2026 National Defense Strategy (NDS)

The 2026 National Defense Strategy outlines an “America First” approach centered on peace through strength. It prioritizes defending the U.S. Homeland, deterring China in the Indo-Pacific, increasing allied burden-sharing, and revitalizing the U.S. defense industrial base. The Strategy addresses major threats from China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea while emphasizing nuclear modernization, cyber defense, missile defense, and counter-UAS capabilities. It calls on allies to meet higher defense spending standards and positions the Joint Force to deter or prevail in simultaneous conflicts across theaters.