Peace Garden News

The Senate Armed Services Committee convened in Washington, D.C., to examine the Department of Defense’s budget request for Fiscal Year 2026. Testimony was provided by Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine, and Bryn Woollacott MacDonnell, who is currently performing the duties of Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller) and Chief Financial Officer.

Senator Kevin Cramer, chairing the SASC Airland Subcommittee, focused his questions on measures to protect U.S. military bases from attacks and on the significance of air superiority in current and future conflicts. He referenced concerns stemming from the Obama administration’s nuclear deal with Iran, stating that it had enabled Iran’s nuclear ambitions—a challenge he said continues to affect national security.

Cramer addressed ongoing hostilities between Israel and Iran by asking Gen. Caine about air superiority’s strategic role over Iran and in broader military engagements. In response, Gen. Caine said: “Well, sir, we could spend hours talking about the advocacy of air power,” “I think the freedom of maneuver that it creates is a great example of that. If you look at the two theaters right now, with the Israeli Air Force striking at will at this point, over Iran, juxtaposed with the challenges that we're having with a frozen forward line of troops in Europe, is a great case study of it. You know, the great thinkers, air power thinkers, are looking at the advancement in technologies from both theaters, the advancement of first person view drones and things like that. I think folks are going to have to think clearly about what does the future of air superiority look like, and how does it evolve to make sure that we're protecting those essential teammates that are on the ground fighting in order to prevent frozen FLOTs, forward lines of troops, in the future.”

Highlighting recent developments in warfare technology and tactics—including covert drone operations—Cramer cited Ukraine’s surprise drone attack known as “Operation Spider’s Web” against Russian targets across multiple regions. According to an analysis by The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), this operation demonstrated Ukraine's innovative tactics while reflecting broader changes in military strategy driven by new technologies (https://www.csis.org/analysis/ukraines-operation-spiders-web-and-future-air-war).

“We've seen some pretty spectacular displays of the ability to go […] covertly, deep within the enemy's territory, and take out some pretty significant assets, both in Russia and in Iran,” Cramer said during questioning. “A lot of us fear we're vulnerable as well. You spoke very briefly...about policy...So when we talk about United States itself and our bases here...policy is a bigger challenge than weapons...But what about responsibility?”

Secretary Hegseth addressed these concerns regarding base defense responsibilities: “Senator, you're right to ask the question,” “We met on this very topic two days ago because you're right; we've already made initial efforts but I liken it to…the effort…around IEDs [improvised explosive devices] in Iraq and Afghanistan…where it couldn't be a service only response…it needed to be across joint force…it needed immediate…and capabilities had to adapt…in real time…You saw that…in counter-IED technology—we need same type effort in counter-UAS—not just forward deployed…but also at home considering authority…So that's something Department is doing real time.”

Earlier today Senator Cramer introduced legislation titled Protect Our Bases Act alongside Senate Banking Committee Chairman Tim Scott (R-SC). The bill aims to bolster national security by ensuring that foreign land purchases near sensitive military or intelligence sites undergo effective review by federal authorities.