The Heritage Foundation has released its 2026 Index of U.S. Military Strength, marking the eleventh edition of this annual assessment. The report evaluates the capacity, capability, and readiness of the United States military in relation to current threats and operational demands.
According to the 2026 Index, several factors have weakened U.S. military readiness over time. These include decades of underfunding, extended deployments, inconsistent appropriations, and challenges in defense program management. The report warns that these issues have reduced the margin for error at a time when global security risks are rising.
The document specifically highlights concerns about China’s growing military capabilities. While recent U.S. operations—referred to as Operations Absolute Resolve and Midnight Hammer—demonstrate continued American military excellence, the report notes that China’s rapid expansion in shipbuilding and munitions production poses a significant challenge. The Index argues that the current posture of U.S. forces does not sufficiently prioritize deterring Chinese aggression.
Dr. Kevin Roberts, president of The Heritage Foundation and Heritage Action, said:
“Peace is preserved through strength. The Heritage Foundation’s 2026 Index of U.S. Military Strength takes a clear-eyed look at where our military stands after years of decline and underinvestment. Under President Trump’s leadership, readiness is beginning to recover, with renewed emphasis on military lethality, merit and accountability, allied burden-sharing, and the munitions and capabilities required to meet growing threats. Early gains like the One Big Beautiful Bill demonstrate meaningful progress, but rebuilding military strength requires a sustained focus on balancing operational readiness with fiscal accountability to deter future conflicts and protect the American people.”
Robert Greenway, director of the Allison Center for National Security at The Heritage Foundation, added:
“This year’s Index of U.S. Military Strength paints a sobering picture: after years of underinvestment and overuse, the U.S. military risks being unable to deter—or defeat—near-peer adversaries in a protracted conflict. The Trump Administration has begun to reverse a period of decline in U.S. and allied military strength, but the scope and pace of military buildups by our adversaries mean that restoring readiness, capacity, and resilience remains an urgent challenge.”
The 2026 Index also calls attention to increases in adversary power worldwide while evaluating what kind of force posture is necessary for the United States to respond effectively to these threats. Recommendations from the report include increasing major warfighting platforms such as ships or aircraft; revitalizing domestic defense manufacturing; expanding munitions production; and improving logistics capabilities.
The release reiterates that maintaining peace depends on sustaining strong deterrence measures through adequate investment in national defense resources.
