The Marines announced on July 31 that the F-35 has achieved Initial Operational Capability – meaning the plane is ready for combat. But with many flaws unaddressed and excessive spending, does the F-35 deserve the designation of operational capabilities?
Arms Control after New START
On April 8th 2010, President Obama and President Medvedev signed New START, a nuclear weapons treaty designed to increase transparency and decrease deployed nuclear forces. While tension between Russia and the U.S. has inhibited diplomatic engagement on most issues, both countries are still working towards the agreed goal of 1550 deployed strategic nuclear warheads by February 2018. But as we celebrate the national security benefits of New START, looking past the agreement towards the future of nuclear arms control requires a crystal ball.