When one of the world’s most advanced, high-technology militaries, that, even with a relatively low level of spending, still has one of the most capable forces on the planet, decides that it will double its spending…it gets attention.When that power is one of America’s best friends, it generates smiles.That may be too broad a description, but for those in the national security arena looking beyond the Russo-Ukrainian War and events in Southwest Asia, this is one of the most important developments of the last few years.Where is Japan going?Returning to the Midrats Podcast is Jack McCain.Jack is a former U.S. Navy helicopter pilot and the CEO of McCain Advisory, a Japan-based firm helping companies navigate Japanese politics, business, and government relations. Now based in Japan, his work focuses on strengthening U.S.–Japan ties through business partnerships, defense cooperation, and emerging technology. He brings both a security perspective and a personal commitment to understanding the country he now calls home. He is also a member of the McCain Institute Board.Show LinksDefense of Japan 2026 White PaperSummaryMidrats hosts Sal and Mark speak with Jack McCain, a former Navy helicopter pilot and newly relocated Tokyo-based defense professional, about Japan’s rapidly changing national-security posture. They examine rising defense spending, unmanned systems, the SHIELD littoral-defense concept, Japan’s ties with Taiwan and regional partners, and how the United States can build a stronger alliance through co-development rather than one-way sales.Key topicsJack McCain describes Japan’s shift toward greater defense spending, domestic production, and exports of lethal equipment, including a target of roughly 8-10 trillion yen in defense requests.Regional pressure from China, North Korea, and Russia is driving a broader reassessment of Japanese defense, with Taiwan’s security central to Tokyo’s concerns.Japan’s demographic and recruiting challenges are pushing investment in automation, AI, and unmanned systems, while McCain cautions against importing US or Ukrainian solutions without adapting them to Japanese needs.The SHIELD concept takes a layered approach to littoral defense using air, surface, and underwater unmanned systems, including drones intended to intercept other drones.McCain argues the United States should reaffirm its commitment to Japan and support joint research, co-development, and co-production instead of making Japan reliant on US-made equipment.Japan’s whole-of-nation approach includes civil defense, industrial mobilization, investment, and public preparedness for attacks.Japan-Taiwan cultural closeness and security concerns reinforce regional cooperation, while Japan also builds defense ties with the United States, Australia, South Korea, and the Philippines.The US-2 flying boat could address long-range Pacific combat search-and-rescue and other missions; McCain urges US policymakers to explore acquisition or co-production.The Australia-Japan Mogami-class frigate deal, including eventual Australian production, is a major postwar Japanese defense export and a long-term industrial partnership.TakeawaysThe notional front of the 21st century and the closest point of approach for great power competition is here in Japan.Japan will manufacture defense equipment, they will export defense equipment, and they will be a major player on the world stage.You shouldn’t just take the Ukrainian solution or you should not take the US solution. You should find a Japanese solution that works for Japanese problems.You will always need humans, but trying to minimize those...

No, you don’t want to put up Halloween decorations this afternoon, you want to continue to avoid it until the last minute…and instead listen to the Midrats Podcast!SummarySal and Mark use the Battle of Leyte Gulf as a springboard to discuss modern naval power, industrial capacity, and what it takes to sustain a fleet in a long war. They connect World War II lessons to current questions about Taiwan, WESTPAC operations, auxiliary ships, and the need to harden U.S. military infrastructure against disruption. Leyte Gulf is an example of why depth, logistics, repair capacity, and industrial preparation matter more than a single battle narrative. They also break down current debates about Taiwan deterrence, maritime supply chains, unmanned systems, and the vulnerability of U.S. bases and support ships.Show LinksSal Mercogliano’s, What’s Going on With Shipping podcast: The Battle of Leyte Gulf: Logistics and What Ifs?Strategic Ambiguity Isn’t Perfect, but It Remains Washington’s Best Bet, by Brent Sadler and Allen Zheng at Heritage, Strategic Ambiguity Isn’t Perfect, but It Remains Washington’s Best BetNational Security Multi-Mission Vessel (AKA Empire State Class)General Dynamics’s Destroyer Tender proposal.Ghost Shark goes drone carrierUSMC stand up first medium missile battalionKey topicsIn this episode: why the Battle of Leyte Gulf is still a masterclass in maritime power, industrial depth, and strategic enduranceThe role of repair ships, floating dry docks, tenders, and mobile bases in keeping the fleet in the fightHow U.S. shipbuilding and industrial mobilization before 1941 shaped the outcome of the Pacific warWhy mass, attrition, and replacement capacity mattered at Leyte Gulf - and still matter in a future Pacific warBrent Sadler’s response to arguments for abandoning Taiwan, and why strategic ambiguity remains centralThe risk of signaling allies that the U.S. would not defend Taiwan, and the broader consequences for Japan, Australia, the Philippines, Vietnam, and EuropeTaiwan’s role in global shipping lanes and semiconductor supply chains, including the claim that a disruption could cut the U.S. economy by trillionsShortfalls in current U.S. maritime support forces - including tenders, dry docks, hospital ships, aviation support ships, and mariner manpowerProposals to adapt the National Security Multi-Mission Vessel line into auxiliary variants for tenders, hospital ships, and support rolesThe case for arming auxiliaries and merchant ships for self-defense.Unmanned and autonomous systems in the maritime fight - from “Loyal Escort” concepts to ghost-shark style undersea launch platformsThe Fortress initiative to prepare military bases to operate for 90 days without outside support, and...

The trees are showing their fall colors; we’re inside a month from a mid-term election; European cities are burning…but the rest of the world keeps churning from the tip of South America to the steppes of Eurasia.ShowlinksFrance in flamesAnduril Building Arsenal-1Ukraine’s Operational VivaldiJulianne Smith’s Foreign Affairs article, Russia’s Hybrid War Has Entered a Dangerous New PhaseChina’s drone mother shipPeter Briggs’s article in the Australian Naval Institute, Is AUKUS a Ponzi SchemeSea Lion oil field off Falkland IslandsEgypt backs Saudi Arabia’s play against the HouthisSummaryIn this episode, Sal and Mark analyze current geopolitical tensions, focusing on European unrest, NATO security, and the evolving military landscape, including advancements in unmanned systems and submarine technology.Key topicsEuropean riots and political instabilityNATO security challenges and Russian influenceAdvancements in unmanned combat aircraft and dronesAUKUS submarine and naval cooperationEuropean elections and their impact on stabilityChina’s military experimentation and influencePotential conflicts over resource-rich territoriesDeception and confusion tactics in modern warfareChapters00:00: Introduction to the geopolitical discussion02:30: Current unrest in France and European stability04:54: Upcoming French presidential election and political implications07:49: The Red Green Green alliance and political extremism in Europe11:58: European elections in Italy, Poland, and their impact on NATO15:10: Russian influence and NATO’s eastern front18:03: European military capabilities and Chinese experimentation21:09: AUKUS and the future of submarine and naval cooperation24:05: Challenges in UK military and political stability26:55: The importance of maritime power and logistics31:53: Emerging military technologies: unmanned systems and AI40:02: The role of deception and confusion in modern warfare50:00: Resource conflicts and territorial disputes54:50: Potential conflicts over the Falkland Islands and South Atlantic59:55: China, Iran, and the evolving global security landscape01:04:01 The importance of naval and maritime dominance01:07:04 Closing remarks and future outlook

When Americans think about admirals in the Pacific in WWII, names like Nimitz, Spruance, and Halsey spring to mind. You cannot fully understand the war in the Pacific if you don’t also look at the leaders on the Japanese side—men like Yamamoto, Kurita, and Nagumo.On this week’s Midrats Podcast, we’re going to dive into the story of Admiral Yamamoto with our guest, Ronald Drabkin. We’ll tap into his research that led up to his next book, Admiral Yamamoto: The Gripping Story of the Legendary Japanese Naval Commander Who Planned and Executed the Pearl Harbor Attack.SummaryIn this episode, we explore the life and legacy of Admiral Yamamoto, a complex Japanese naval leader with a nuanced understanding of America, who played a pivotal role in World War II. Join us as we delve into his background, strategic mindset, and the lessons from his career.Key TopicsYamamoto’s early life and educationHis understanding of America and its influenceNaval strategies and battles in WWIIJapanese military culture and rivalryLeadership style and personal quirksImpact of his decisions on WWIIHis relationships and personal lifePost-war perception and legacyChapters00:00 - Live intro and how Midrats handles audience questions01:16 - Why the show is revisiting World War II and Admiral Yamamoto02:41 - Ron Drabkin joins the show and the new book on Yamamoto05:07 - Yamamoto’s childhood as Takano and the missionary who changed his life07:21 - Lincoln, Franklin, and the ideals Yamamoto admired in America10:11 - His letters reveal his real reactions to the United States12:02 - Academy struggles, bullying, and the chip on his shoulder14:14 - Poker, bluffing, cigars, and the gambling instinct16:01 - The Russo-Japanese War and the loss of his fingers19:19 - Why Yamamoto went to Mexico looking for oil21:16 - The War College visit and Yamamoto’s aggressive curiosity22:56 - Building Japanese naval aviation and rejecting battleship thinking26:01 - Ruthless training standards and the cost in pilot losses28:27 - Why the Japanese Army and Navy could barely cooperate31:38 - The strategic logic behind a short war and Pearl Harbor36:09 - Was Pearl Harbor supposed to force U.S. collapse?38:07 - Midway planning and Yamamoto’s longer-term thinking40:30 - Chioko, letters, and what his private life revealed45:35 - Why Japanese submarines were not used as commerce raiders46:45 - Vice Admiral Hori, friendship, and the survival of Yamamoto’s papers49:34 - The myth of “Harvard-educated” Yamamoto and his lack of American friends51:32 - Navy versus Army politics in Imperial Japan54:04 - The Washington Naval Treaty and Yamamoto’s frustration55:24 - Would Yamamoto’s survival have changed the war?57:52 - How Japan views Yamamoto today59:57 - Book release timing and where to find itRonald Drabkin is a popular author of books on World War II and espionage history. He initially learned Japanese while attending a Japanese University, before starting a career at Intel and other high tech companies.He learned as an adult that his father had worked in counterintelligence for the US military. Curiosity about his father’s work drove him to do research that resulted in his first papers and book on Japanese naval...

After a two-week availability period, the Midrats Podcast is back!SummaryIn this episode, we explore current geopolitical tensions, military readiness, and strategic challenges facing the US and its allies, emphasizing the importance of preparedness and international cooperation.Show LinksRussian restrictions on Estonia’s bordersCurfew on Russia’s Border with Estonia, Holger Roonemaa on SubstackGreat Circle ballistic arcs over GreenlandSix Days of War: June 1967 and the Making of the Modern Middle East, by Michael B. OrenOperation Red Sea RegattaShipfinder Hormuz TrackerHormuz Strait MonitorStrait of TiranItaly tires of EU military bureaucracy with Operation AspidesDepartment of War IG report on Operation Epic FuryUkrainian FP-7 Pelican SRBMUSAF Ponders Restart of C-17 line, Joseph Trevithick in TWZDeadly escalation in Black Sea attacks prompts fears of even higher food prices, Joanna Partridge in The GuardianThe US air force admitted to deploying weapons in space. Don’t expect the White House to explain why, Richard Luscombe in The GuardianKey TopicsRussian border curfews and testing NATO responsesGray zone operations in Europe and suspected incidentsThe importance of naval power and the Strait of HormuzUS energy independence and refinery capacity issuesThe strategic significance of Greenland and the ArcticSpace dominance and the importance of cislunar spaceEuropean NATO capabilities and weapon shortagesThe role of alliances and international cooperation in securityTakeawaysRussian testing of border restrictions signals potential for future escalationEuropean nations are underprepared for modern missile threatsUS needs to rebuild and modernize its heavy airlift capabilitiesGreenland’s strategic importance is increasing and must be securedControl of key maritime choke points is critical for global securitySpace dominance is essential for future military and economic...

At some point in the next decade, a historian is going to look at the first quarter of the 21st century from the perspective of the national security establishment and the blessings it had as it rose to global power status, and will publish the foundational reference book for those trying to understand that moment in time.Its primary rivals distracted and drained themselves in unnecessary quixotic quasi-imperial police actions, one in Central and Southwest Asia (U.S.A.), the other bled itself white attempting to reconstruct at least part of its predecessor’s empire (Russia). All the while, its economy grew, its diplomatic influence expanded, and its military became an impressive, if untested, colossus.Yes, the People’s Republic of China (PRC) had its problems and setbacks: demographic collapse, massive debt, economic fragility, and poor messaging—but so did its greatest competitors.In 2026, while most have been focused on the Iranian-Israeli-American conflict and the Russo-Ukrainian War rooted in unsolved issues from the end of the 20th century, the PRC continues its march forward into the future.Returning to the Midrats Podcast to discuss will be Dean Cheng.Dean is a Non-resident Senior Fellow, Potomac Institute for Policy Studies and Non-resident Fellow, George Washington University Space Policy Institute.He recently retired after 14 years with the Heritage Foundation, where he was a senior research fellow on Chinese political and security affairs, and wrote on various aspects of Chinese foreign and defense policy.Prior to joining the Heritage Foundation, he was a senior analyst with the China Studies Division (previously, Project Asia) at CNA from 2001-2009. Before joining CNA, he was a senior analyst with Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) from 1996-2001. From 1993-1995, he was an analyst with the US Congress’ Office of Technology Assessment in the International Security and Space Division, where he studied the Chinese defense industrial complex.He is the author of the book Cyber Dragon: Inside China’s Information Warfare and Cyber Operations (NY: Praeger Publishing, 2016), as well as a number of papers and book chapters examining various aspects of Chinese security affairs.SummaryIn this episode, Mark, Sal, and Dean Cheng discusses China’s strategic challenges, space ambitions, AI development, and regional influence, providing insights into China’s long-term plans and global impact.Show LinksTo A Louse, On Seeing One on a Lady's Bonnet at Church, Robert BurnsGreat Wall, movie with Matt Damon2012, movie Himalayas Tsunami SceneRed Cliff, movie (the good one)Chapters00:00: Introduction and overview of China’s global strategy02:38: Dean Cheng’s background and China’s long-term planning04:46: China’s strategic challenges beyond the US06:04: North Korea’s shifting alliances and regional dynamics08:06: Russia, China, and North Korea cooperation10:27: Chinese perceptions of US and regional threats12:25: Japan, Korea, and China’s regional ambitions14:29: China’s post-COVID strategic posture and influence16:03: China’s national messaging and global image17:28: Xi Jinping’s strategic vision and military buildup19:57: China’s influence in the Pacific and Arctic regions22:42: Canada, Greenland, and China’s northern ambitions<br...

For me, it is funny but serious that the phrase I started saying in 2019 that we were going to keep building Arleigh Burke DDGs “until the crack of doom” has turned into prophecy. With the anticipated death of DDG(X) and FFG-62, the Burkes are about the only game in town. That fact naturally flows into a point we have raised here and on the Midrats Podcast for the last couple of decades: How are we going to conduct repair and maintenance under combat conditions should we find ourselves in a fight west of the International Date Line?Well, we’ve got the perfect intersection of both issues for the next episode of Midrats.This RAND Report from May caught my eye:The Arleigh Burke–class guided missile destroyer, commonly known as a DDG-51, is the primary surface combatant vessel of the U.S. Navy. These ships—designed to operate in contested environments—are likely to sustain widespread battle damage from diverse attacks should a conflict develop in the Indo-Pacific region. The prevalent nature of this damage would give rise to the greatest demand for ship repair that the Navy has experienced since World War II.To evaluate requirements for and potential issues with a significant demand for salvaging and repairing battle-damaged destroyers, the authors conducted a tabletop exercise on August 13–14, 2025, with participants from the United States and allied nations in the Indo-Pacific. The participants were split into four groups, and each group represented U.S. and allied stakeholders who would be involved in the repairs.The report is titled, Battle Damage Repair for Arleigh Burke–Class Destroyers: Tabletop Exercise Results.Our guest is one of the authors of the report, Bradley Martin.Bradley Martin is a senior policy researcher at RAND. He retired from the Navy as a surface warfare Captain after 30 years of service, including four command tours.In addition to his operational tours, Martin served on the staff of U.S. Forces Japan, on the OPNAV staff as an operations analyst, and, most recently, as the Navy coordinator for participation in Joint Staff and OSD requirements and resources forums. His subspecialties included operations research, operational logistics, and strategic planning. His work at RAND focuses on Navy force structure and capabilities, supply chain security and resilience, and national security strategy. Prior to joining the Navy, he achieved a doctorate in political science from the University of Michigan, while working as a research assistant for the Correlates of War Project.Show LinksBattle Damage Repair for Arleigh Burke–Class DestroyersRepair CFT Brief for JTEG Forum on “Expeditionary Repair” CDR Erich C. Schwarz, USN, July 2022SummaryIn this episode, we explore the insights from a recent tabletop exercise on naval repair capabilities and strategic challenges in the Indo-Pacific, featuring Captain Brad Martin. We discuss the importance of organic repair assets, the vulnerabilities of fixed bases, and the need for adaptable logistics in wartime scenarios.Chapters00:00: Introduction to the tabletop...

What a great weekend for a good old fashioned Midrats Podcast Maritime Melee!Petty domestic political posturing has decided to broach a whole series of our favorite subjects for the last 17 years: carrier shortages, neglect of our auxiliaries in our Combat Logistics Force, leadership at sea, ships adrift…enough for a whole series of shows, but Mark and I promise to keep today’s show to an hour.Show LinksSnopes on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) issuesWSJ article on Admiral Cooper’s visit to ABECasey William’s dad being a good dadUSS Benfold (DDG 65) loses powerChapters00:00: Introduction and overview of naval challenges02:07: The need for more ships and the Ship Act04:14: Historical context of fleet size and shipbuilding07:06: Deployment length, mental health, and port visits11:59: The aging fleet and the importance of new ships16:08: Logistics challenges in the Indo-Pacific region20:04: Power outages and maintenance on USS Benfold24:55: The political landscape and funding issues29:51: Mental health support and sailor resilience35:03: Geopolitical considerations and port call limitations39:55: Technological innovations and future ship designs45:01: The importance of bipartisan support for naval modernization49:45: Conclusion and call to action for naval investment

Panels, seminars, conferences, reports, speeches, and emotion do not build a navy. Even shipyards do not build a navy. In the American system of government, if you want a navy you have to go up to Capitol Hill and get Congress to fund it.Without money, everything else is just a PDF.What is the state of play in bringing the argument for sea power to Congress?Returning to the Midrats Podcast just in time for the Senate’s August recess is Brent Sadler, CAPT, USN (Ret.).Brent is a Senior Research Fellow for Naval Warfare and Advanced Technology in the Douglas and Sarah Allison Center for National Security at The Heritage Foundation, and a retired U.S. Navy Captain.Show LinksSHIPS for America ActSal’s exchange with Tom KarakoBooks by Brent SadlerBrent Sadler on LinkedInBrent Sadler on XSummaryIn this episode, Mark and Sal discuss with their guest Brent Sadler the legislative process behind maritime security, the SHIPS for America Act, and the importance of industrial capacity in national defense. Brent emphasizes the need for bipartisan support and strategic planning to strengthen America’s maritime industrial base and national security.Chapters00:00: Introduction02:14: The legislative process and seasonality in Congress08:05: Status and details of the Ships for America Act12:13: Bipartisan support and legislative challenges17:00: The role of congressional staffers in policy making21:54: Strategic importance of maritime industrial capacity27:07: The impact of recent Navy funding and shipbuilding efforts34:00: The need for reform in defense organizational structures43:10: The importance of strategic communication and advocacy

I can think of few 18-month periods where shipbuilding, the merchant marine, and the importance of a strong maritime sector in the U.S. has been a more active topic. Near the center of this conversation—or at least a few paragraphs in—is a long-time friend of the show, Dr. Sal Mercogliano—returning to the Midrats Podcast.Sal is the Chair of the Department of History, Criminal Justice and Political Science at Campbell University; a former merchant mariner; and a contributor to USNI Proceedings, Sea History, Naval History, and gCaptain.He is also the host of the YouTube channel, What’s Going on With Shipping.Show LinksWhat’s Going on With ShippingUnauthorized History Podcast with Sal Mercogliano on WWII OilersSummaryBoth Sals and Mark discuss the importance of maritime security, supply chain resilience, and the strategic challenges posed by geopolitical conflicts in this in-depth interview. Additional discussion dives into global choke points, military logistics, and the future of US shipbuilding.Chapters00:00: Introduction and Guest Introduction02:45: Sal Mercogliano’s Background and Expertise04:03: The Growth of Shipping Content and Public Interest06:01: Impact of Evergiven Suez Canal Incident07:02: Fragility of Global Supply Chains09:37: Freedom of the Seas and Modern Challenges10:36: Geopolitical Threats to Maritime Trade12:02: Geography, Choke Points, and Strategic Control13:25: Effects of Strait Closures on Economics and Security14:43: Historical Lessons from Past Conflicts16:06: US Military and Commercial Shipping Interplay18:43: Offshoring Shipbuilding and Its Consequences21:01: Revitalizing US Shipbuilding Industry24:32: Logistics Support and Military Readiness27:18: Protection of Critical Shipping Assets30:42: Rising Sea Blindness and Strategic Awareness33:00: Black Sea and Ukraine Conflict Insights36:20: Trade Interdiction and Potential for Conflict39:37: Global Supply Chain and Energy Security41:33: Manpower and Workforce Challenges in Shipping44:13: Defense Strategies for Maritime Security48:33: Protection of US Naval and Commercial Assets52:50: Technology and Innovation in Maritime Defense55:13: Jones Act and US Maritime Policy58:30: US Energy and Fuel Supply Challenges01:01:53: Future Projects and Research in Shipping