Defense One:
The Trump administration’s long-delayed Missile Defense Review, expected later this month, may bring the biggest change to U.S. missile defense policy since 2001: a decision to develop capabilities to counter Russian missiles. This choice will be controversial for political, technical and financial reasons, especially among European allies.
Consequently — and as hinted by the Pentagon’s policy chief in recent congressional testimony — the drafters of the review may adopt a policy of strategic ambiguity that underplays new U.S. efforts against Russian cruise and ballistic missiles.
This opaque approach would be risky and counterproductive. If President Trump decides to build missile defenses against Russia, he should openly announce a reversal of outdated Bush and Obama policies in response to a changed and evolving Russian threat in a new era of strategic competition.
