Skip to main content

Geopolitics & Defense

Modern naval ship docked at Australian port with high-tech defense system in background on a sunny day.

Australia's Defence Strategy Shifts Focus to Self-Reliance

In a world that's grown increasingly perilous, Australia is taking a bold new approach to defence, shifting its focus to self-reliance while strengthening partnerships with trusted allies. The 2026 National Defence Strategy and its $425 billion spending plan prioritise cutting-edge capabilities to safeguard the nation and support regional partners.

Analyst 207
Soviet T-72 tank centered in a neutral-colored military storage or testing facility.

China Acquires Soviet T-72 Tanks Through Romania

In a surprising move, China acquired Soviet T-72 tanks through Romania, with several of the 31 imported tanks quietly transferred to China for evaluation in the late 1970s. This acquisition was part of a long-running effort to understand and match Soviet tank design, sparked by the 1969 Zhenbao clash where Soviet T-62 tanks demonstrated clear technological superiority over Chinese armor.

Analyst 207
Three US aircraft carriers in formation on calm waters under a clear blue sky.

US Aircraft Carriers Deploy in Force Across Middle East

In a historic display of military strength, the US has deployed not one, not two, but three aircraft carriers to the Middle East - a triple-carrier strike that hasn't been seen since the 2003 Iraq War. This unprecedented show of force brings a whopping 14 acres of US territory to the region, with the George H.W. Bush, Abraham Lincoln, and Gerald R. Ford carrier strike groups leading the charge.

Analyst 207
Vintage Soviet Su-7 jet flying low over desert with nuclear bomb under its wing.

Soviet Jet Exposed Dropping Nuclear Bomb in Rare 1962 Test Footage

Witness a chilling piece of history: a Soviet Su-7 jet dropping a live nuclear bomb in a rare 1962 test, captured in striking - albeit grainy - footage. This extraordinary clip shows a bold Cold War experiment that will leave you speechless.

Analyst 207
Dignitaries gather at a war memorial on a misty day for an Anzac Day ceremony.

Australia Must Prepare for Wars of the Future

As we honour the fallen on Anzac Day with solemn words like "lest we forget," we must also confront a harsh reality: our nation's tribute to the past shouldn't overshadow the need to prepare for the wars of the future. By doing so, we can ensure that their sacrifice wasn't in vain.

Analyst 207
Row of HH-60W helicopters on tarmac at Joint Base Andrews with Washington D.C. skyline in background.

Air Force Repurposes HH-60W Helicopters for Doomsday Evacuations

The Air Force is gearing up for a critical role with 26 HH-60W helicopters, replacing aging UH-1Ns to execute high-stakes evacuation and transport missions in the National Capital Region. This strategic move will ensure the continuity of government and operations in the event of an emergency.

Analyst 207
Converted turboprop aircraft with underwing hardpoints carrying interceptor drones on a rural airfield.

Ukraine's An-28 Turboprop Deploys Interceptor Drones Against Russian Shaheds

Meet Ukraine's unlikely Shahed hunter: a converted Antonov An-28 turboprop that's now launching interceptor drones to take down enemy targets, and racking up an impressive tally of 222 Russian drones shot down. Equipped with underwing hardpoints, infrared cameras, and night-vision goggles, this airborne counter-drone platform is leading the charge against Russian Shaheds.

Analyst 207
US Navy vessel patrols Strait of Hormuz with sailors at attention, alongside a small Iranian fast boat under a clear…

US Navy Authorized to Destroy Iranian Mine-Laying Boats

The US Navy has been given the green light to take out Iranian fast boats that try to lay mines or disrupt shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth warned that lethal force will be used if necessary to protect passage through the critical waterway.

Analyst 207
US naval vessel underway in Strait of Hormuz with aircraft in distance.

US Forces Disrupt Iranian Mine-Laying in Strait of Hormuz

US forces are actively working to disrupt and deter Iranian efforts to lay mines in the Strait of Hormuz, with operations underway to safeguard this critical waterway. The mission, driven by top-level orders, aims to prevent further Iranian aggression.

Analyst 207
Sleek space-based interceptor set against a clear blue sky backdrop.

Space Force Awards $3.2 Billion for Golden Dome Interceptors

The Space Force is taking a giant leap in missile defense, awarding $3.2 billion to 12 top companies to develop cutting-edge, space-based interceptors for the Golden Dome program, aimed at outpacing rapidly advancing threats. This move accelerates the development of innovative solutions to counter modern missile threats.

Analyst 207
Airmen and first responders in a bunker during a simulated attack exercise, calm and focused amidst military equipment and…

Community Forum Opens on Uncovered Security Topics

Get ready to go behind the scenes of a high-stakes simulation that put Airmen and first responders to the test! A recent exercise at a U.S. Central Command base challenged teams to respond quickly and effectively during a simulated attack.

Analyst 207
US aircraft carriers with escort ships and fighter jets operate in the Middle East under a clear blue sky.

US Deployments Bolster Middle East Military Presence

In a historic move, the US has amassed an unprecedented show of force in the Middle East, with not one, not two, but three aircraft carriers operating simultaneously for the first time in decades. The formidable fleet, comprising over 200 aircraft and 15,000 Sailors and Marines, is a powerful display of naval might.

Analyst 207
Empty congressional hearing room with podium, mix of modern and traditional architecture.

New Spy Power Bill Sparks Criticism Over Surveillance Reforms

Critics are slamming the House GOP's latest bid to extend a contentious surveillance authority, calling it a hollow attempt at reform. The bill, proposed by Speaker Mike Johnson, would extend Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act for three years with minimal changes.

Analyst 207
F-16 fighter jets parked on a Peruvian Air Force base tarmac with military personnel in the background.

Peru Pursues F-16 Deal Amid Government Turmoil

Peru is moving forward with a deal to acquire 12 cutting-edge F-16 Block 70 fighters, a move that Lockheed Martin says will significantly modernize the country's fighter fleet. The $462 million contract marks a major milestone, despite ongoing government turmoil.

Analyst 207
Standalone government building with American flag, symbolizing autonomy and accountability.

Trump Urged to Extract Nuclear Weapons from DOE Oversight

It's time to rethink the oversight of US nuclear weapons - experts Franklin C. Miller and Frank A. Rose argue that stripping the National Nuclear Security Administration from the Department of Energy and making it an independent agency could restore clarity, speed, and accountability to nuclear stewardship. This bold move could be the key to ensuring the nation's nuclear deterrence is effective and efficient.

Analyst 207
Futuristic space-based interceptor prototype on display at a modern tech facility.

Space Force Taps Dozen Firms for $3.2 Billion in Space-Based Interceptors

The US Space Force has awarded 20 contracts worth up to $3.2 billion to 12 top companies, including Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman, to develop space-based interceptors for a cutting-edge missile defense system. This ambitious project is a major step forward in protecting national security and defending against emerging threats in space.

Analyst 207
US military personnel work at a console in a satellite control room overlooking a clear blue sky.

Pentagon Anchors Future in Space with Next-Gen Satellite Network

The US military is betting big on space, with a next-gen satellite network set to revolutionize communications, missile defense, and strategic operations. Satellites have become the backbone of US military planning, enabling a more resilient and distributed force.

Analyst 207
Dutch national security agency headquarters in Amsterdam under calm daylight.

Netherlands Confronts Mounting National Security Threats from Russia, China

The Netherlands is facing its most severe national security threat in 80 years, with Russia and China emerging as the primary sources of pressure, according to the country's domestic intelligence service. This prolonged and multi-directional threat has been described as the gravest national security threat since World War Two.

Analyst 207
A portable Wi-Fi hotspot sits on a table in a blurred home or office setting.

FCC Expands Foreign Router Ban to Mobile Hotspots

The FCC has expanded its ban on foreign-made routers to include mobile hotspots and home devices that use LTE or 5G connections, affecting U.S. consumers and small businesses. This move now explicitly prohibits the sale of portable Wi-Fi hotspots and home routers manufactured abroad.

Analyst 207
American and Indonesian officials shake hands in a formal conference room.

US-Indonesia Ties Pivot to High-Stakes Partnership

The US-Indonesia partnership has leveled up, shifting from a focus on shared values to a high-stakes game of mutual benefit, where critical minerals, supply chains, and defense capabilities are on the table. The question is, can this new transactional relationship deliver the real results both countries are counting on?

Analyst 207
Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force ship underway at sea with sailors on deck.

Japan Rearms, But Taiwan's Defense Remains Uncertain

As Japan bolsters its defenses, concerns linger about Taiwan's uncertain future - and it's easy to see why, given their precarious locations in a volatile neighbourhood. With its recent fleet expansions, Japan is clearly taking steps to protect itself, but what about its vulnerable neighbour?

Analyst 207
Traveler walks through airport border control area with automated kiosks.

Greece Eases Biometric Border Rules Amid Airport Delays

Greece has relaxed its biometric border rules for UK travellers, and will no longer collect fingerprints and photos as part of the Entry/Exit System (EES). The move comes as airport delays have mounted, and authorities aim to balance security with smooth traffic flow.

Analyst 207
Diverse group of people seated in a community center with a moderator at the front, surrounded by blank sticky notes and…

UK Bans Journalists from Digital ID Forum

The UK government is calling on ordinary citizens to share their thoughts on a proposed Digital ID system, and you don't need to be an expert to join the conversation. Around 36,000 people have been invited to participate in the People's Panel on Digital ID, which will involve in-person meetings and online sessions to discuss how a Digital ID system should be designed for the UK.

Analyst 207
Defense facility workstations and equipment with computer screens in the foreground.

Pentagon Pushes Modular Defense Acquisition With Multi-Sourcing, MOSA

The Department of Defense is shaking up its acquisition strategy with a bold move towards modular defense, embracing multi-sourcing and MOSA to boost resilience and reduce costs. By enforcing a "two-for-production" standard, it's aiming to revive second sourcing for critical content and break the habit of single-source suppliers.

Analyst 207