Tag: national security
1710 articles
Democracies Need Critical-Minerals Stockpile Alignment
Democratic governments are taking a proactive approach to securing their critical mineral supplies, with Australia's recent announcement of a Critical Minerals Strategic Reserve being the latest example. This move is part of a growing trend to build resilience and reduce reliance on vulnerable supply chains dominated by a single country.
North Korea Unveils Heavily Armed Frigate With Unusual Machine Gun Array
Witness the awe-inspiring display of North Korea's military might as the Kang Kon frigate unleashes a barrage of 12 strategic cruise missiles and a dizzying array of heavy machine guns. Kim Jong Un personally oversaw the impressive multi-system sea trial, showcasing the vessel's cutting-edge capabilities.
EU Faces Calls to Act as Pegasus Spyware Targets MEP
The discovery of Pegasus spyware on MEP Stelios Kouloglou's phone raises alarming questions about the integrity of Europe's oversight mechanisms, particularly when he was actively investigating spyware abuse by European countries. This incident highlights a disturbing threat to independent scrutiny at the highest levels.
China's J-8I Fighter Marks Maturation of Airpower
Every July 4th, China's J-8I fighter jet celebrates another year of maturity, marking a milestone for the People's Liberation Army Air Force's (PLAAF) trusty Cold War interceptor. Born from China's ambitious pursuit of a high-altitude, high-speed fighter, the J-8I embodies the air-defence demands of the Cold War era.
China Escalates Maritime Pressure on Taiwan with Coast Guard Patrols
China's increased maritime presence, including coast guard patrols and survey ships, is heightening tensions with Taiwan and threatening the stability of the region and international shipping routes. This bold move has sparked concern from diplomatic missions, who warn it could have far-reaching consequences.
China Warns Pacific Allies with Ballistic Missile Test
China fired a warning shot across the bow of its Pacific allies just hours after Australia and Fiji inked a historic defence pact, testing a submarine-launched ballistic missile into the Pacific Ocean. The move has sparked heated debate across the region and raised questions about Beijing's intentions.
France Mandates Quantum-Safe Encryption by 2027
France's cybersecurity agency ANSSI has set a deadline: by 2027, all security products must use quantum-safe encryption to receive certification, with a recommendation for businesses to make the switch by 2030.
KMT Budget Cuts Stifle Taiwan's Drone Defense Push
Taiwan's bid to bolster its drone defense has hit a roadblock after the Kuomintang-led legislature slashed a special military budget from $40 billion to $25 billion, stripping out crucial domestic programs and a plan for 200,000 small drones. This cut threatens to leave Taiwan vulnerable, undermining its goal of becoming a formidable "hedgehog" that can defend itself against threats.
White House Escalates Iran War Spending with $87.6 Billion Supplemental Request
The White House is ramping up its Iran war spending with a staggering $87.6 billion supplemental request, with a whopping $21 billion dedicated to restocking depleted munitions. This massive allocation is part of a broader effort to fuel the war effort, with $67.1 billion going directly to the Pentagon.
Pakistan Air Force Prepares for Major Fighter Procurement Cycle in 2030
Get ready for a major upgrade in Pakistan's air defence capabilities, as the Pakistan Air Force is set to embark on a significant fighter procurement cycle in the 2030s, driven by the impending retirement of its F-16A/B fleet. A recent $686 million deal with the US will support the current fleet, but a new generation of fighters is on the horizon.
India Bolsters Air Defence with ₹52,000 Crore Arms Clearance Focused on Counter-Drone Tech
India is set to significantly boost its air defence capabilities with a ₹52,000 crore arms deal focused on cutting-edge counter-drone technology and layered air defence systems, following a key approval from the Defence Acquisition Council. This major move is aimed at strengthening the Army, Navy, and Air Force with advanced defence solutions.
Ukraine Targets Russian Air Base in Crimea with Drone Strikes
Ukraine just landed a major blow to Russia's military capabilities with a daring drone strike on the Saki Air Base in Crimea, taking out multiple hangars and at least seven aircraft, including Su-30SM, Su-30, and Su-24 fighter jets and bombers. The bold operation, claimed by the Ukrainian Security Service, dealt a significant hit to Russia's aviation assets.
Ukraine Orders 16 Gripen E Fighters in $2.5 Billion Deal
Ukraine just scored a major win in its defense strategy with a $2.5 billion deal to acquire 16 cutting-edge Gripen E fighters, marking the country's first-ever order for brand-new aircraft. This game-changing contract also includes spare parts, technical support, and training, boosting Ukraine's air power to new heights.
US Celebrates 250th Anniversary Amid Heightened Security Concerns
Happy 250th birthday, America! This milestone anniversary is the perfect excuse to gather with friends and family, enjoy some fireworks, grab a cold one, and take in the aerial show - including an epic flyby that's sure to leave you in awe.
Australia's Defence Acquisition Shift Raises Stewardship Risks
The government's reform plan introduces a new, quasi-independent Defence Delivery Agency (DDA) tasked with not only delivering projects, but also taking charge of the long-term stewardship of Australia's sovereign defence industrial base. This bold move aims to ensure the nation's defence capabilities are secure and thriving for years to come.
China Expands Jurisdiction with New Law Targeting Overseas Critics
A new Chinese law that kicked in on July 1 can now label work done legally in Australia by journalists, analysts, and academics as a crime under Chinese law, sparking concerns about its global reach. This law allows China to pursue individuals outside its borders who are deemed to undermine its ethnic unity or promote division.
Australia's Defence Industry Drives Credible Deterrence Strategy
Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy says growing Australia's self-reliance in defence is key to a credible deterrence strategy, but what does this really mean for the country's military power? Can a stronger domestic defence industry be the game-changer Australia needs to stay safe in uncertain times?
Australia Unveils Defense Industry Overhaul to Bolster Sovereign Capabilities
Australia is taking a bold step towards securing its future with a groundbreaking overhaul of its defence industry, aimed at strengthening its sovereign capabilities and forging a deeper partnership with local businesses. The move is driven by a clear imperative: a robust Australian defence industrial base is crucial to national security.
Russia Likely Conducted Covert Drone Campaign Over European Military Bases
The Kremlin may have secretly flown drones over a dozen European countries, including multiple US bases in England and a major air base in Germany, in a covert campaign that spanned over a year and a half. This shocking revelation raises serious concerns about European security and the reach of Russian espionage.
Australia Needs Sovereign Fund to Bolster Defence Industry Depth
Australia's defence community has been sounding the alarm for nearly a decade: the country's industrial base is structurally weak and in urgent need of a boost to become more robust, resilient, and self-reliant. Despite consistent warnings, the issue remains unresolved - but a sovereign fund could be the key to bolstering defence industry depth.
Pentagon Struggles to Meet Weapons Delivery Timelines, GAO Warns
The Pentagon is facing a major challenge in delivering new military capabilities on time, with a staggering 12-year average delay in bringing vital projects to fruition, according to a damning new report from the Government Accountability Office. This alarming trend reveals a worrying pattern of slow progress and broken promises of rapid fielding.
US Navy's 'Doomsday Plane' Program Delayed by Integration Risks
The US Navy's highly anticipated 'Doomsday Plane' program has hit a snag, with integration risks causing a significant delay - pushing back the low-rate initial production by about a year to April 2029. The setback is a reality check for a project that's become increasingly complex.
US Airpower Fails to Win Iran War of Disruption
The US may have dominated the skies above 20,000 feet, but its airpower ultimately failed to disrupt Iran's operations, revealing a crucial gap in its military strategy. Despite intense airstrikes, including a six-week campaign hailed as one of the most powerful since the Iraq invasion, America lost the battle of disruption.
Taiwan's Drone Industry Sparks Defense Spending Showdown
Taiwan's ruling party is pushing for a NT$210 million budget to supercharge its drone industry with 208,200 coastal attack drones and over 3,000 other unmanned systems, but opposition parties are fiercely resisting, warning that backing down would be political suicide. The contentious spending plan has sparked a heated showdown over Taiwan's defense strategy.