The Department of War has released its 2026 National Defense Strategy, outlining a reoriented military posture that prioritizes homeland defense and regional deterrence while calling on allies to share a greater security burden.
Join Department of War leaders Michael Duffey, Emil Michael and Thomas Rondeau at the Potomac Officers Club’s 2026 Defense R&D Summit this Thursday, Jan. 29, to learn about technologies and strategies shaping the future of warfare and U.S. national security. Save your seat now!
Table of Contents
What Is the 2026 National Defense Strategy?
According to the document released Jan. 23, the 2026 National Defense Strategy is a 34-page mission statement outlining the DOW’s defense priorities, threats and strategic approaches for the coming years. It presents a “peace through strength” approach that reflects the current administration’s emphasis on practical realism and prioritizing American interests in a complex global security environment.
What Are the DOW’s Top Priorities?
The DOW’s National Defense Strategy focuses on four key priorities, including:
Defend the US Homeland
The Department’s top mission focuses on defending the U.S. homeland and American interests across the Western Hemisphere by strengthening and modernizing border, airspace, cyber and nuclear defenses while countering terrorism and emerging threats. Framed as a modern extension of the Monroe Doctrine, it emphasizes readiness to take swift, decisive military action when U.S. interests are threatened.
Deter China in the Indo-Pacific Through Strength, Not Confrontation
The second priority is to deter China in the Indo-Pacific by negotiating from a position of military strength while avoiding unnecessary confrontation. This approach supports stable relations and open military-to-military communication to reduce risks, while remaining realistic about China’s rapid military buildup. The goal is to reinforce deterrence along the First Island Chain and encourage regional partners to share responsibility for collective security to prevent any nation from dominating the U.S. or its allies.
Increase Burden-Sharing With US Allies & Partners
The third component emphasizes stronger burden-sharing with allies and partners, expecting them to contribute more to their own defense, especially in deterring China and addressing regional threats, while the U.S. provides more limited support. This approach prioritizes higher defense spending, shared responsibility and collective strength to sustain long-term peace.
Supercharge the US Defense Industrial Base
The final focus is rebuilding and modernizing the U.S. defense industrial base by reshoring production, expanding capacity and adopting new technologies like artificial intelligence. By removing outdated regulations and leveraging allied production, the U.S. aims to boost its ability to produce at scale for itself and partners, reinforcing collective strength and deterrence.
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