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Joint Force 2025 Joint Force 2025 is a multi-domain force concept articulated to prepare United States Department of Defense and allied formations for high-end peer competition. It synthesizes concepts from Force XXI, AirSea Battle, Network-centric warfare, and Third Offset Strategy to align United States Army, United States Navy, United States Air Force, and United States Marine Corps capabilities with allied partners such as North Atlantic Treaty Organization, Japan Self-Defense Forces, and Australian Defence Force. The concept emphasizes integration of platforms like the AH-64 Apache, F-35 Lightning II, Zumwalt-class destroyer, and systems including Aegis Combat System, Patriot (missile), and Terminal High Altitude Area Defense to counter threats exemplified by People's Liberation Army, Russian Ground Forces, and asymmetric actors like Hezbollah.
Development of the concept drew on lessons from operations including Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom (2001–2021), and contingency planning from the Cold War era, referencing doctrinal work such as Joint Publication 3-0 and studies by RAND Corporation. Key influences included technological milestones like the Global Positioning System, Precision-guided munition, and the introduction of stealth platforms such as the B-2 Spirit. Organizational drivers involved leaders tied to United States Strategic Command, United States Indo-Pacific Command, and United States European Command, who coordinated with institutions like the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency and the National Defense University. Policy anchors included directives from administrations that invoked the National Security Strategy and the National Defense Authorization Act.
The strategic objectives prioritize deterrence against peer competitors such as People's Republic of China and Russian Federation, defense of allies including Republic of Korea and Poland, and assured access through littorals like the South China Sea and choke points like the Strait of Hormuz. The concept adapts principles from AirLand Battle and Mahanian sea control theory while incorporating cyber principles from incidents like the NotPetya attack and norms discussed at United Nations General Assembly sessions. Operational art integrates Combined Joint Task Force arrangements and command relationships from North Atlantic Treaty Organization structures to enable campaigns across domains influenced by doctrines such as Mosaic Warfare and Distributed Operations.
Planned capabilities span manned and unmanned systems including MQ-9 Reaper, X-47B, MQ-25 Stingray, and autonomous systems experimented by Boston Dynamics prototypes. Ground components reference brigade combat teams upgraded with systems like the M1 Abrams and Stryker, while naval elements include carrier strike groups centered on USS Gerald R. Ford and escort ships such as Arleigh Burke-class destroyer. Air components integrate F-22 Raptor, F-35 Lightning II, and tanker fleets like the KC-46 Pegasus. Integrated fires leverage Tomahawk (missile), Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon, and anti-access/area-denial counters exemplified by Electronic warfare suites fielded after assessments involving Lockheed Martin, Raytheon Technologies, and Northrop Grumman.
Modernization initiatives coordinate programs such as Future Vertical Lift, Next Generation Air Dominance, and naval projects like the Columbia-class submarine program. Procurement processes referenced include competitions like those surrounding the Joint Strike Fighter and contracting approaches informed by past programs including Zumwalt-class acquisition reviews. Research partnerships with entities such as Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, and Carnegie Mellon University support innovation in artificial intelligence, quantum sensing researched at National Quantum Initiative, and resilient communications in partnership with companies like CISCO Systems and BAE Systems.
Joint training incorporates exercises such as RIMPAC, Talisman Sabre, Balikatan, Noble Jed and NATO exercises like Trident Juncture, as well as simulation efforts at Joint Multinational Simulation Center and war games hosted by Center for Strategic and International Studies. Doctrine evolves via publications from Joint Chiefs of Staff and lessons captured by think tanks including Center for a New American Security and Brookings Institution. Professional military education involves institutions such as the United States Military Academy, United States Naval Academy, Air University, and war colleges like the National War College to inculcate concepts linked to mission command and multi-domain operations.
Implementation depends on interoperability with allies and partners including United Kingdom Armed Forces, Canadian Armed Forces, French Armed Forces, German Bundeswehr, Indian Armed Forces, and multilateral frameworks like Quadrilateral Security Dialogue and Five Eyes. Cooperative programs reference agreements such as the Wassenaar Arrangement for export controls and bilateral initiatives like the U.S.–Japan Security Treaty and ANZUS Treaty. Combined procurement and logistics draw on standards set by NATO Standardization Office and cooperative research via entities like European Defence Agency and Allied Command Transformation.
Critics point to budgetary constraints influenced by Budget Control Act of 2011 and fiscal pressures tied to sequestration debates, along with industrial base concerns raised by contractors such as General Dynamics and Boeing. Legal and ethical challenges arise from autonomy debates involving Human Rights Watch and policy discussions at the International Committee of the Red Cross. Strategic critics cite risks of escalation with actors like People's Liberation Army Navy and Russian Aerospace Forces, and warn of overreliance on high-end platforms reminiscent of controversies over F-35 Lightning II cost overruns and delays encountered in the Zumwalt-class destroyer program. Technological hurdles include resilience against cyber threats traced to incidents like SolarWinds attack and supply-chain vulnerabilities linked to suppliers in People's Republic of China and other states.