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National Security

US military briefing room with podium and blurred flag background, featuring Lt. Gen. Stephen Sklenka.

US Marine General Warns China Now a Peer Military Rival

The US Marine Corps' top strategist, Lt. Gen. Stephen Sklenka, just issued a stark warning: China has emerged as a peer military rival, matching the US in nearly every measure of national influence. This bold declaration signals a major shift in the global balance of power.

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US military official briefs committee at Pentagon podium.

Pentagon Pegs $25 Billion Cost for Two-Month Iran Operation

The Pentagon is estimating a staggering $25 billion price tag for a two-month military operation against Iran, with munitions making up the bulk of the costs. This eye-watering figure was revealed to a skeptical Congress as the Pentagon prepares a supplemental budget request.

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Lt. Gen. Douglas Schiess stands in a formal, well-lit room with a neutral background.

Lt. Gen. Douglas Schiess Emerges as Likely Next Leader of Space Force

Lt. Gen. Douglas Schiess is poised to take the reins as the next leader of the Space Force, with insiders indicating he's the likely nominee to succeed Gen. Chance Saltzman as chief of space operations. If confirmed, Schiess will guide the Space Force as it matures into a more defined mission-driven force.

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US official speaks at Pentagon briefing podium with flag and DoD seal behind.

Pentagon's Iran War Spending Hits $25 Billion in 60 Days

The Pentagon has burned through a staggering $25 billion in just 60 days of operations against Iran, a jaw-dropping figure that highlights the intense military efforts in the region. This massive outlay has prompted the administration to prepare a supplemental budget request to Congress to cover the costs of munitions and operations.

Analyst 207
Representatives from different countries meet around a table with scattered documents and a globe in the background,…

Quad Nations Urged to Share Critical-Mineral Intel

As China tightens its grip on rare earth elements, the US and its allies are racing to secure critical mineral supplies, but there's a glaring gap in their knowledge of global mineral flows. Can the Quad nations bridge this gap by sharing intelligence and turning cooperation into action?

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Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth testifies before House Armed Services Committee with US flag and committee seal in background.

Hegseth Details Iran War Strategy Before House Panel

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, alongside top Pentagon officials, stepped into the spotlight at the House Armed Services Committee, marking a crucial moment of transparency in the ongoing Iran war. This high-stakes hearing, the first public appearance of its kind since the conflict began, offers a rare glimpse into the US war strategy.

Analyst 207
Chinese coast guard vessel and foreign fishing boat interact near island.

China's Expanding Presence Fuels Friction in Indo-Pacific Region

As China's military and paramilitary presence grows in the Indo-Pacific, the risk of incidents, friction, and escalation is increasing - not due to deliberate aggression, but due to the growing proximity of operations. This shift from episodic to routine activity is transforming the region into a hotbed of potential conflict, where accidents and miscalculation could have serious consequences.

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US Navy amphibious assault ship docked in harbor with sailors and city skyline in background.

US Navy Extends Service Life of USS Wasp, Eyes Further Amphibious Ship Upgrades

The US Navy has given the USS Wasp a new lease on life, extending its service by five years to 2034, and is now exploring similar upgrades for other amphibious ships. This move could pave the way for a fleet of longer-lived vessels, with each ship's extension evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

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Satellite on a launchpad with technical equipment and a rocket in the background.

Pakistan Completes Electro-Optical Satellite Constellation with PRSC-EO3 Launch

Pakistan has made history with the launch of its PRSC-EO3 satellite, marking a major milestone in the country's growing technical expertise and completing its Electro-Optical Satellite constellation. The successful launch from China’s Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center is a testament to Pakistan's expanding capabilities in space technology.

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Partially constructed naval frigate in a large shipyard with cranes in the background.

China Builds Third Type 054B Frigate at Huangpu Shipyard

Get ready for a blast from the past - and a glimpse into China's naval future! A third Type 054B frigate has been spotted under construction at the Pudong Changxingdao shipyard in Shanghai, a clear sign that this cutting-edge class of warships is here to stay.

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US Marine stands in front of futuristic display with advanced vehicle in background.

US Marines Unveil Ground Combat Element 2040 Plan

The US Marines' Ground Combat Element 2040 plan is a bold vision for the future, focusing on empowering Marines with cutting-edge technology to stay ahead of the curve. It's about equipping people, not just machines, to create the most lethal and survivable ground combat force in the world.

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Vast Northern Territory landscape with industrial infrastructure on the horizon under a clear blue sky.

Australia Urged to Establish Northern Hybrid Zone to Bolster Economic Security

Australia can supercharge its economic security by creating a Northern Hybrid Zone, turning its abundant resources into a powerful engine for growth. By following the US-Philippines' 4,000-acre precedent, Australia can anchor its supply chains, concentrate infrastructure, and embed resilience.

Analyst 207
Chinese warship sailing in calm waters under a clear blue sky near distant islands.

China's Military Presence Normalizes in Indo-Pacific Waters

China's recent live-fire drills in the Tasman Sea and plans for future exercises signal a new era of normalized military presence in Indo-Pacific waters, with projections suggesting this assertive approach could become the norm by 2036. This shift marks a significant change in how Beijing deploys its force beyond its shores.

Analyst 207
Professionals in a well-lit conference room engaged in discussion around a table with laptops and notes.

US Spy Agencies Face AI Workforce Overhaul Challenges

The US spy agencies are racing to revamp their AI workforce to stay ahead of adversaries, with the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency aiming to complete a major workforce and IT transformation within three to five years. This overhaul will enable the agency to safely harness AI and keep pace with rival nations.

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Acting Navy Secretary speaks at a podium with attendees in a conference setting.

Acting Navy Secretary Warns of Lethal Lessons from Past Conflicts

In his first public appearance as Acting Navy Secretary, Hung Cao shared insights from his own experiences and the importance of learning from past conflicts. With a humble nod to his sudden transition into the role, Cao reflected on change and resilience at the Modern Day Marine conference in Washington, D.C.

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BAE Systems shipyard at Barrow, England, with industrial equipment and cranes.

UK lawmakers warn AUKUS submarine program faces delays over investment shortcomings

UK lawmakers are sounding the alarm that the AUKUS submarine program is at risk of delays due to insufficient investment in upgrading the BAE Systems shipyard in Barrow, England, where the submarines will be built. If upgrades continue to slip, it could have serious consequences for UK national security and damage credibility with AUKUS partners.

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Chinese naval base with dock, support ships, and Harbin destroyer DDG-112 showing wear and decommissioning preparations.

China's Harbin Destroyer Set for Decommissioning

The Harbin Destroyer, a stalwart of China's naval fleet for nearly three decades, is poised to meet its final voyage as it is widely expected to be decommissioned. Its retirement will likely pave the way for the introduction of newer, more advanced vessels, such as the proposed 12th Type 055.

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Pakistan Navy personnel overlooks a fleet of warships and support vessels docked in a harbor.

Pakistan Navy Evolves with Expanded Surface Fleet Capabilities

The Pakistan Navy has set its sights on a formidable fleet of over 50 ships, including 20 major surface vessels, a goal that has driven nearly two decades of strategic shipbuilding and modernization efforts. This ambitious vision has been taking shape since 2007, with a focus on replacing aging vessels with cutting-edge, cost-effective platforms.

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Tejas light combat aircraft on a production line with Indian Air Force personnel and technicians working in the background.

India's Air Force Boosts Indigenous Fighter Production

The Indian Air Force is taking a major leap forward with a significant boost to its indigenous fighter production, a crucial move to strengthen its defense capabilities. With a current shortage of 220-250 aircraft, the IAF is pushing to ramp up its fleet and meet the demands of an increasingly complex security landscape.

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Chinese guided-missile destroyer docked at US Navy base in San Diego.

China's DDG 112 Makes Historic US Port Call

On March 21, 1997, the Chinese Navy's DDG 112 made history with its first-ever port call in the continental United States, docking at a US Navy base in San Diego. This milestone marked a significant moment in the ship's operational history.

Analyst 207
Naval ship operates in calm Indo-Pacific waters with distant island chain.

China's Military Expands Across Indo-Pacific

China's military expansion across the Indo-Pacific is bolstered by its massive coast guard, which plays a starring role in projecting power while masquerading as a law-enforcement agency. With a diverse arsenal of naval vessels, coast guard ships, militia boats, and research vessels, Beijing is flexing its muscles far beyond its shores.

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A cargo ship passes through the Strait of Hormuz under a calm sky with scattered clouds, with a subtle naval presence in…

Iran Proposes Deal to Open Strait of Hormuz, End War

Iran has made a bold move, proposing a deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and bring an end to the war, but with the US holding all the cards, the odds are against it. The surprising offer, delivered via Pakistan, prioritizes lifting the naval blockade and reopening the strait, with nuclear talks to follow later.

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Professionals gather around a large table in a bright planning room with whiteboards, maps, and laptops.

Risk Informed: New Framework Integrates Assessment into Cognitive Ops Design

In cognitive operations, risk multiplies rapidly, making every design decision a high-stakes game - which is why integrating risk assessment into Cognitive Ops Design is a crucial step that can't be ignored. By acknowledging the unpredictable ripple effects of cognitive ops, you can proactively bake risk assessment into your strategy.

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Military personnel discuss strategy around a large Indo-Pacific map display.

Australia's Defence Hinges on Northern Systems Overhaul

Can Canberra turn northern Australia into a cohesive defence powerhouse, or will it remain a disjointed patchwork that crumbles under pressure? The Northern Territory is poised to become the operational backbone of Australia's defence strategy, with Darwin, Tindal, and Katherine leading the charge.

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