CW-900

 Kresna Hendra Wibawa/Flight 17 ACSC AY24

TALKING PAPER

ON

EMERGING TECHNOLOGY AND THE THREAT TO THE UNITED STATES

-   PURPOSE: Establishing consensus on the implication of emergent technology threats for the homeland defense mission of NORTHCOM/NORAD and the ability of TRANSCOM to project and maintain combat power from the CONUS.

-   DISCUSSION: The rapid advancement of technologies presents the unsettling possibility that adversaries could exploit these innovations to gain strategic advantages, posing novel and asymmetric threats to national security.

     --    Emerging technologies that potentially pose a threat to the United States:

           ---    Directed Energy (DE) Weapons, which can transmit electromagnetic energy to incapacitate, damage, disable, or destroy equipment, facilities, and personnel, have been developed by China since 1980 and have been used to interfere with U.S. freedom of navigation and may interfere with GPS satellites.[1]

           ---    Hypersonic Weapons that can reach at least five times the speed of sound in their two categories, hypersonic glide vehicles and hypersonic cruise missiles, have been developed extensively by countries competing with the United States and can reach the mainland.[2]

           ---    China’s researchers have developed a quantum radar system using Quantum Sensing technology, which can correctly and sensitively collect and measure at the atomic level, thus enabling precise detection of United States’ stealth aircraft and submarines.[3]

     --    The United States National Defense Strategy highlights homeland defense as its priority.[4]

           ---    USNORTHCOM and USTRANSCOM are closely collaborating with the DoD to safeguard the homeland and maintain the capacity to deploy military force from the CONUS.

           ---    Ensure the sustainability of the facilities and capabilities the United States and allied states own to cope with potential threats.

-   RECOMMENDATIONS:

     --    Developing a strategic defense plan while utilizing and taking advantage of emerging technology and optimizing intelligence functions in anticipating threats.

     --    Secure vital infrastructure and facilities from adversaries' possible physical and non-physical attacks.

     --    Optimize funding for research and development in both military and civilian settings.

NOTES

        I want to thank our Contemporary and Emerging Warfare Instructor, Dr. Jared Donnelly, and all the students of Flight 17 for their thoughtful comments and suggestions. All errors found therein are my own.

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[1] Sayler, Kelley M. Emerging Military Technologies: Background and Issues for Congress, Congressional Research (Congressional Research Service, April 6, 2022), https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/R/R46458., 16-17.

 [2] Ibid, 11-12.

 [3] Lewis, James A. Quantum Technology: Applications and Implications (Center for Strategic and International Studies, May 2023), 5.

 [4] VanHerck, Glen D. Fighting to Get to the Fight. https://militarytimes.com/opinion/commentary/2022/05/31/fighting-to-get-to-the-fight, 2.