Defense & Aerospace Report DEFAERO Strategy Series [Feb 03, 26] Mark Montgomery on Trump Administration’s National Defense Strategy
Feb 3, 2026
Mark Montgomery, retired U.S. Navy rear admiral and national security expert at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies. He breaks down the new National Defense Strategy: what it gets right and where it falls short. Topics include homeland and missile defense, China deterrence and cyber gaps, Europe and Russia risks, industrial base and acquisition reforms, and the controversial Golden Dome plan.
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Industrial Base And Faster Acquisition Matters
- The NDS emphasizes fixing the defense industrial base and speeding acquisition.
- Rapid programs like extended-range munitions show the benefits of faster acquisition pathways.
Russia And Europe Are Underplayed
- The NDS largely sidelines Russia and undervalues the European theater despite ongoing war in Ukraine.
- That posture risks weakening NATO deterrence through planned global posture changes.
China Deterrence Lacks Tough Specifics
- The NDS describes deterrence of China through 'strength, not confrontation,' but omits direct acknowledgment of ongoing Chinese cyber and preparatory operations.
- Failing to name Taiwan and campaigns like Volt Typhoon undermines credibility of deterrence claims.