Tag: national security
2618 articles
US Space Command Seeks Kinetic Fires to Establish Space Superiority
The US Space Command is on a mission to dominate space - and they're seeking a game-changing arsenal of kinetic firepower to get there. To win wars and restore credible deterrence, Gen. Stephen Whiting says the US needs a powerful mix of kinetic and non-kinetic capabilities.
China Explores Glide Kit Tech for H-6K Bombers
China is taking a cue from Russia's playbook and exploring glide kit technology to upgrade its H-6K bombers, giving them a potentially game-changing boost in strike capability. This move comes as Russia's use of UMPK glide kits in Ukraine has shown the effectiveness of converting unguided bombs into longer-range, semi-smart munitions.
Foreign Arms Makers Abandon Pakistan Deals Amid Concerns Over Unlicensed Maintenance, Security Controls
Pakistan's defence market is becoming increasingly reliant on China, with a whopping 80% of its major arms imports coming from the country between 2021 and 2025. This dominant share has jumped from 73% in the previous five-year period, solidifying China's position as Pakistan's top arms supplier.
US Space Command Urges Evolution in Protecting Space Assets
The US Space Command is pushing for a major upgrade in protecting its space assets, driven by a key lesson from recent conflicts: fixed infrastructure is a sitting duck for enemy attacks. Gen. Stephen Whiting cites Iranian drone and missile strikes during Epic Fury, which damaged multiple radar sites and exposed the vulnerability of high-value systems.
Defence Bolsters Coastal Resilience in Cocos Islands Push
The Australian Department of Defence is investing over A$500 million in the Cocos Islands, a move that not only boosts military capability but also underscores the critical importance of preserving the islands' marine environment to ensure the long-term survival of this significant infrastructure project. By upgrading the runway, port facilities, and supporting infrastructure on West Island, Defence is enhancing maritime security and awareness in the region.
NORAD General Warns of Homeland Drone Vulnerabilities
A chilling warning from a top US Air Force general: our homeland is vulnerable to drone threats, and it's a problem that's already here, happening now. The alarming reality was starkly illustrated on December 6, 2023, when multiple drones buzzed Langley Air Force Base, exposing a gaping security gap.
Pentagon Presses Defense Boards for Briefings
The Pentagon is shaking things up by asking defense company boards to come in for in-person briefings, a highly unusual move that's got industry insiders talking. Deputy Defense Secretary Stephen Feinberg's request has raised eyebrows, as top executives typically handle these conversations, not entire boards.
US Space Command Seeks Kinetic, Non-Kinetic Weapons for Space Superiority
US Space Command is on a mission to win wars - and to do that, they need a game-changing arsenal of kinetic and non-kinetic space superiority weapons, says Gen. Stephen Whiting. The commander's top priorities include integrated space fires and countering satellite constellations to restore credible deterrence.
Judge Blocks Trump Mail-In Voting Directive Again
A federal judge has once again blocked President Trump's executive order on mail-in voting, reaffirming that the executive branch has no authority to regulate elections. Judge Indira Talwani issued a second injunction, providing clarity for the millions of citizens who rely on mail voting ahead of the midterms.
US Military Must Merge Missile Warning and Defense Systems
The lines between missile warning and defense are blurring, and it's time for the US military to merge its systems - Lt. Gen. Rick Zellman says the distinction is almost obsolete. Evolving missile tech is forcing a rethink on how the military senses, shares, and acts on missile-related data.
Golden Dome Missile Defense Program Faces Funding Crisis
The Golden Dome missile defense program is on shaky ground, with its leader, Gen. Michael Guetlein, issuing a stark warning that its survival hinges on Congress resolving a funding crisis sparked by a White House budgeting decision. If funding isn't secured, the program could be at risk of disappearing altogether.
Japan Weighs Limits of US Nuclear Umbrella
As Japan's leaders gathered to commemorate the 81st anniversaries of the atomic bombings, a subtle yet significant shift in tone revealed a growing strategic dilemma: can Tokyo balance its commitment to the Three Non-Nuclear Principles with a more pragmatic approach to security? Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae's emphasis on a "realistic and practical" approach sparked a contrast with Mayor Suzuki Shiro of Nagasaki, who urged an unequivocal commitment to the principles.
Defense Industry Targets Affordable Munitions Mass Production
We're at a critical juncture where combat power hinges on rapidly delivering advanced capabilities at scale - and L3Harris is rising to the challenge with affordable munitions production. With a proven track record of delivering over 1,200 unmanned aerial vehicles and completing more than 50 successful flight tests, the company is poised to revolutionize mass production.
Australia Urged to Join Defence Bank as Rules Take Shape
Australia is being urged to join the Defence Security Bank, a proposed multilateral lender that will boost allied defence capabilities by mobilising private finance for defence manufacturers and their suppliers. By backing the bank, Australia can help strengthen its own defence industry and play a key role in supporting global security.
Australian Defence Force Accelerates Domain Integration
The next conflict could start in space or cyber, making domain integration a top priority, as Lieutenant General Susan Coyle emphasised at ASPI's 2026 Defence Conference. The Australian Defence Force is on a mission to evolve into a unified force, harnessing the power of five domains to stay ahead of emerging threats.
US Army Neutralizes Over 1,400 Iranian Missiles, Drones
The US Army has successfully neutralized over 1,400 Iranian missiles and drones in the largest air and missile defense fight in US history, a 14-month campaign led by Lt. Gen. John Rafferty that saw unprecedented action against ballistic, cruise, and unmanned aerial threats.
Golden Dome Missile Defense Shield Faces Funding Impasse
The Golden Dome missile defense shield is at a crossroads, with Gen. Michael Guetlein warning that without a resolved funding pathway, the program simply won't exist. Its future hinges on securing a topline appropriation, as a continuing resolution won't suffice.
US Army Targets Integrated Training for Emerging Laser Defenses
The US Army is working to integrate emerging laser defenses into its training programs, but faces a significant challenge in implementing the technology across its organizations and training systems. Lt. Gen. John Rafferty emphasizes the need for a balanced approach that gives equal importance to traditional interceptors and non-kinetic options like lasers and high-powered microwaves.
Golden Dome Program Faces Funding Crunch
The US military's Golden Dome program is staring down a funding crisis, with development potentially grinding to a halt as early as October if Congress doesn't step in with extra cash. Without swift action from lawmakers, the program's future is uncertain.
US Navy Unveils Seabed Espionage Submarine Variant
Meet the US Navy's latest game-changer: a stealthy submarine designed to dominate the seabed, equipped with cutting-edge tech for unparalleled underwater espionage and warfare capabilities. One variant will even ditch its Virginia Payload Module for a singular focus on subsea and seabed warfare.
Pentagon Urged to Address CYBERCOM Mental Health Strains
The alarming cluster of up to five suicides among Cyber Operations Forces demands immediate attention, and Joshua Stiefel warns that treating it as just another crisis would be a grave mistake. The rapid succession of losses within this tight-knit community underscores the urgent need for a more comprehensive approach to address the mental health strains on CYBERCOM personnel.
US Bolsters Air Defenses as Trump Golfs Amid Heightened Threats
As President Trump tees off at his New Jersey golf course, the US is ramping up its air defenses - a move that's especially timely, given the heightened threat landscape. Meanwhile, Trump jokes about missile threats, seemingly unfazed, with a Humvee-mounted Avenger air defense system visible just behind him.
US Army Urges Comprehensive Missile Defense Overhaul Amid Stockpile Strains
The US Army needs a major missile defense overhaul, and simply stockpiling more interceptors won't cut it, says Lt. Gen. John Rafferty, who is calling for a comprehensive missile defeat strategy.
Joby Expands Defense Ambitions with $500 Million Resonant Sciences Buy
Joby Aviation is bolstering its defense ambitions with a $500 million acquisition of Resonant Sciences, a military-technology firm that brings cutting-edge tech and trusted customer relationships to the table. The deal, expected to close in the first half of 2027, will make Resonant Sciences Joby's new defense business.