Skip to main content

National Security

Academics work and walk in a university setting with a subtle hint of a connection to China in the background.

MI5 Warns Academics Over Unwitting Role in China's Espionage Plans

Beware: over 100 UK academics have unknowingly contributed to projects backed by a Chinese institute that's secretly boosting China's espionage capabilities. MI5 has sounded the alarm, warning researchers about the China General Technology Research Institute's true ties to China's Ministry of State Security.

Analyst 207
US military officer in formal attire sits at desk with serious expression.

White House Taps Lt. Gen. Miller to Lead US Space Command

The White House is making a major move in the US space military with the nomination of Lt. Gen. David Miller to lead US Space Command, a key role that could revolutionize how the US military prepares for space warfare. With 200 personnel set to be in place by year's end, all eyes are on Miller's leadership to shape the future of US space defense.

Analyst 207
Professionals in formal attire discuss and present at a government agency briefing table.

DIA Unveils Framework to Gauge Foreign Military's Will to Fight

The Defense Intelligence Agency has just unveiled a groundbreaking framework to assess a foreign military's "will to fight" - a crucial yet elusive factor that can make or break their combat effectiveness. This innovative tool aims to help analysts and policymakers better understand what drives a military's determination to engage in battle.

Analyst 207
US Navy aircraft carrier underway in open ocean with visible wake and cloudy sky.

US Aircraft Carriers Deploy to Middle East Amid Heightened Tensions

The USS Theodore Roosevelt, a Nimitz-class flagship, has set sail from San Diego Bay on a high-stakes mission to the Middle East, where it will relieve one of two US aircraft carriers currently supporting operations against Iran. This strategic deployment comes amid heightened tensions in the region.

Analyst 207
Small aircraft carrier docked in harbor with cityscape behind, showcasing its compact size.

Indonesia Weighs Risks of Aging Aircraft Carrier Acquisition

Indonesia's acquisition of the KRI Sriwijaya, a compact aircraft carrier with a storied past, presents a crucial decision: will it become a versatile hub for amphibious operations and drone innovation, or a costly relic, relegated to harbor duty? The nation's choices on equipping, modernizing, and sustaining the ship will ultimately determine its fate.

Analyst 207
Indonesian naval vessel sails through calm South China Sea waters at dawn.

Indonesia Fortifies Maritime Stance Against China's Expanding Influence

Indonesia is strengthening its maritime stance to counter China's growing influence in the South China Sea, but experts argue that the country still lacks a clear strategy for maritime cooperation. Under President Prabowo Subianto, Indonesia is walking a tightrope, prioritizing economic ties with China while navigating the complex web of territorial claims in the South China Sea.

Analyst 207
Sailors gather near an EA-18G Growler jet on the flight deck of an aircraft carrier.

Navy Probes EA-18G Growler Mishap Aboard USS Eisenhower

A dramatic scene unfolded off the Virginia coast on Monday evening when an EA-18G Growler jet experienced an arresting gear failure while attempting to land on the USS Eisenhower, forcing its crew to make an emergency ejection. Fortunately, the pilots were quickly recovered by search-and-rescue teams and returned safely to the ship, with only minor injuries reported among the eight sailors evaluated.

Analyst 207
Guided-missile destroyer docked at naval base, surrounded by cheering crowds, with harbor and ocean in background.

Navy Destroyer Petersen Jr. Confronts Iranian Threats in 40-Day Combat Stint

Meet the Navy's newest destroyer, the Petersen, which just wrapped up a 40-day combat stint against Iranian threats and kept dozens of ships safe from missile and drone attacks. The USS Frank E. Petersen Jr. returned home to a hero's welcome after a 10-month deployment that took it over 85,000 nautical miles and through 45 replenishments at sea.

Analyst 207
Royal Australian Navy Huon-class minehunters docked in a harbor on a cloudy day.

Australia's Mine Countermeasures Capability Eroding

Australia's ability to tackle sea mines has taken a hit, with its dedicated mine countermeasures force dwindling from six to just two ageing vessels, now barely holding on as a viable defence capability. The Royal Australian Navy has been forced to rely on a skeletal fleet, leaving a gaping gap in its coastal defence strategy.

Analyst 207
Military officers in discussion around a table, gesturing and looking at a large screen or whiteboard.

Australian Army Targets Institutional Adaptation Deficit

The Australian Army has a highly skilled and tech-savvy workforce, but can it harness this potential to drive continuous adaptation and stay ahead of the curve, or will the pressure of conflict force its hand? The key to success lies in developing strategic fitness – the ability to recognise change, make informed decisions, and learn from the results.

Analyst 207
Australian mining landscape with processing facility and industrial machinery under a clear blue sky.

Australia's Rare-Earths Push Targets Downstream Supply Chain Gaps

Australia is poised to shake up the rare earths market with a new wave of projects set to start production between 2027 and 2030, filling gaps in the downstream supply chain. Several projects have already secured key partnerships, paving the way for a surge in output and a significant boost to the country's rare earths industry.

Analyst 207
Royal Brunei Air Force technician walks past hangars with modern fast-jet in foreground.

Brunei Weighs Fast-Jet Options Amid Rising Regional Security Threats

As Brunei faces growing security threats in the region, its 60-year-old air force is gearing up to respond with a key upgrade: a squadron of fast-jet combat aircraft to safeguard its airspace and economic zone. This move is part of a broader strategy to adapt to emerging challenges, from major power rivalries to rapid technological advancements.

Analyst 207
Damaged building with missile fragment amidst debris under a cloudy sky.

Missile Wars Expose Proxies' Vulnerability

Some weeks pack a decades' worth of drama, and this summer has been one of them - a tumultuous period marked by the intense missile wars between Ukraine and Russia.

Analyst 207
Military personnel inspect and handle a shoulder-fired missile system in a rural setting.

Foreign Missile Spotted in Russian Air Defense Arsenal

Russia's air defense arsenal just got a mysterious upgrade, with state TV footage revealing a shoulder-fired missile system dubbed "Iva" that's unlike any familiar Russian tech - and experts suspect it may have Chinese, Iranian, or hybrid origins. The surprising display was caught on camera in Rostov Oblast, near the Ukraine border.

Analyst 207
US naval vessel underway in Strait of Hormuz with military personnel on inflatable boat.

Marines Targeted in Iranian Missile Attack on Mystery Vessel

Eight US Marines were injured in a shocking Iranian missile attack on a mystery vessel in the Strait of Hormuz two weeks ago, with seven enlisted and one officer suffering smoke inhalation and concussion-like symptoms. Fortunately, all eight Marines recovered quickly and returned to duty.

Analyst 207
British government officials in formal attire hold a discreet meeting in a modest conference room.

UK Convenes Secret Briefings to Warn Defense CEOs of Russian Threats

The UK government is sounding the alarm on a significant threat from Russia, warning defense and critical infrastructure leaders to be vigilant. Top officials will hold secret briefings with CEOs to share intelligence on the growing danger.

Analyst 207
Officials attend a ceremony on the dock beside a moored Indonesian aircraft carrier.

Indonesia Grapples with Aircraft Carrier's Operational Limits

Indonesia's newest aircraft carrier, now christened KRI Sriwijaya, has officially joined the Indonesian Navy's fleet after a formal handover ceremony at Tanjung Priok Port in Jakarta. The vessel's arrival marks a significant milestone, with senior leaders in attendance to welcome the ship and celebrate its new identity.

Analyst 207
Damaged US Navy Seawolf-class submarine docked at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard.

Navy Delays USS Connecticut Submarine Repairs Until 2027

The USS Connecticut submarine, damaged in a 2021 collision with an underwater seamount in the South China Sea, won't be back in action until 2027, after a lengthy repair process at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard. The submarine underwent a series of voyages to reach the repair site, stopping in Guam and San Diego along the way.

Analyst 207
Chinese military aircraft on island runway with coastal defenses in background.

China's PLA Expands Reach with Woody Island Drills

China's military is expanding its presence in the South China Sea with strategic drills on Woody Island, giving its aircraft a significant boost in reach and patrol time. By operating from Woody Island, China's aircraft can cover an additional 600 km round-trip compared to launching from Hainan, a major advantage in terms of fuel efficiency and coverage.

Analyst 207
Chinese naval landing craft docked at a pier with earthy color scheme and defensive armament.

PLA Ground Force Expands Littoral Capabilities

Meet the Type 271-mod LCU, an 800-ton landing craft utility that's packing a punch with two twin 14.5mm mounts, and is surprisingly reappearing in service with the PLA Ground Force's Southern Theater Command. This revamped vessel is geared up for short-range logistical missions, boasting a light defensive suite to get the job done.

Analyst 207
Serene coastal cityscape with naval base, ships, and industrial infrastructure.

China's Taiwan Gambit Exposes Nuclear Dilemma with Japan

A Chinese takeover of Taiwan could spark a nuclear showdown with Japan, prompting Tokyo to rapidly develop nuclear capabilities - a daunting prospect that should give Beijing serious pause. Japan's latent nuclear capacity and recent signals from Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi suggest a seismic shift in the region's power dynamics.

Analyst 207
Armed police officers stand near a cordoned area with police tape, with vehicles and a large aircraft visible in the…

UK Police Foil Suspected Terror Plot Near US Bomber Base

Gloucestershire Constabulary sprang into action early Sunday, declaring a major incident and making five arrests after intercepting three suspicious vehicles heading towards a US bomber base, RAF Fairford. The situation is now under control, with a 400-metre cordon in place and the men in custody on suspicion of explosives offenses.

Analyst 207
Cargo ship with shipping containers at sea near a Chinese warship.

China Blurs Lines Between Civilian, Military Logistics at Sea

China is blurring the lines between civilian and military logistics at sea, using commercially owned ships to perform support tasks traditionally reserved for naval vessels. Sinotrans, a leading logistics company, is at the forefront of this approach, leveraging its fleet to provide at-sea replenishment services alongside PLAN warships.

Analyst 207
A dimly lit industrial room with a slightly ajar metal cabinet and a worn leather briefcase nearby.

US Cyber Arsenal Depleted Fast in Modern Conflict

The US cyber arsenal is being rapidly depleted in modern conflicts, leaving military leaders scrambling to regenerate and develop new capabilities. Vice Adm. Heidi Berg warns that high-value cyber effects can be consumed quickly, creating a strategic constraint that demands urgent attention.

Analyst 207