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National Security

Australian Army officers and officials discuss defence plans around a table with a large Northern Territory map on the wall.

Australia's Army, Northern Territory Align on Defence Implementation

The Australian Army and Northern Territory government are joining forces to drive defence implementation, with a shared vision for a stronger national defence. The Army's 2026 contribution to the National Defence Strategy outlines a bold plan to transform land forces for littoral operations and long-range effects.

Analyst 207
Damaged dock and vessel at Egyptian port with smoldering area and drone nearby.

Iran Targets Egyptian Mediterranean Port in Drone Strike

Egypt's government has confirmed that a drone strike hit the Mediterranean port of Damietta on July 29, with investigations revealing that the incident involved two vessels, but no one has claimed responsibility yet. The authorities are still working to uncover the full circumstances of the attack.

Analyst 207
US Air Force base with F-15E fighter jets parked on tarmac and personnel in background.

Air Force Realigns F-15E Fleet

Big news for Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri: it's been selected as the new home for a 24-aircraft F-15E Strike Eagle mission, a critical move that will preserve the Air Force Reserve's combat capabilities. This development follows the Department of the Air Force's approval of the enterprise definition and site survey criteria.

Analyst 207
JL-10 trainer aircraft parked on island airstrip with turquoise sea and coral reefs in background.

PLAAF Deploys JL-10 Trainers to South China Sea Patrols

The PLAAF has started deploying JL-10 twin-seat advanced trainers to patrol the waters around Huangyan Island, also known as Scarborough Shoal, in a move that suggests a strategic basing decision rather than a one-off visit. This development reflects a deliberate operational choice, balancing the challenges of island aviation with the need for effective airspace control.

Analyst 207
Military personnel from various countries gather at a coastal defense facility in the Indo-Pacific region.

Australia Shifts Focus to Regional Security Amid US Uncertainty

As uncertainty grows around US involvement, countries in the Indo-Pacific are rethinking their security strategies and turning to each other for stability. A recent Chinese missile test in the South Pacific has heightened tensions, prompting regional nations to diversify their alliances and seek protection through collective security arrangements.

Analyst 207
Commercial ship transits Strait of Hormuz with Iranian military presence in distance.

Airpower Fails to Secure Hormuz Despite Dominance in Iranian Skies

Despite the Defense Secretary's boast of a historic win, Iranian drones and missiles are still shutting down the Strait of Hormuz to commercial traffic, exposing a gaping hole in airpower's ability to secure the vital waterway. The US military's impressive destruction of Iran's navy and defense infrastructure has failed to translate to control of the skies and seas.

Analyst 207
Government official reviews documents beside shipping containers at a busy Australian port.

Australia Urged to Audit and Fix Economic Vulnerabilities

Australia's reliance on imports leaves it alarmingly vulnerable, with just 30 days of net-import cover - a far cry from the 90 days recommended by the International Energy Agency. A government-led national audit could be the key to identifying and fixing these weaknesses before it's too late.

Analyst 207
Military officials in formal attire gather around a large table in a briefing room with a projector screen displaying a…

Indonesia's Fighter Jet Gamble Tests ASEAN Ties and Military Cohesion

Indonesia's bold move to acquire combat aircraft from China and Pakistan is testing its delicate balance of military ties with ASEAN and beyond. With its bebas aktif foreign policy, President Prabowo Subianto is walking a tightrope, seeking to stay free and active without taking sides.

Analyst 207
Diplomats from various countries discuss global issues in a modern conference room overlooking a cityscape.

US Allies Steward Global Order Amid Hegemonic Uncertainty

As global uncertainty grows, Japan and Australia are taking bold steps to shore up the international order, with a landmark agreement between the two nations marking a new era of cooperation. By strengthening ties with each other and with the US, key allies are proactively working to preserve a stable world order.

Analyst 207
KC-135 tanker aircraft on a runway with crew chief and ground support equipment.

Air Force Accelerates KC-135 Connectivity Upgrades Amid Iran War

The Air Force has fast-tracked connectivity upgrades for its KC-135 fleet following a deadly tanker crash during Operation Epic Fury, a move driven by urgent safety and operational concerns. This acceleration comes after a tragic incident in March that claimed the lives of six airmen and raised critical questions about the aircraft's battlespace awareness and secure communications.

Analyst 207
AUKUS Workforce Challenge Threatens Submarine Program Success

AUKUS Workforce Challenge Threatens Submarine Program Success

AUKUS is about more than just defence - it's a national endeavour that requires a robust workforce, housing, education, and migration strategy to succeed. Without a skilled workforce, Australia risks failing to build the nuclear submarine capability it needs, warns South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas.

Analyst 207
Congress members and military leaders seated in a formal hearing room with a podium and committee table.

Congress Targets UTS Threat to US Troops' Digital Security

The threat of ubiquitous technical surveillance, or UTS, is a pressing concern for US troops' digital security, with top officials warning it gives adversaries a significant advantage. A unified response from the Department of Defense is now needed to counter this growing danger.

Analyst 207
Military aircraft on a desert runway at dawn or dusk with cloudy sky.

US and Saudis Strike Iraq in Response to Iranian Attacks

In a bold move, the US and Saudi Arabia launched a joint strike on Iran-aligned groups in Iraq, hours after foiling a surprise ballistic missile attack from Iran, with President Trump vowing to take a tough stance, saying the US would fight back with full force. Trump revealed that US forces had just minutes to shoot down the incoming missiles, successfully defending against the attack.

Analyst 207
Large industrial facility with machinery and equipment in foreground and sprawling complex of buildings and storage tanks…

Quad Faces Industrial Capacity Test in Critical Minerals Push

The Quad faces a crucial test of its industrial capacity as it ramps up efforts to secure critical minerals, a challenge that requires more than just abundant resources. Can it catch up with China's strategic edge, built from decades of savvy investment in processing, markets, and integrated industrial policy?

Analyst 207
License plate reader mounted on pole in parking lot with blurred background.

Axon Expands License Plate Surveillance Reach

Municipalities like Denver, Colorado, are taking a closer look at their license plate surveillance systems, making changes that have some questioning whether they're simply swapping one brand for another or making a meaningful shift. Denver is among the cities ditching Flock license-plate reader arrays, but is this a cosmetic change or a step towards reevaluating surveillance priorities?

Analyst 207
Soldiers in uniform stand near military vehicles with lush greenery in the background.

Indonesia's Military Shifts Inward, Testing Australia Defense Pact

Indonesia is shaking up its military strategy, ramping up domestic defenses and putting its Australia defense pact to the test. With plans to establish 750 new territorial development battalions, the country is signaling a significant shift inward.

Analyst 207
Ohio-class submarine docked at naval base with sailors on shore.

US Navy Decommissions Key Missile Submarine Amid Capability Gap

The US Navy is bidding farewell to one of its most powerful submarines, the USS Georgia, a nuclear-powered missile submarine that's served for over 42 years, as it begins its formal inactivation on July 31. This marks the start of the end of its service life, with the submarine ultimately headed for recycling.

Analyst 207
Sleek robotic device sits on plain surface in neutral-colored room.

US Bans Imported Advanced Robots Citing Security Risks

The US has effectively banned the import of foreign-made advanced robots, citing national security risks, in a bid to safeguard its economy, military, and homeland. This move comes as the government recognizes the crucial role advanced robots will play in shaping America's future.

Analyst 207
General speaks at podium in briefing room with Pacific map, officers seated in background.

US Pacific Air Forces Scales Back Exercise Schedule to Preserve Readiness

US Pacific Air Forces is reevaluating its exercise schedule to prioritize readiness in the face of growing global demands, according to Commander Gen. Kevin Schneider. The move aims to strike a balance between readiness and commitments around the world.

Analyst 207
Middle-aged man in business attire sits outdoors with aircraft and airshow activity in the background.

AIA Chief Fanning Assesses US Defense Industry Health

At the Farnborough Airshow, Eric Fanning, AIA Chief, offered a candid assessment of the US defense industry's health, sharing his insights on the budget and its impact on America's defense landscape. With the roar of jets and aerial demos as a backdrop, Fanning's conversation with Breaking Defense Editor-in-Chief Aaron Mehta provided a unique glimpse into the sector's current state.

Analyst 207
B-52 bomber on tarmac with aircraft graveyard in background.

Air Force Weighs Reviving Scrapped B-52 Bombers Amid Operational Demands

The Air Force is considering a bold move: reviving retired B-52 bombers from the Arizona boneyard to meet rising demands on its bomber force. This potential revival is a cautious but practical option, with the Air Force having already explored the feasibility of restoring these aircraft.

Analyst 207
US aircraft carriers with fighter jets and helicopters on deck in calm seas under a clear blue sky.

US Aircraft Carriers Deploy to Key Regions Amid Global Tensions

As global tensions rise, two US aircraft carriers, the USS Abraham Lincoln and USS George H.W. Bush, have been deployed to key regions to support maritime security and stability, joining a surge in naval activity that has seen 17 commercial vessels redirected and several others boarded or disabled. The show of force comes amid a heightened sense of urgency in the Middle East and beyond.

Analyst 207
Rows of missile launchers at a Chinese military base.

China Rapidly Expands Long-Range Nuclear Missile Arsenal

China is rapidly boosting its nuclear arsenal, with over 600 operational warheads stockpiled as of mid-2024, and is expected to surge past 1,000 by 2030, according to Pentagon estimates. This aggressive expansion is driven by the modernization of the People’s Liberation Army Rocket Force, described by the US Department of Defense as the world’s most active and diverse missile development program.

Analyst 207
Submarine underway in open ocean with aircraft carrier in distance, naval base with anti-submarine aircraft and personnel…

RIMPAC Exercise Bolsters Multinational Maritime Defense in Indo-Pacific

This year's RIMPAC exercise is stepping up its undersea warfare game, featuring five submarines and a strong focus on anti-submarine defense to counter growing maritime threats in the Indo-Pacific region. By integrating tactics and systems with international partners, RIMPAC 2026 is bolstering the world's most powerful maritime defense alliance.

Analyst 207