Ken Traub

EVelution Energy applauds Jeffrey Nadaner’s precise grasp of the steps necessitated to orchestrate public and private capital to secure allied supply chains. This effort also requires support from U.S. Department of the Treasury and United States Department of Commerce to ensure American manufacturing has a path to sustainable economic prosperity. Software is important, but hardware operated by an American workforce is critical. It is incumbent on private capital (ie, investment fiduciaries to #pensionfunds) to participate in defending the national security interest underpinning our capital markets. Alliance for American Manufacturing

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Michael Brown, Partner at venture capital firm Shield Capital. "The critical technologies important for national security include many hardware-based or capital-intensive technologies such as advanced computing, advanced manufacturing and materials, biotechnology, communications and networking technologies, energy technologies, human-machine interfaces, quantum information science, semiconductors and space technologies. Most venture capital investment today is in software, as much as 90%, so AI and cybersecurity will be well funded. However, to ensure adequate funding for the hardware-based, capital-intensive technologies such as advanced manufacturing and materials, semiconductors, energy technologies, quantum computing and space technologies, the U.S. government must attract the required capital for commercialization. Since these technologies are dual-use—used by commercial companies and the military, if they are not funded adequately, the technology advantage of the U.S. military erodes."

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STOCKHOLM INTERNATIONAL PEACE RESEARCH INSTITUTE SIPRI report is out. The key takeaway is that the United States continues to lead the world in the defense sector - the 41 companies in the Top 100 based in the United States recorded arms revenues of $317 billion, half the total arms revenues of the Top 100 and 2.5 per cent more than in 2022. Since 2018, the top five companies in the Top 100 have all been based in the USA. Of the 41 US companies, 30 increased their arms revenues in 2023. The second takeaway is that European arms industry trails rest of world in revenue growth. The combined arms revenues of the 27 Top 100 companies based in Europe totalled $133 billion in 2023. This was only 0.2 per cent more than in 2022, the smallest increase in any world region. Perhaps it is time to revisit the ambitious goals of the heralded "First-ever European defence industrial strategy to enhance Europe's readiness and security" published back in March which set out a number of aspirational targets. By 2030, EU countries should: (i) buy at least 40% of the defence equipment by working together (ii) spend at least half of their defence procurement budget on products made in Europe, and (iii) trade at least 35% of defence goods between EU countries instead of with other countries. https://lnkd.in/gdTrdJe6

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Gracelin Baskaran, PhD, and Meredith Schwartz analyze the impact of China's recent export restrictions on antimony, a critical mineral for U.S. defense and technology industries. On September 15, 2024, China’s new export restrictions will take effect, threatening vital supply chains. Currently, China supplies 63% of U.S. antimony imports and controls 48% of global production. Antimony is indispensable for various defense applications, including armor-piercing ammunition, night vision goggles, and infrared sensors. It is also crucial in high-tech sectors like semiconductors and battery production. The U.S., with limited domestic production and stockpiles, faces increased risks as China tightens control over other critical minerals like graphite, gallium, germanium, and rare earth elements. These materials are vital for defense and technology and are crucial for clean energy technologies, including EV batteries and wind turbines, which are key to the global transition to a low-carbon economy. China’s dominance in these minerals raises significant economic concerns, including increased costs and supply chain instability. The strategic threat is also pronounced, as China could leverage its control over these resources as an economic weapon, forcing nations to urgently seek alternative sources. The implications extend beyond the U.S., with Europe facing similar dependencies on Chinese-controlled resources, jeopardizing their clean energy initiatives and economic stability. The geopolitical struggle for control over critical minerals is intensifying, with developing countries rich in these resources becoming key battlegrounds in this global contest. China has strategically utilized its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) to secure access to these minerals, investing heavily in infrastructure and mining projects across Africa, Asia, and Latin America. This not only ensures a steady supply of resources for China but also extends its geopolitical influence, creating long-term dependencies. In response, the U.S. must urgently diversify its supply chains by forming strategic partnerships with mineral-rich countries. These partnerships should focus on both securing raw materials and developing refining and processing infrastructure outside China. Additionally, investing in domestic mining and advancing recycling technologies is crucial, though these efforts require substantial time and investment. China’s restrictions highlight the vulnerabilities in concentrated supply chains and the urgent need for a coordinated and diversified strategy to secure critical minerals. The race for these resources will define the balance of power in the 21st century, making it essential for the U.S. and its allies to develop robust, resilient supply chains that can withstand geopolitical pressures and support global climate goals. #geopolitics #usa #china #criticalminerals #antimony #defenseindustry #climatechange Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS)

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Damning information on how the US is not prepared to fight a real war today from the excellent Sam Skove at Defense One. The US does not have the industrial capacity to make enough of the current "must have" battlefield requirement--DRONES. At the front, a soldier without a drone is dead (see recent Skydio testimony to Congress). This article lays out how the US cannot compete with China on drone costs. Some of the proposals from the people interviewed are fanciful. The thinking that if only there were enough orders, the US could produce drones at a competitive price with China without Chinese components is not realistic. What the article doesn't mention is that the US defense industry cannot build anything without Chinese components. Even Blue List drones are dependent on Chinese components. The idea that US venture capitalists will make this happen misses the point. A lot of US venture capital is going into drones due to how much the US government will pay for them because it has no non-China options for cheap drones. VC-backed drones are usually more expensive than anything built elsewhere. The article buries the solution at the end.... "Bödecker, of Drone Industry Insights, pointed to yet another potential solution.  “When you look at Ukraine, now, they are building insane capacities to build drones,” he said. After the Russian-Ukraine war ends, “there will be a production capacity that will in return address the European and maybe even North American market,” he said." Bingo. Ukraine is the Silicon Valley of drone innovation in the world today. It is also becoming cost-competitive with China in drone manufacturing. Our company, MITS Capital, has built a portal into this ecosystem. Why? Because we know that Ukraine holds the answer, not just for defending itself, but for being the arsenal for democracy for the free world in the battles to come. Email me if you are interested in joining us in our mission. [email protected] Atlantic Council Council on Foreign Relations Center for a New American Security (CNAS) RAND The Brookings Institution Hudson Institute American Enterprise Institute Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) #nationalsecurity Institute for the Study of War William Collins J. Scott Christian Matt Abrams #foreignpolicy #nationalsecurity National Security Council, The White House Defense Innovation Unit (DIU)  Ashley Roque Lara Seligman Haley Britzky Joe Gould The Merge DefenseScoop Defense Brief Defense News Tony Capaccio Paul McLeary Connor O'Brien Jake Epstein Colin Demarest Valerie Insinna Breaking Defense Defensemirror.com The Defense Post Military Times Stacie Pettyjohn

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https://lnkd.in/d5qfMNXB Satellite imagery shows mystery ship built in China amid breakneck naval expansion By Edward Szekeres and Brad Lendon, CNN November 1, 2024 China appears to have built a new and unusual aircraft carrier, intriguing experts with a potentially first-of-its-kind vessel that could further increase Beijing’s rapidly expanding maritime power. Satellite imagery from Planet Labs shows a vessel with a large, open flat top under construction at Guangzhou Shipyard International on Longxue Island, in the southern province of Guangdong. This potential new aircraft carrier “is of a somewhat unusual shape and size – much smaller than China’s previous naval aircraft carriers,” said Thomas Shugart, a former US Navy submarine commander and now a fellow at the Center for a New American Security. But the vessel is even smaller than the Type 075 amphibious assault ships used by Beijing’s navy, suggesting that China may be building the world’s first “ostensibly civilian ‘aircraft carrier’ as an oceanographic research vessel of some sort,” Shugart added. China has been churning out increasingly advanced warships at a feverish pace, often matching US carrier technology. The aircraft carrier Fujian – by far China’s biggest, most modern and most powerful carrier to date – headed to sea for its first trials earlier this year, with experts saying it could join the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) fleet by 2026. The 80,000-ton carrier dwarfs the PLAN’s two active carriers, the 66,000-ton Shandong and the 60,000-ton Liaoning, putting it in the league of supercarriers. Only the United States Navy operates aircraft carriers bigger than the Fujian.

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This WSJ analysis points towards the investment opportunities that support the USA 🇺🇸 national interests as well; worthwhile to watch! https://lnkd.in/gsRAb9tn #navy #usnavy #usna #shipbuilding #defense #nationalinterests

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Labor Shortages and Low Wages on American Shipyards are Negatively Affecting US National Security. According to today’s Wall Street Journal, this is especially the case threatening increased production of the Navy’s Columbia and Virginia class nuclear submarines. The bipartisan Shipyard Accountability and Workforce Support initiative (SAWS) if enacted is a tool to help remedy the situation. Excerpts include: “Labor shortages are now a national-security problem. They are a key reason numerous navy programs are behind schedule and over budget. The Navy had originally budgeted $15 billion for three Virginia-class attack subs in fiscal 2024 and 2025. The Biden administration has just asked Congress for an additional $3.4 billion, plus $1.6 billion for a ballistic missile submarine. The USS Arkansas, a Virginia-class sub, is expected to join the fleet in 2026, three years late. The extra money is included in a draft bill released in Congress this week intended to keep the government from running out of money Friday night. Separately, the Navy, HII and General Dynamics have developed a “Shipyard Accountability and Workforce Support” initiative under which already appropriated funds would be frontloaded to boost worker pay immediately. Its fate is unclear.” https://lnkd.in/dBFHuNNv

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Interesting article because in order to have peace through strength, defense budgets need to stay strong. European defense budgets will likely rise since Trump will pressure them to meet their commitments. Also, the article points out that UK defense budgets probably won’t rise much. UK defense companies have little EU exposure. Having just lived in the UK for two years, I agree. The UK is out of money. The current government is prioritizing spending on social programs and infrastructure. I expect a budget crisis in the UK in the next couple of years that might topple the government and force a no confidence vote.

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Speaks volume of the importance of critical raw material in defining global power dynamics. https://lnkd.in/ekFA7CQY

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Great article by my colleague, Natalie Lui, from the voice of America, who recently interviewed @optimumpublishing International author, Dolkun Isa about his book the China freedom trap. This significant change in Argentina‘s policy position under the new leader is welcome By purchasing these F-16 jets it reverses the momentum the Chinese have enjoyed in much of South America during the past decade. But perhaps the cherry on top is the building of a strategically located military beat base at the southern tip of Argentina. China has been buying up countries in the Pacific, in order to gain access to their Deepwater ports, providing the PLA navy with strategic bases. If only Canada could wake up to these realities will be in a far better position and a stronger nation because of it. A nuclear so programmed to defend the Arctic would be a great first step for Canada, to demonstrate its commitment to our NATO allies, and to a free world.

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From a counterterrorism perspective, this operation will be discussed and written about for the next 25-years. "An invisible detonator and wafer-thin plastic explosives turned batteries into bombs." #hezbollah #terrorism #ieds #protectiveintelligence

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🚢 US Navy Deployments in West Asia: Tactical Intelligence Report The US Navy has positioned key assets across the Eastern Mediterranean, Red Sea, Persian Gulf, and Gulf of Oman to address rising tensions, especially between Israel and Iran. Highlights include the Wasp ARG, Carrier Strike Group 9, and advanced destroyers for enhanced regional stability and maritime security. Key Focus: Regional Stability Maritime Security Amphibious Operations Air Superiority #USNavy #WestAsia #MaritimeSecurity #TacticalIntelligence #GlobalEyeIntelligence #Intelligence #USA #Israel #Iran #Russia #Geopolitics #InternationalRelations #InternationalPolitics

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Strengthen US Shipbuilding Through Collaboration and Investment! 🇺🇸 Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro's recent tour of South Korean and Japanese shipyards underscores the urgent need for U.S. private shipyards to enhance their capabilities through innovation, investment, and collaboration. Help shipbuilders across the country with the difficulty of finding workers as older employees retire and improve retention for new hires. Key Action Items: - Boost Workforce Retention and Attraction. Learn from Pacific shipyards that provide community amenities to attract and retain workers. Address housing shortages for shipyard employees by collaborating with local governments. - Increase Infrastructure Investment: Shift focus from stock buybacks and executive compensation to modernizing facilities. Maximize the potential of current shipyards to build and repair ships more efficiently. - Encourage Foreign Investment: Attract international partners to revitalize dormant facilities and enhance capabilities. Successful examples include Italian and Australian investments in U.S. shipyards. To meet national and allied defense needs, U.S. shipbuilders must innovate, invest, and collaborate. Let's work together to secure a robust and competitive shipbuilding industry that serves both commercial and naval interests. Ready to Take Action? Engage with local governments, seek international partnerships, and prioritize workforce and infrastructure investments. Together, we can build a stronger future for U.S. shipbuilding.

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7 September 2024: Key takeaways from this evening's update on Israel, Gaza, Hamas, and the greater Middle East by the great ISW/AEI CTP Team: - Gaza Strip: The IDF Air Force (IAF) conducted three airstrikes targeting Hamas command and control centers in Gaza City and Deir al Balah since CTP-ISW's last data cut off on September 6. One airstrike in Deir al Balah killed PIJ’s eastern Deir al Balah Battalion commander Hatem Abu al Jedian and PIJ’s southern Deir al Balah Battalion commander Abdullah Khattab. - Ceasefire Negotiations: CIA Director Bill Burns said on September 7 that whether Israel and Hamas accept a new ceasefire proposal will be determined by political will. - Northern Israel: Iranian-backed militias, including Lebanese Hezbollah, have conducted at least 13 attacks into northern Israel since CTP-ISW's last data cutoff on September 6. - Yemen: US Central Command (CENTCOM) destroyed one Houthi drone and one Houthi “support vehicle” in a Houthi-controlled area of Yemen on September 6. #israel #gaza #hamas #middleeast #linkedintopvoices

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