U.S. Army Gen. Bryan P. Fenton, commander of U.S. Special Operations Command, spoke at the Reagan National Defense Forum in California, highlighting the cooperation among adversarial nations and nonstate actors in shaping global security threats. Fenton pointed out the alliances between Russia, Iran, North Korea, and China, specifically in the context of the conflict in Ukraine, where these partnerships provide adversaries with dangerous synergy. He emphasized the need for decisive action in the face of increasingly complex security challenges.
Fenton provided examples of how these alliances are reshaping the international security landscape, such as Iran transferring drones and ballistic missiles to Russia, enhancing their military capabilities. The Defense Department has also raised concerns about the growing military ties between Russia and Iran, with Iranian training of Russian personnel on operating munitions. Fenton highlighted the strategic alignment between Russia, Iran, and North Korea, which often involve intelligence and technology exchanges, deepening their partnerships.
The involvement of North Korea in the conflict further complicates the adversarial convergence, with thousands of North Korean troops training alongside Russian forces in Ukraine. Fenton stressed that this convergence of state and nonstate actors represents a fundamental shift in warfare, urging the adoption of innovative technologies like drones and AI to counter these threats. He emphasized the need for affordable and scalable solutions to effectively challenge larger forces.
Fenton called for stronger collaboration between the military and private industry to address these emerging threats, praising Socom’s ability to adapt quickly to battlefield needs through partnerships with defense companies. He expressed optimism in America’s ability to counter these threats through global partnerships and highlighted the importance of multinational military exercises in enhancing readiness and interoperability. Fenton urged policymakers to adopt a whole-of-nation approach to security, emphasizing innovation, bipartisan support, and public understanding of the threats posed by adversarial blocs in this decisive decade.
