Tag: geopolitics
752 articles
Australia Urged to Embrace Semi-Autonomous Systems to Counter China
Imagine being able to develop and deploy game-changing products on the battlefield in just a matter of weeks - that's the power of speed, scale, and continuous adaptation that Ukraine's unique ecosystem has harnessed, and which Australia is being urged to adopt. By embracing semi-autonomous systems, Australia could revolutionize its defence capabilities and stay ahead of emerging threats.
ITAR Restrictions Squeeze US Defense Sales Overseas
US defense sales abroad are getting squeezed by ITAR restrictions, prompting some European firms to rethink their approach to buying American-made weapons. They're increasingly opting for alternatives that don't rely on US-controlled parts.
Ukraine's Drone War Exposes Misguided Lessons
The game-changer in modern warfare isn't a single, cutting-edge drone, but a dynamic network of specialized, interconnected unmanned systems that work together to outsmart and outmaneuver adversaries. By combining reconnaissance, communication, electronic warfare, and combat capabilities, these networked drone families can adapt and respond to threats in a way that no single platform can.
NATO Treats Defence Industry as Deterrence Tool
NATO's recent summit in Ankara marked a significant shift in its approach to the defence industry, now viewing it as a powerful tool of deterrence, not just a means of procurement. The Strategy for Industry–NATO Cooperation, endorsed by all 32 allies, aims to boost industrial capacity as a key operational capability.
Australia's Defence Readiness Crisis Sparks Calls for Candid Public Debate
A major regional war could be "brought to our doorstep" with devastating consequences, warns Senator James Paterson, calling for a candid public debate on Australia's defence readiness crisis. Canberra's leaders have acknowledged the problem, but have yet to be honest with the public about the full extent of the risks.
Iran Targets US Water Systems in Multi-State Cyberattacks
A recent cyberattack on US water systems, potentially linked to Iran, has sparked a heated debate, with some officials downplaying the incident and shifting blame. Fortunately, it appears that no significant damage was done, but the incident is still under investigation.
Defense Execs Downplay Pentagon Budget Uncertainty
RTX CEO Chris Calio says there's bipartisan support for boosting munitions and key capabilities, despite budget chatter, giving defense execs reason for optimism. The Pentagon's FY27 request, totaling $1.15 trillion in base budget spending, aims to further ramp up defense-related funding.
US Defense Firms Face Growing ITAR Hurdles in Europe
European countries are pushing for greater autonomy in defense procurement, seeking to buy, sell, and operate military systems without being bound by US export controls, specifically the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). The ITAR "see-through rule" is a major pain point, allowing US regulators to track and control American-made components even when they're integrated into foreign-built systems.
Iran War Reshapes Regional Arms Sales Dynamics
Get an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the Farnborough Airshow as Breaking Defense's Multimedia Director Daniel Woolfolk takes you on a tour of the grounds. In this episode of The Break Out, Daniel gives you a firsthand glimpse of the action on the show floor.
Italy Deploys 700 Troops to Gulf in Secretive Military Mission
Italy has made a significant move in the Gulf region, deploying around 700 troops in a covert military operation to boost surveillance and defense against Iranian threats. This substantial show of force marks one of Italy's most notable Gulf deployments in years.
Senators Warn of AI Security Risks from US Policy Unpredictability
US senators are warning that the unpredictable approach to AI security is undermining America's competitiveness and inadvertently driving businesses to adopt Chinese alternatives, which could create new security risks. This lack of clarity is prompting concerns that customers may be pushed towards less secure options.
Iran and Oman Forge Deal to Control Strait of Hormuz Transit
Iran and Oman are cooking up a plan to shake up shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, with vessels entering the Persian Gulf taking one route near Iran's coast and those leaving taking another near Oman. The proposed deal would also involve service fees to cover environmental impact, cargo security, and more.
Japan Warns of China's Deepening Military Reach in Pacific
China's military reach is expanding at an alarming rate, with the People's Liberation Army now actively projecting power into the Pacific beyond the First Island Chain, a development that Japan's government has identified as a critical threat to its peace and security.
US, Allies Scramble to Disrupt China's Critical Mineral Dominance
China's grip on critical minerals has sent shockwaves through the market, with prices skyrocketing 250 percent since Beijing introduced export controls in April 2025 - and the threat of a sudden flood of supply looms large, as China can flip the switch and crush prices at any moment.
Australia's China Strategy Requires New Questions
It's time for Australia to shake up its China strategy by asking a new question: what actions will truly advance the country's national interests? Instead of getting stuck in a friend-or-foe debate, Australia should focus on what really matters - its own prosperity and security.
US Navy Struggles to Reopen Strait of Hormuz
The Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway, has been crippled, with traffic plummeting to just 10 percent of its normal volume, leaving around 500 merchant ships stranded in the Gulf. This severe disruption has inflicted immense economic and strategic damage, forcing extraordinary political decisions, including President Trump's sudden reversal on a military strike.
US Aircraft Carriers Deploy Across Indo-Pacific, Middle East
The USS George Washington's visit to Vietnam marks a milestone in the growing US-Vietnam relationship, showcasing the US Navy's capabilities and commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific. As Capt. Nicholas DeLeo noted, the ship's presence represents a stronger bond between the two nations across a wide range of interests.
RIMPAC Exercise Tests Cutting-Edge US Military Tech
The RIMPAC exercise is the ultimate proving ground for cutting-edge US military tech, where forces can test and refine innovative technologies in a real-world setting. This year's exercise is pushing the boundaries by integrating uncrewed systems with manned forces, making it harder for adversaries to keep up.
China Preserves Sovereignty Disputes as Strategic Assets
China has consistently maintained that a decade-old tribunal ruling, which rejected the legal basis for its claims within the nine-dash line, is "null and void" - a stance that has remained unchanged despite ongoing criticism and diplomatic pressure. This unwavering position highlights the strategic value Beijing places on sovereignty disputes.
North Korea's Naval Buildup Complicates Allied Planning in Indo-Pacific
North Korea's rapidly advancing naval capabilities are raising eyebrows among allied planners in the Indo-Pacific, with a focus on complicating and consuming their attention rather than engaging in a traditional blue-water war. At the forefront is the 5,000-tonne Choe Hyon-class destroyer series, unveiled in 2024, touted as a multi-role powerhouse with advanced anti-air, anti-ship, and land-attack capabilities.
Pentagon Moves to Ease Industry Burden on Critical Mineral Restrictions
The Pentagon is giving industries a break, offering a phased approach to ease restrictions on critical minerals sourced from China and other prohibited countries, with a deadline to adapt by early 2027. They're also pledging to collaborate with companies to ensure a smooth transition.
China Asserts Maritime Ambitions as Global Attention Wanes
China is redefining its maritime boundaries, subtly challenging the UN's Law of the Sea framework by downplaying its significance as the sole authority, instead positioning it as just one of several key players in global ocean governance. This reinterpretation marks a notable shift in China's approach to maritime law.
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.
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.