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Geopolitics & Defense

Surfaced submarine with open upper-hull doors and empty launcher tubes set against calm sea and clear sky.

Ghost Shark Uncrewed Submarine Launches Aerial Drones in New Footage

Meet the Ghost Shark Submarine, a game-changing underwater vehicle that's making waves with its latest impressive footage - launching aerial drones while surfacing. Dubbed "a submarine with teeth" by Australia's Minister for Defence Industry, this XL-AUV is taking autonomous capabilities to the next level.

Analyst 207
Senior officers in a briefing room with a model of an F-16 fighter jet on a table.

USAF Weighs Options to Replace Aging F-16s

The US Air Force is taking a thoughtful approach to replacing its aging F-16s, with a decision on new-production jets still a year or more away, according to Lt. Gen. David Tabor. The service is doing its homework to ensure it makes the right choice when the time comes.

Analyst 207
Naval personnel surround an autonomous underwater system on a dock, with support ships in the background.

Elbit Expands Maritime Reach with Autonomous Underwater Systems Acquisition

Elbit Systems is bolstering its maritime capabilities with the acquisition of International Submarine Engineering, a leading developer of advanced autonomous underwater systems. This strategic move expands Elbit's offerings, solidifying its position as a top provider of integrated maritime solutions worldwide.

Analyst 207
Formal meeting room with long table, chairs, and seated members, daylight pouring in through tall windows.

Australia's Foreign Investment Board Needs Defence Expertise Boost

The Foreign Investment Review Board, Australia's gatekeeper for foreign direct investment, lacks a crucial member with defence expertise, despite its critical role in vetting foreign investment deals that could impact national security. With defence-related investments on the rise, it's surprising that no one on the board has military capability or defence industry expertise.

Analyst 207
Modern industrial facility with storage tank and pipeline under a bright sky.

US Nuclear Deal with Saudi Arabia Poses Long-Term Risk

With Saudi Arabia facing repeated missile and drone attacks, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's promise to modernize the country and make it safer is under fire - and his 2018 vow to develop nuclear capabilities if Iran does is raising fresh concerns about the kingdom's future. The stakes are high, with the recent strikes on Riyadh's international airport bringing conflict to the capital and testing the limits of Saudi defense.

Analyst 207
Family-owned hardware store shows signs of renovation after natural disaster.

Australia's National Security Hinges on Resilience of Local Businesses

Disasters don't just destroy homes - they can also decimate local businesses, leaving communities vulnerable and struggling to recover. Two years after severe weather hits, affected areas are often left with nearly 10% fewer small businesses, dealing a significant blow to resilience and national security.

Analyst 207
F/A-18F Super Hornet flying with advanced missiles over California desert.

US Navy Super Hornet Tests Advanced Missiles

Get ready for a game-changer in air-to-air combat: a US Navy F/A-18F Super Hornet has successfully tested a powerful combo of advanced missiles, including the AIM-174B and AIM-260 Joint Advanced Tactical Missile (JATM), marking a major milestone in military aviation. This cutting-edge tech could revolutionize the way the Navy takes on high-value targets.

Analyst 207
Remote Australian outback town with worn residential area and few people.

Australia's Northern Neglect Undermines National Security

While the Pilbara region rakes in a staggering $150 billion in exports, its wealth stands in jarring contrast to the heartbreaking neglect and poverty plaguing Port Hedland, where children are left hungry and vulnerable. The tragic tale of the Hawke children, brutally murdered by their mother despite repeated warnings, is a devastating reminder of the dire consequences of Australia's neglect of its north.

Analyst 207
US Army personnel near vessels, including a semi-autonomous craft, with Maj. Gen. Frederick Crist observing in a harbor…

US Army Expands Autonomous Vessel Plans for Pacific Operations

The US Army is supercharging its Pacific operations with an expanded fleet of autonomous vessels, using a clever layered approach that combines retrofits, contractor-operated ships, and custom-built drone boats. By tapping into its existing manned fleet, the Army aims to significantly boost its maritime reach in the region.

Analyst 207
US Navy warship sailing near disputed shoal with Chinese naval vessel in distance.

US-China Naval Encounter Escalates at Sabina Shoal

Tensions flared at Sabina Shoal on October 20 as a US Navy ship, the USS Charleston, sailed into disputed waters, prompting a swift response from China's People's Liberation Army. The encounter has sparked a heated exchange, with each side accusing the other of violating international law.

Analyst 207
Air Force briefing room with podium, seating, and officials reviewing documents under daylight.

Air Force Targets 1,509 Combat-Ready Jets by 2035

The Air Force is charting an ambitious course to bolster its defenses, aiming to have 1,509 combat-ready fighter jets by 2035 to maintain a moderate level of operational risk. This target is part of a larger strategy, with a more conservative plan calling for 1,723 aircraft to achieve a low-risk posture.

Analyst 207
US Department of Homeland Security official speaks at podium with blurred laptop screen.

US Bans DeepSeek From Federal Civilian Systems Citing Security Risks

The US has banned Chinese AI developer DeepSeek from federal civilian systems, citing security risks, in a move that China has opposed, saying it overreaches the concept of national security. This decision follows a Department of Homeland Security order under the Federal Acquisition Supply Chain Security Act.

Analyst 207
Somber daytime scene outside a government building with pedestrians in the background.

Australia Grapples with Threats to Democratic Norms

A disturbing trend is emerging in Australia, where politicians are increasingly vulnerable to violent attacks - just last year, independent MP Helen Haines was critically injured outside her office, and it's left many wondering if the country's democratic norms are under threat. The motives behind such attacks are often unclear, but one thing is certain: they're a stark reminder of the dangers politicians face.

Analyst 207
Royal Australian Navy warship docked at international naval base with Asia-Pacific nations' ships in background.

Australia Must Harness Maritime Influence to Secure Regional Role

Australia's role as a regional maritime power comes with great expectations from its neighbours - and it's time for the country to step up and make its influence count. By leveraging its strong relationships and reputation, Australia can project its maritime influence far beyond its fleet size.

Analyst 207
Drone sits on workbench with tools and laptop in a Ukrainian workshop.

Ukraine Reconsiders Starlink Reliance Amid Throttling Woes

Ukrainian drone maker Wild Hornets is rethinking its reliance on Starlink due to frustrating speed issues and intermittent cuts that are hindering critical operations, including remote control of interceptor drones. The company's spokesman warns that depending on a single solution is a risky move.

Analyst 207
Modern exhibition center with sleek architecture set against a clear sky.

SOFEX Prepares for 15th Edition Amid Growing Global Security Demand

Get ready for the 15th edition of SOFEX, the ultimate global security exhibition, where governments, armed forces, and industry leaders unite to tackle evolving defense priorities. Taking place under Royal Patronage from October 27-29, 2026, in Aqaba, Jordan, this trusted platform is set to drive international collaboration like never before.

Analyst 207
Officials seated around a polished table in a formal conference setting with cityscape view.

Diplomacy Eroding as Military Power Rises Globally

We're witnessing a disturbing trend: conflicts are now often the first choice, not the last resort, with diplomacy and dialogue being pushed to the sidelines. As military power grows globally, international norms and humanitarian law are losing their influence, sparking urgent warnings from experts like Pierre Krähenbühl.

Analyst 207
Government building with modern and formal architecture, featuring a subtle national flag.

Australia Weighs Defence Acquisition Model After Canada's Lead

Canada's pioneering move to revamp its defence acquisition model could be a game-changer, and now Australia is considering following suit. A proposed Canadian bill would grant the Defence Investment Agency more autonomy and financial flexibility, empowering it to make strategic investments and drive growth.

Analyst 207
KC-10 tanker aircraft on tarmac with ground support equipment nearby.

Retired KC-10 Tanker Revives Career with Private Contractor Omega Air

Meet N82247, a retired KC-10 tanker that's been given a second chance at life with private contractor Omega Air, and has taken to the skies once again after departing Davis-Monthan Air Force Base. The aircraft, formerly known as U.S. Air Force 86-0034, has been revived with a new career, now carrying a U.S. civil registration and listed in FAA records under its new owner.

Analyst 207
Technicians work at computer stations around a central table displaying a sleek metallic satellite model.

Pakistan Expands Satellite Fleet with Strategic Launches

Pakistan is taking its space capabilities to new heights with a growing satellite fleet that now includes at least seven orbiting satellites, boosting its communication and remote-sensing abilities. The impressive expansion is overseen by the Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) and has been made possible through strategic partnerships with China.

Analyst 207
Turkish military facility with vehicles and shipping containers.

Turkey Boosts Defense Spending with 229% Procurement Hike

Turkey is supercharging its defense capabilities with a whopping 229% increase in procurement spending, a significant boost that underscores the country's commitment to strengthening its national security. This dramatic hike is part of a proposed $44.5 billion defense budget that also includes $25.2 billion for internal security.

Analyst 207
A serene Mediterranean port with a few commercial ships in the distance, a low stone wall and potted plants in the…

Russia's Naval Presence in Mediterranean Ebbs

For the first time in a decade, Russia's naval presence in the Mediterranean dropped to zero, with a two-month gap that left NATO analysts scratching their heads. The unexpected lull ended in early September, when Russian vessels reappeared in the region.

Analyst 207
Government building exterior with blurred seal in foreground and neutral pathway leading to entrance.

DOJ Targets 190,000 California Voters in Election Crackdown

The Department of Justice has taken a major swing against election fraud, arresting 28 foreign nationals and green card holders in California who allegedly registered to vote illegally. This crackdown is just the beginning, with over 190,000 potential non-citizen voters flagged for scrutiny.

Analyst 207
Technicians work in a lab with a futuristic microelectronics device on a central workbench surrounded by scientific…

Northrop Targets Commercial Market with Microelectronics Expansion

Northrop is taking its groundbreaking microelectronics expertise to the next level by exploring new strategic options, including potential partnerships or investments, to drive growth in the commercial market. The company's CEO, Kathy Warden, announced a formal review of the microelectronics business, which could lead to exciting new opportunities.

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