Stronger Alliances Will Counter Evolving Threats
Partnerships are the central component of an integrated framework to address evolving threats in the Indo-Pacific, and these relationships must evolve from their current status.
“We need to be integrated by design,” said Lt. Gen. Laura Lenderman, deputy theater air component commander at U.S. Indo-Pacific Command. “This approach acknowledges the necessity of building an enduring framework that integrates our collective capabilities from the outset,” she added.
Gen. Lenderman focused on the evolving challenges in the Indo-Pacific region, the role of new technologies and the importance of partnerships and alliances in facing these threats. She emphasized the growing risks posed by autocratic regimes, including China, Russia and North Korea, highlighting their increasing military capabilities and aggressive actions in a keynote on Wednesday at TechNet Indo-Pacific, a yearly event in Honolulu, Hawaii.
“The time for thinkers has come, and it's our collective thought leaders in industry, military, government and academia, representing cyber, comms, ISR [intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance], information technology and command and control lines of effort that will make all of the difference,” Gen. Lenderman told the audience.
She stressed that the U.S. and its allies must address threats with innovative thinking and advanced technologies. Gen. Lenderman underlined the importance of rapid innovation in cyber communications and battle management, noting that the pace of technological advancements and real-time global communication now demands quicker decision-making and responses. To meet these challenges, the U.S. military is leveraging its advantages, including its strong network of allies and partnerships, the professionalism of its personnel and the strength of the joint force.
“We're moving beyond bilats into multilateral events to be able to pull more and more partners in and create greater opportunities for integration,” Gen. Lenderman said.
Key collaboration initiatives, such as joint exercises with allied forces like Australia and the Philippines, are building interoperability and improving readiness. These partnerships allow for integrated operations and more seamless execution of strategies in the face of emerging threats.
We need to be integrated by design.
Gen. Lenderman emphasized the importance of transitioning from interoperability to full interchangeability with allies to ensure mission success.
In the historical context, Gen. Lenderman traced the legacy of past military leaders and innovators who developed groundbreaking strategies and technologies during World War II, Korea and Vietnam. She referenced figures like Lt. Gen. George Kenney, who transformed air power tactics in the Pacific during WWII, and Maj. Gen. Spencer Aiken, who pioneered resilient communications systems. These historical precedents, she argued, show how the U.S. military has continually adapted to new challenges, and today’s innovations build upon that legacy.
Gen. Lenderman concluded that current initiatives, including agile combat employment and joint fires networks, are the modern-day evolution of these time-tested strategies, ensuring the United States and its allies remain prepared to deter and prevail in the Indo-Pacific region.
TechNet Indo-Pacific is organized by AFCEA International and the AFCEA Hawaii Chapter. SIGNAL Media is the official media of AFCEA International.
