National Security

RAND conducts a broad array of national security research for the U.S. Department of Defense. RAND also carries out an extensive research program in homeland security, homeland defense, and terrorism-related research for the U.S. Government, as well as selected research for key allied governments and ministries of defense. Through its long-term investment in federally funded research and development centers (FFRDCs), the U.S. government has built a network of institutions with unique analytical and technical capabilities.

National security research is conducted by the following RAND FFRDCs: RAND Project AIR FORCE, sponsored by the U.S. Air Force; RAND Arroyo Center, sponsored by the U.S. Army; RAND National Defense Research Institute, sponsored by the Office of the Secretary of Defense; RAND Homeland Security Operational Analysis Center, sponsored by the Department of Homeland Security.

Latest Research

  • A pilot walks toward a lineup of F-16 Fighting Falcons before a flight at Clark Air Base, Philippines. Photo by Airman 1st Class Sebastian Romawac/Pacific Air Forces Public Affairs

    How Could the United States Gain Greater Access to Asia During a Conflict?

    Ensuring access to the territories of Indo-Pacific allies and partners in the event of a future conflict with China is a critical concern. How are Japan, the Philippines, Singapore, Indonesia, and India likely to make access decisions? And can the United States influence their decisions?

    Nov 28, 2023

  • 97th Air Mobility Wing Firetrucks welcome the 97th AMW’s first KC-46

    Life Cycle Management of Military Commercial Derivative Aircraft

    Drawing on interviews with U.S. Air Force, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and industry experts, the authors assess the benefits and challenges of (and propose best practices for) commercial derivative aircraft acquisition.

    Nov 21, 2023

  • A U.S. Army Soldier assigned to 3rd Squadron, 61st Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division operates a Long Range Acoustic Device (LRAD).

    Logic Model for Non-Lethal Weapons in the U.S. Department of Defense

    A multi-year RAND project examined how to evaluate the tactical, operational, and strategic impact of non-lethal weapons (NLWs), a subset of intermediate force capabilities (IFCs). The logic model in this visualization is intended to help characterize the impact of NLWs within DoD.

    Nov 20, 2023

  • Abstract tech background made of printed circuit board, image by Quardia Inc./Adobe Stock.

    An Assessment of U.S.-Allied Nations' Industrial Bases in Quantum Technology

    RAND researchers assessed the quantum industrial bases of Australia, Germany, Japan, and the United Kingdom (UK) and made recommendations for strengthening international collaboration in quantum technology research and development (R&D) between the United States and its allied nations.

    Nov 17, 2023

  • Russian service members drive tanks during drills at the Kadamovsky range in the Rostov region, Russia, February 3, 2022, photo by Sergey Pivovarov/Reuters

    Logistics and Sustainment Issues of the Russian Armed Forces

    Failures in the Russian logistics and maintenance system have been identified as a key factor in Russia's underperformance in Ukraine in 2022. A review of dozens of unclassified documents and articles provides insights into Russia's military problems before and in the early stages of its invasion.

    Nov 15, 2023

National Security News