traditional air operations and Cold War-era doctrines. It emphasizes the need for the US Air Force to modernize its strategies, technologies, and force structures to counter these emerging threats effectively. Additionally, the article discusses China's development of a surface-to-air missile with a kill range exceeding 2,000 kilometers, which could significantly alter regional conflict dynamics. The report underscores the importance of integrating space-based surveillance and targeting systems to maintain air superiority. It concludes by stressing the necessity for the US to adopt a multifaceted approach, combining active and passive defenses, to sustain effective combat operations and deter adversaries.

Fascinating to see how advancements in long-range precision strike capabilities like ATACMS are shaping modern conflict dynamics. 🎯 This marks a significant escalation in the operational use of these systems, showcasing both their strategic value and the importance of adaptability in warfare. 🌍 I'm curious to see how this will influence future doctrines and counter-strategies. Share your thoughts on what this means for global military balance.

Exciting news! The latest edition of the Takshashila Geospatial Bulletin is now live! Issue #11: Disclosing the Undisclosed: China's Advanced Firing Range & Potential SIGINT Facilities near Shigatse, TAR This report finds that a sophisticated PLA firing range near Shigatse is being used for high-altitude target practice and weapon calibration. Secondly, it finds evidence of probable SIGINT systems that can listen to a range of signals, including military and submarine communications, from vast distances. Dive deeper into the analysis: [Read more here](https://lnkd.in/dPDTV4t3) Stay informed—subscribe for more expert insights: [Subscribe here](https://lnkd.in/dasAEBFt) #GeospatialIntelligence #China #SIGINT #Shigatse #Tibet #ArunachalPradesh The Takshashila Institution

"Opposition to investing in space superiority and ballistic missile defense capabilities will be fierce with objections to the cost of new force components and technologies, and with concerns about the potential for “destabilization” arising from the “weaponization of space”. All these objections must be rejected. Deterrence demands credible and demonstrated defensive and offensive superiority, and arms control only adds to US security when completely verifiable and enforceable. Notably, neither China nor Russia have shown the slightest interest in space arms control, and they won’t until the United States has tested and deployed dominant space forces." Amen! Mark Albrecht et al for all your comments in this editorial including the above. National Institute for Deterrence Studies

Brandon Tseng, a former Navy Seal, provides a compelling analysis on the "Imperative of Emergency" and the remarkable capacity of the U.S. government (USG) to respond decisively in times of crisis. Historically, the USG has harnessed immense industrial might to counter external threats effectively. A striking example of this is the production of over 300,000 airplanes by the end of World War II, surpassing the combined output of Japan and Germany, which stood at 200,000. The declaration of an emergency by Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1939, in response to the unfolding geopolitical situation, was a pivotal moment that activated the U.S. industrial base and unified the American populace. However, Tseng argues that in today's complex geopolitical environment, a purely reactionary stance is insufficient. Proactive intention and foresight are indispensable, thus an emergency should be declared. While reading Tseng's article, I couldn't help but draw a parallel to Gandalf's wisdom from J.R.R. Tolkien's 'The Lord of the Rings,' where he says, 'All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us.' As you may know, Tolkien's work was, in part, a reflection of WWI and the geopolitical climate of that era. This quote eerily resonates with today's rising global instability and the competing interests of world powers. Source:

Besides the obvious necessity to uphold our obligation to Ukraine under the 1994 Budapest Memorandum, our support for Ukraine has global implications. From the article: "China is “really looking at how has the U.S. military been able to successfully execute combat operations, what are its key enablers, and how do I as an adversary go out and break those key enablers,” a DOD intelligence official told reporters earlier this week. “The PRC has also deployed and continues to develop an expansive electronic warfare suite that is really designed to disrupt our ability to effectively use our C4ISR [command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance]. C4ISR, they’ve identified as being a key node within the U.S. way of war, that, if they are able to disrupt it, we can’t effectively execute operations in their mind.”" #spaceforce #airforce #defensepolicy #defensestrategy #indopacific #europe #ukraine #russia #electronicwarfare

Can Kwaj survive? By Mike Gruss and Cat Hofacker|January 2025 The highest point on the Kwajalein island chain, home to the Ronald Reagan Ballistic Missile Defense Test Site, is Mount Olympus. Rising 17.5 meters above the Pacific Ocean, it illustrates a big problem facing the U.S. military: Arguably its most vital missile, hypersonics and space surveillance venue is uniquely vulnerable to the rising seas of climate change. Is it feasible to keep Kwaj running? We spoke to two U.S. Army colonels whose mission is making sure the answer is "yes." The waves knocked down doors, upended furniture and tipped over bookshelves, leaving flooding in its wake and an unspoken question: Is this the future? The scene was January 2024 on the island of Roi-Namur, the second largest among the 100 slivers of land that form Kwajalein Atoll in the Pacific Ocean, an oblong ring of islands 1,100 kilometers north of the equator. About 120 U.S. military personnel and contractors live and work on Roi-Namur to run its rocket launch pad, radars and telescopes. This island is about the quarter the size of Key West and is home to the majority of surveillance equipment within the Ronald Reagan Ballistic Missile Defense Test Site, which comprises 1.9 million square km of ocean and multiple missile launch sites on various islands. “Kwaj,” as military people call the atoll and the surrounding test range, is a focal point for U.S. missile defense testing and the surge of hypersonic weapon experiments that the U.S. has embarked on to try to catch up to China on the technology. https://lnkd.in/dPsWAP9b