The IQT Podcast IQT Explains: Asymmetric Deterrence
Jul 1, 2025
In this discussion, Kevin Wepasnick, a Senior Technology Architect and drone enthusiast, teams up with Sameer Punyani, a national security expert with deep roots in the Department of Defense. They dive into asymmetric deterrence, highlighting how innovative, adaptable technologies can outmaneuver traditional military might. Topics include the hurdles of domestic manufacturing, the vital role of battery supply chains, and the importance of agility in modern warfare. The conversation underscores the need for strategic shifts in defense policy to harness these advancements effectively.
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US Manufacturing Scale Challenge
- The U.S. struggles to manufacture at scale domestically for low-cost defense systems.
- Key supply chain gaps include battery cells like the 18650, which are mainly produced overseas.
Doctrine Gap on Low-Cost Tech Adoption
- Special operations forces adopt low-cost, high-volume tech faster than conventional forces.
- The broader DoD still faces challenges moving rhetoric on asymmetric deterrence into action.
Communication Challenge in Deterrence
- The new language and signals of asymmetric deterrence are not yet fully understood within or outside the DoD.
- Effective communication and shared frameworks for low-cost, high-volume deterrence remain limited.
