Normally there is always going to be struggle for control following the creation of a power vacuum. The US/major power pulls out and suddenly a chance for control is created. The US power presence throughout the globe is moving and adapting and in many place disappearing creating these problems for regional powers.

Accounting is a harsh mistress indeed. I'm generally more optimistic about the F-35s capabilities than most, but I'd take 12 F-4s over 4 F-35s any day, nevermind F-15Cs.

I was about to say it seems like the Gripen would be the most relevant option, even Surplus C/Ds. After flying Fishbeds/Lancers for decades the demands of the Viper will be something to get used to.

let's outfit the original USS Constitution with lasers and recommission it.

CIWS in a Coast Guard ship LOL

To me, it seems obvious that the Russians have basically copied the Israeli Merkava MBT. The Merkava had a very low turret and of course, its unconventional front engine design. Of course, the Merkava debuted in 1979, so the Russians are a little late to the party...

With oil prices where they're at, good luck.

While part of me would like to see his interesting tank reach production, the other part of me hopes it never does. Sort of like the MiG 1.44 prototype:

Well, the thing is, we can't knock out every mile of their railway. A break in the tracks won't stop this from operating, it'll just keep it operating on one side of the break. Once the launch is complete, its job is done, there won't be any reloading and firing again. This is not a tactical system.

I'd argue that the train doesn't need to be moving to fire the nuke......

Does it matter if the tracks are broken? You still don't know where those trains are.

It's the best example I can come up with to the musclecar of planes.

The F-4 Phantom. Americas proof to the world that with enough thrust, even a brick can fly.

That's just it, you don't go to your toolbox and always pull out the biggest screwdriver or the biggest wrench, you pull out the right sized one. I wouldn't be surprised if the LCS doesn't add a little finesse to a Navy that is the 800 pound gorilla in a room of marmosets. Hasn't that been a key element to most of our…

Shhhh! I haven't started watching that season yet!!

Agreed. Lasers are only good for line of sight engagements, whereas rail guns can target non-line of site targets.