Tag: national security
1742 articles
Australia's Defence Strategy Shifts Focus to Self-Reliance
In a world that's grown increasingly perilous, Australia is taking a bold new approach to defence, shifting its focus to self-reliance while strengthening partnerships with trusted allies. The 2026 National Defence Strategy and its $425 billion spending plan prioritise cutting-edge capabilities to safeguard the nation and support regional partners.
US Aircraft Carriers Deploy in Force Across Middle East
In a historic display of military strength, the US has deployed not one, not two, but three aircraft carriers to the Middle East - a triple-carrier strike that hasn't been seen since the 2003 Iraq War. This unprecedented show of force brings a whopping 14 acres of US territory to the region, with the George H.W. Bush, Abraham Lincoln, and Gerald R. Ford carrier strike groups leading the charge.
Australia Must Prepare for Wars of the Future
As we honour the fallen on Anzac Day with solemn words like "lest we forget," we must also confront a harsh reality: our nation's tribute to the past shouldn't overshadow the need to prepare for the wars of the future. By doing so, we can ensure that their sacrifice wasn't in vain.
US Navy Authorized to Destroy Iranian Mine-Laying Boats
The US Navy has been given the green light to take out Iranian fast boats that try to lay mines or disrupt shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth warned that lethal force will be used if necessary to protect passage through the critical waterway.
US Forces Disrupt Iranian Mine-Laying in Strait of Hormuz
US forces are actively working to disrupt and deter Iranian efforts to lay mines in the Strait of Hormuz, with operations underway to safeguard this critical waterway. The mission, driven by top-level orders, aims to prevent further Iranian aggression.
Space Force Awards $3.2 Billion for Golden Dome Interceptors
The Space Force is taking a giant leap in missile defense, awarding $3.2 billion to 12 top companies to develop cutting-edge, space-based interceptors for the Golden Dome program, aimed at outpacing rapidly advancing threats. This move accelerates the development of innovative solutions to counter modern missile threats.
Community Forum Opens on Uncovered Security Topics
Get ready to go behind the scenes of a high-stakes simulation that put Airmen and first responders to the test! A recent exercise at a U.S. Central Command base challenged teams to respond quickly and effectively during a simulated attack.
US Deployments Bolster Middle East Military Presence
In a historic move, the US has amassed an unprecedented show of force in the Middle East, with not one, not two, but three aircraft carriers operating simultaneously for the first time in decades. The formidable fleet, comprising over 200 aircraft and 15,000 Sailors and Marines, is a powerful display of naval might.
New Spy Power Bill Sparks Criticism Over Surveillance Reforms
Critics are slamming the House GOP's latest bid to extend a contentious surveillance authority, calling it a hollow attempt at reform. The bill, proposed by Speaker Mike Johnson, would extend Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act for three years with minimal changes.
Trump Urged to Extract Nuclear Weapons from DOE Oversight
It's time to rethink the oversight of US nuclear weapons - experts Franklin C. Miller and Frank A. Rose argue that stripping the National Nuclear Security Administration from the Department of Energy and making it an independent agency could restore clarity, speed, and accountability to nuclear stewardship. This bold move could be the key to ensuring the nation's nuclear deterrence is effective and efficient.
Pentagon Anchors Future in Space with Next-Gen Satellite Network
The US military is betting big on space, with a next-gen satellite network set to revolutionize communications, missile defense, and strategic operations. Satellites have become the backbone of US military planning, enabling a more resilient and distributed force.
CISA Warns of Persistent Cisco Backdoor on Federal Networks
The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has detected a sneaky backdoor, dubbed Firestarter, lurking on federal networks, which may not have been fully eliminated by Cisco's recent patches. Federal agencies are now on high alert, urged to hunt for this stealthy malware that could compromise their networks.
Netherlands Confronts Mounting National Security Threats from Russia, China
The Netherlands is facing its most severe national security threat in 80 years, with Russia and China emerging as the primary sources of pressure, according to the country's domestic intelligence service. This prolonged and multi-directional threat has been described as the gravest national security threat since World War Two.
CISA Uncovers Firestarter Backdoor in Federal Network
The Firestarter backdoor was a masterfully crafted threat that allowed attackers to maintain secret access to compromised networks even after they'd been updated, essentially giving them a backdoor key to re-enter without having to exploit new vulnerabilities. This sneaky tactic left victims vulnerable to repeat attacks, highlighting the need for robust cybersecurity measures.
US-Indonesia Ties Pivot to High-Stakes Partnership
The US-Indonesia partnership has leveled up, shifting from a focus on shared values to a high-stakes game of mutual benefit, where critical minerals, supply chains, and defense capabilities are on the table. The question is, can this new transactional relationship deliver the real results both countries are counting on?
Japan Rearms, But Taiwan's Defense Remains Uncertain
As Japan bolsters its defenses, concerns linger about Taiwan's uncertain future - and it's easy to see why, given their precarious locations in a volatile neighbourhood. With its recent fleet expansions, Japan is clearly taking steps to protect itself, but what about its vulnerable neighbour?
UK Bans Journalists from Digital ID Forum
The UK government is calling on ordinary citizens to share their thoughts on a proposed Digital ID system, and you don't need to be an expert to join the conversation. Around 36,000 people have been invited to participate in the People's Panel on Digital ID, which will involve in-person meetings and online sessions to discuss how a Digital ID system should be designed for the UK.
China Builds Covert Hacker Networks with Compromised Routers
China-nexus cyber actors have dramatically changed their game, ditching solo operations for massive networks of hacked devices - and it's a threat you need to know about. A joint advisory from top cyber agencies worldwide warns of this new tactic, urging vigilance in the face of large-scale cyber attacks.
Pentagon Pushes Modular Defense Acquisition With Multi-Sourcing, MOSA
The Department of Defense is shaking up its acquisition strategy with a bold move towards modular defense, embracing multi-sourcing and MOSA to boost resilience and reduce costs. By enforcing a "two-for-production" standard, it's aiming to revive second sourcing for critical content and break the habit of single-source suppliers.
DOD Invests $1 Billion in L3Harris Missile Unit Ahead of IPO
The Defense Department has just pumped $1 billion into L3Harris Technologies' missile-making unit, a strategic investment that sets the stage for a potential IPO. This major infusion of capital not only solidifies the DOD's stake but also gives them a built-in option to increase their ownership if the unit goes public.
Army Explores Apache Helicopters as Counter-Drone Solution
A single idea from a seasoned warrant officer is revolutionizing the Army's approach to counter-drone warfare - and it all started with a bold proposal to repurpose Apache helicopters as drone hunters. This innovative concept has sparked a program of experimentation, Operation Flyswatter, which aims to provide a more economical and effective solution to combating unmanned aerial systems.
Australia Confronts Neurotechnology's Military Frontier
As China stakes its claim on brain-computer interfaces as a future industry, Australia is faced with a pressing policy question: how will it respond to the emerging military frontier of neurotechnology? Beijing's bold move signals a new era of strategic competition, where the human brain is the ultimate domain.
US Targets Iran's Small Boats in Escalating Strait of Hormuz Conflict
President Donald Trump has ordered the US Navy to take drastic action against Iranian small boats laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz, vowing to shoot and kill any vessels involved. The US is also ramping up demining efforts in the strategic waterway, tripling its operations to ensure safe passage.
Iran's IRGC Consolidates Power, Shuns US Talks
Behind the scenes, a powerful force is driving Iran's tough stance - and it's not what you might think. A new generation of hardline commanders has taken the reins within the IRGC, making diplomatic efforts like Pakistan's mediation a tough nut to crack.