Pentagon announces change in US defence strategy

«The era of the past is coming to an end»: Pentagon chief announces change in US defence strategy

US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth announced a fundamental change in the United States« defence strategy, stressing that »the era of the past is ending today".

He said this during a public speech, commenting on the Pentagon's new priorities in the context of the global superpower confrontation.

The Pentagon's key statement

According to Gagseth, Washington can no longer afford the format of so-called «peaceful scientific exhibitions» in the field of defence, while the US geopolitical competitors are actively and systematically building up their military capabilities.

«We are moving out of the era of demonstrations and concepts. It is time for real power and quick decisions,» the Pentagon chief said.

Focus on innovation

Hegseth stressed that in the new global confrontation, the state that can most quickly introduce innovations into its own defence sector will win.

We are talking about:

• accelerated introduction of new military technologies;

• reducing bureaucratic procedures in arms procurement;

• closer cooperation between the military and the private technology sector;

• focus on practical combat capability rather than conceptual projects.

Context.

The statement came amid growing military competition between the US, China and Russia, as well as rising defence budgets in key regions of the world. The Pentagon is increasingly emphasising that technological lag could become a critical factor in future conflicts.

Analysts believe that the new strategy means that the US is moving to a tougher model of military deterrence with an emphasis on speed, mass and effectiveness of weapons.

What's next

In the near future, the Pentagon is expected to present updated funding, procurement and weapons development programmes, as well as revise approaches to military research and testing.