Tag: pacific region
8 articles
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 Exposes Hypersonic Edge in Pacific Exercise
The US Air Force made a bold move in the Pacific, kicking off exercise PACIFIC ARCHER on June 17 with a rapid deployment of hypersonic-missile-equipped aircraft to the Second Island Chain, sending a clear message with its show of force.
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.
Helicopters Emerge as Key Players in Maritime Strike Exercises
In a display of precision firepower, AH-64 Apaches and other allied helicopters took aim at retired US Navy vessels during RIMPAC 2026's sinking exercises, showcasing their maritime strike capabilities. The US Army's Apaches even fired Spike NLOS missiles at the former cruiser ex-USS Mobile Bay with impressive results.
US Aircraft Carriers Deploy Globally in Major Exercises
In a show of global military strength, US aircraft carriers are spearheading major exercises around the world, including the impressive RIMPAC, the largest international maritime exercise in history. The USS George Washington recently took part in a live-fire sinking exercise during Valiant Shield, showcasing the power of its F/A-18 Super Hornets, F-35C Lightning IIs, and E-2D Hawkeye aircraft.
US Army Expands Surveillance Balloon Network in Pacific
The US Army is ramping up its surveillance capabilities in the Pacific with a new network of high-altitude balloons, sensors, and datalinks, and is currently seeking proposals from suppliers to support this expansion. The project, led by the 921st Contracting Support Battalion, is still in the market research phase, with a potential full and open competition to follow.
China's Influence in Solomons Resists Leadership Shift
Solomon Islands' new Prime Minister Matthew Wale is vowing to shake things up, warning that his country isn't immune to geopolitics and promising that "change is coming" after ousting his pro-China predecessor. Will this leadership shift mark a new direction for the island nation, one that's less aligned with Beijing?
PNG, Australia Face Rising Drone Threat in Pacific Region
Imagine a swarm of affordable, commercial drones falling into the wrong hands - a very real threat that's no longer just a distant headline, but a looming reality for Papua New Guinea and the broader Pacific region. As non-state actors increasingly wield cheap, powerful drones, can PNG and Australia afford to wait and see what happens next?