Skip to main content

Geopolitics & Defense

Senior officer addresses audience in military briefing room with data display.

AI Deception Threatens Military Ops, Raises Large Conflict Risk

The increasing use of artificial intelligence in military operations is a double-edged sword, bringing game-changing advantages in intelligence gathering and analysis, but also introducing a stealthy new threat: AI-powered deception that can erode trust and spark large-scale conflict.

Analyst 207
Two military personnel exit a secure entrance of an underground government facility.

NORAD Bolsters Homeland Security Posture

Deep within the granite walls of Cheyenne Mountain Complex, a Cold War-era fortress built 7,000 feet beneath the Colorado mountain, two military personnel go about their duties, a testament to NORAD's enduring role in safeguarding homeland security. This secretive hub has been a cornerstone of defense since 1958, working tirelessly to protect and serve.

Analyst 207
Drone manufacturing facility with workers and various drone models in assembly.

US Boosts Domestic Drone Production with $1 Billion Investments

The US government is taking a giant leap in drone technology, investing a whopping $1 billion to supercharge domestic drone production and ensure America's drone dominance. Top officials, including Under Secretary of Defense Emil Michael, gathered at the White House to rally industry leaders and discuss the nation's ambitious plans.

Analyst 207
US Army officer examines air defense systems map with Patriot launcher model nearby.

Army Expands Patriot Force Amid Golden Dome Integration Push

The US Army is ramping up its Patriot air-defense force to meet growing demands, all while integrating new technologies like the Golden Dome system. This strategic expansion aims to bolster the military's defenses now while preparing for future threats.

Analyst 207
Turboprop aircraft with serial number 15001 on a runway or apron.

China Unveils Y-15 Turboprop Airlifter in Advanced Testing

China's latest aviation breakthrough, the Y-15 turboprop airlifter, has emerged in advanced testing, with a prototype, serial number "15001", giving analysts a glimpse into the country's new medium tactical airlifter. The four-turboprop transport, developed by Shaanxi Aircraft Corporation, marks a significant milestone in China's aviation ambitions.

Analyst 207
Modern think tank building with Australian flag motif set against blue sky.

ASPI Celebrates 25 Years of Shaping National Security Debate

For 25 years, ASPI has been at the forefront of shaping Australia's national security debate, providing critical insights that challenge the status quo and inform government decision-making. From its roots in 2001, ASPI has remained committed to delivering contestable advice, fostering public discussion, and cultivating the next generation of security leaders.

Analyst 207
Formal conference setting with podium, blank screen, and seated attendees.

NSA Deputy Warns of China's Pervasive Threat Across Domains

China's influence is a game-changer, touching every aspect of national security, and the competition is heating up, with artificial intelligence playing a major role. The NSA Deputy Director warns that Beijing is disrupting the status quo, acting as a spoiler from Greenland to the Korean Peninsula.

Analyst 207
F-117 Nighthawk aircraft tail section with maintenance technician at workbench.

US Air Force Seeks New Explosives for F-117 Tailhook System

The US Air Force is on a mission to breathe new life into its F-117 Nighthawks, with plans to keep the stealth jets flying until at least 2034 - and that means finding fresh explosive charges for a critical emergency system. They're on the hunt for new cartridge-actuated devices and propellant-actuated devices to keep the F-117's tailhook system in working order.

Analyst 207
Factory floor with workers and machinery for ammunition production.

Mongolia Accelerates Defense Diversification with New Alliances

Mongolia is stepping up its defense game with a bold new approach to partnerships and industrial policy, marked by the recent launch of its first domestic ammunition production line in collaboration with Turkish defense company MKE. The milestone achievement signals a major shift in the country's strategy, with three types of ammunition now being produced locally.

Analyst 207
Two people, one Australian and one Indonesian, engaged in conversation at a meeting table overlooking a calm harbor.

ASPI Forges Australia-Indonesia Ties Through Sustained Dialogue

Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong's bold declaration that Indonesia is Australia's most crucial partner underscores the significance of their relationship - one that has ebbed and flowed over 25 years, with ASPI playing a pivotal role in nurturing dialogue and understanding between the two nations. Through sustained engagement, ASPI has helped keep the lines of communication open, even in tough times, and encouraged Australian policymakers to see Indonesia as a valued partner.

Analyst 207
Empty chairs and a podium in a congressional hearing room with a laptop in the background.

Lawmakers Probe Federal Government's Hacking of Americans

Senators are demanding answers about the federal government's secretive hacking practices, and they're calling on the Government Accountability Office to shine a light on the scope, frequency, and safety measures behind these operations. They want to know how often and how extensively the government is using hacking and spyware to investigate Americans.

Analyst 207
Modern beach landing vessel moored in a bayou with personnel inspecting or conversing nearby.

US Marine Corps Unveils New Beach Landing Vessel

The US Marine Corps is taking a giant leap forward with its new beach landing vessel, the Ancillary Surface Craft (ASC-1), which recently made its debut at a distinguished visitor day in Bayou La Batre, Alabama. This cutting-edge prototype is already being put to the test, allowing Marines to experiment with new tactical concepts and get hands-on experience with the latest hardware.

Analyst 207
Rows of shelving units stocked with munitions and defense equipment at a US military logistics facility.

Pentagon Scrambles to Replenish Munitions Stockpiles Amid Iran War Surge

The Pentagon is racing to restock its munitions amid rising tensions with Iran, and defence giants are responding with game-changing innovations - including ultra-low-cost seekers and drone killers that could help ease the pressure on US stockpiles. Boeing, Northrop Grumman, and Lockheed Martin are leading the charge with affordable solutions.

Analyst 207
Interior of General Atomics facility with workbench and aircraft component near large window.

General Atomics Unveils Wildfire Drone as MQ-9 Reaper Successor

Meet the Wildfire, General Atomics' game-changing drone that's poised to revolutionize the skies - and one expert says it's so impressive, you'd want 100 of them ASAP. The Wildfire is the next-gen MALE UAS that's designed to outpace current Pentagon requirements and take America's warfighting edge to the next level.

Analyst 207
US Carrier Deployments Strain Naval Force Amid Global Tensions

US Carrier Deployments Strain Naval Force Amid Global Tensions

The US Navy is feeling the strain as four of its aircraft carriers are currently sidelined for maintenance, putting extra pressure on the remaining ships to manage global hotspots. With tensions running high, the USS George Washington has been redeployed to the Middle East to help relieve the overworked USS Abraham Lincoln.

Analyst 207
Formal congressional hearing room with lawmakers and officials seated at a witness table before tall windows.

Congress Wrestles with Funding for Trump's Missile Shield Plan

The fate of Trump's Missile Shield Plan, codenamed Golden Dome, hangs in the balance as lawmakers grapple with securing crucial funding, with the White House seeking $17.5 billion but only $400 million currently in the baseline budget.

Analyst 207
Diverse group discusses national security policy in modern conference room.

ASPI's 25-Year Experiment Champions Contestability in National Security Policy

At the heart of ASPI's 25-year journey is a bold experiment: championing contestability in national security policy by fostering open debate and diverse perspectives. This pioneering approach, seeded by Hugh White, has become the institute's DNA, driving stronger strategic policy through constructive disagreement and collaboration.

Analyst 207
Federal courthouse setting with a blurred law enforcement badge on a neutral background.

US Hands Down Record 77-Year Sentence to Nihilistic Extremist Leader

The US has delivered a crushing blow to violent extremist groups with a record 77-year sentence handed down to Kyle William Spitze, a 27-year-old leader who preyed on vulnerable children to further his twisted ideology. This landmark case sends a clear message: federal law enforcement will relentlessly pursue and prosecute those who exploit and harm innocent lives.

Analyst 207
Defense exhibition attendees gather around a futuristic loitering munitions system on display.

Ukraine's Fire Point Courts Pakistan with Loitering Munitions Tech

Ukraine-based Fire Point is wooing Pakistan with its cutting-edge loitering munitions tech, specifically the FP-1 Deep Strike with a 2,600 km range and the FP-2 Front Strike with a 200 km range. Can this be the spark that ignites a practical defence-industrial partnership between the two?

Analyst 207
Y-15 military transport aircraft in flight with mid-air refueling probe visible.

China Unveils Y-15 Tactical Transport with Mid-Air Refueling Capability

China just took a major leap in military aviation with the unveiling of its Y-15 tactical transport, equipped with a game-changing mid-air refueling capability that sets it apart from its predecessors, like the Y-9. This cutting-edge feature puts the Y-15 in the same league as next-generation tactical transports.

Analyst 207
Federal agency records office with filing cabinets and a desk, laptop, and scattered papers.

Agencies Face Mounting Pressure to Modernize FOIA Systems

With over 1.7 million Freedom of Information Act requests pouring in during FY2025, federal agencies are facing unprecedented pressure to modernize their FOIA systems and ditch outdated infrastructure that's slowing them down. Legacy platforms are struggling to keep up with record request volumes, causing bottlenecks, duplication, and increased risk.

Analyst 207
US naval personnel and defense contractors stand near undersea technology equipment and AI-related robotics at a dockyard.

White House Targets AI, Undersea Tech in New Military Priorities

The US military is shifting its focus to cutting-edge tech, prioritizing undersea superiority, space, and artificial intelligence to stay ahead of threats. By combining lower-cost platforms with advanced tech, the goal is to deploy a powerful and flexible defense system.

Analyst 207
Formal meeting room with long table and chairs in a government or NATO building interior.

US Questionnaire Tests NATO Allies' Support

The US is putting NATO allies to the test with a questionnaire that probes their support for American policies, sparking concerns that it's an unnecessary stress test. Estonia's Foreign Affairs Committee chairman Marko Mihkelson is already speaking out against it, calling it an unwelcome way to handle the situation.

Analyst 207
Modern research facility interior with people working, whiteboard, and technical equipment.

US Urges AI Sector to be Designated Critical Infrastructure

The US government is being urged to recognize the AI sector as critical infrastructure, a designation that would highlight its importance to the country's well-being and security. This call to action comes from a new report by Americans for Responsible Innovation, which argues that the AI sector already has all the hallmarks of a vital industry.

Analyst 207