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The Defense360 microsite is the home for research conducted by experts from the CSIS International Security Program (ISP). Defense360 features reliable, nonpartisan analysis and commentary from ISP experts on key elements of national security policy including strategy, budget, forces, acquisition, and reform. This analysis informs policymakers' decisions on the threats and opportunities shaping U.S. interests at home and abroad.

 

In addition to commentary and analysis, the microsite features Defense360 Series, collections of timely research that address the most pressing questions in national security and provide recommendations for a way forward. Current series include research on defense reform, the outlook for the defense sector, and the presidential transition and its implications on national security.

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Measuring Congressional Impact on Defense Acquisition Funding

This study measures Congress’s impact on defense acquisition funding by comparing actual funding levels for procurement and RDT&E accounts with the original levels proposed in the Defense Department’s budget request and identifies trends in congressional actions.

Report by Seamus P. Daniels and Todd Harrison — March 14, 2022

Photo: Architect of the Capitol/Flickr

Analysis of the FY 2022 Defense Budget

This report assesses the Biden administration’s FY 2022 defense budget request. It outlines the priorities and potential effects of ongoing strategic reviews, tracks current congressional action on FY 2022 defense appropriations, and identifies key issues for FY 2023.

Report by Todd Harrison and Seamus P. Daniels — December 13, 2021

PHOTO: U.S. MARINE CORPS PHOTO BY LANCE CPL. JOSE GONZALEZ

2021 Defense Acquisition Trends: Topline DoD Trends after a Half Decade of Growth

Defense contract obligations grew by 8 percent in FY 2020, driven by spending on products manufactured by the Big Five defense contractors. On the cusp of a new National Security Strategy, this piece explores how a half-decade of growth has changed defense acquisition.

Critical Questions by Gregory Sanders , Won Joon Jang , and Alexander Holderness — December 2, 2021

Photo: Petty Officer 3rd Class Jonathan Berlier

U.S. Military Forces in FY 2022: Navy

The Biden administration’s emerging fleet plan incorporates smaller ships and large numbers of unmanned systems, as proposed by many strategists, but high costs, production limitations, and congressional opposition may prevent full implementation.

Report by Mark F. Cancian — November 2, 2021

Photo: U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communications Specialist Seaman Lake Fultz

What Is DoD Buying?

This brief examines what DoD is buying and whether those trends align with the priorities outlined in the 2018 National Defense Strategy (NDS). It explores key trends in defense spending on products, services, and research and development (R&D), and by platform portfolio.

Brief by Rhys McCormick — August 27, 2021

Photo: Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jason Tarleton/flickr

U.S. Military Forces in FY 2021: Air Force

The Air Force continues to develop and procure next-generation aircraft to meet the demands of great power conflict. While fielding new aircraft has arrested the fleet's increasing age, the Air Force is not buying enough new aircraft to sustain its force structure.

Report by Mark F. Cancian — December 3, 2020

Photo: Air Force Senior Airman Duncan C. Bevan

Defense Acquisition Trends 2020: Topline DoD Trends

For more than a decade, CSIS Defense-Industrial Initiatives Group published an annual report examining trends in what DoD is buying, how DoD is buying it, & from whom DoD is buying. This brief presents the topline DoD contract trends for Fiscal Year 2019.

Brief by Rhys McCormick — October 8, 2020

Photo: U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class James Hong