Homeland Defense Moves to the Top
The Pentagon’s new National Defense Strategy warns that future wars may no longer stay overseas. Adversaries now have the ability to strike the U.S., and the military must prepare to act from American soil.
The strategy calls for stronger missile defenses, counter-drone systems, cyber capabilities, and long-range strike forces. Pentagon planners describe threats as faster, more complex, and less forgiving than in past decades.
“The Joint Force must deter and, if needed, prevail including launching operations against targets anywhere, including the U.S. Homeland,” the report says. Nuclear, conventional, cyber, space, and electromagnetic threats to the homeland have all grown.
Missile Threats and Defense Plans
Russia and China can reach the U.S. with intercontinental missiles. North Korea has tested long-range missiles capable of striking U.S. territory. Iran remains a regional threat but cannot hit the continental U.S.
The Pentagon will focus on President Trump’s Golden Dome missile defense system to stop large missile barrages. It will also protect military and civilian infrastructure from cyberattacks.
“The United States should never and will never be left vulnerable to nuclear blackmail,” the strategy states. Modernizing the nuclear arsenal remains a priority.
Allies and Global Strategy
The U.S. seeks a “stable peace” with China while limiting Beijing’s ability to dominate U.S. allies or control key sea routes. Allies must spend more on defense so U.S. forces can focus on homeland security and the most dangerous threats.
The Pentagon also highlights closer-to-home missions, including border security, drug trafficking, and safeguarding strategic locations like Greenland and the Panama Canal. Long-range missiles, cyberattacks, and drones now reduce warning times and increase the risk of strikes on U.S. soil.
Russia remains a serious but manageable threat. The Pentagon expects NATO allies to take more responsibility for European defense. Iran continues to develop missile capabilities and poses a regional risk. China opposes the Golden Dome missile shield, claiming it could destabilize global security.
