Already, the forces of Russia, China, and Iran are conducting joint naval drills, Russian and American forces have already brawled with each other in Syria, and Russia has announced a key breakthrough in hypersonic weapons technology. It is only a matter of time before the situation becomes too tense, and the fighting begins. Washington must be ready for this dark future, as preparations will likely help to delay it and give U.S. forces a fighting chance at victory.

Brandon J. Weichert is the author of "Winning Space: How America Remains a Superpower," which will be released in 2020 by the Republic Book Publishers. He writes for The American Spectator and American Greatness, as well as Real Clear Defense, Real Clear World, and Real Clear Public Affairs. Brandon is a recovering Congressional staffer who holds an M.A. in Statecraft and National Security Affairs from the Institute of World Politics in Washington, D.C. He can be reached via Twitter @WeTheBrandon.

This article appeared earlier this year and is reprinted due to reader interest.

Image: Reuters