Get on board with unmanned systems

The Department of Defence needs to consider the role of unmanned systems, not just as a niche capability akin to a small recoverable torpedo, but as an entirely new class of primary military capability for the Australian Defence Force.

Getting into space with Artemis

Australia is set to play a crucial role in NASA’s planned return to the moon in 2024, however despite the excitement surrounding the new ‘space race’, there is no certainty that the mission will go ahead.

Beijing’s show of military might is a wake-up call for Australia

The massive military parade on the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China was a clear demonstration of China’s increasing desire to project power across the Pacific.

Australia’s moonshot

In another sign that the government is serious about supporting new Australian endeavours in space, the Australian Space Agency and NASA will cooperate on the ‘Artemis’ project to return astronauts to the moon in 2024.

The Saudi oil strike shows the new way of war

Australia’s defence planners must learn the lessons the attack on Abqaiq teach us about the risks of sticking with traditional mindsets and maintaining old paradigms in the face of rapid changes in warfare.

Back to the moon and on to Mars?

Saturday 20 July 2019 marks 50 years since the landing of Apollo 11 on the Sea of Tranquility. After decades of inaction, increasing superpower competition and commercial innovation may see a new generation escaping the Earth’s gravity well once again.

Establishing a “space coast” in Northern Australia

Australia is now establishing its own space program, under the leadership of the Australian Space Agency, and developing a ‘space coast’ in Northern Australia could place the country at the forefront of the growing global space economy.

Will India’s anti-satellite weapon test spark an arms race in space?

India’s successful test of an anti-satellite weapon in low-earth orbit demonstrated its ability to counter the Chinese threat, but better ways must be found to prevent a damaging arms race in orbit.

‘Forward defence in depth’ for Australia (II)

Australia must develop its military ability to ensure the security and stability of maritime Southeast Asia and the South Pacific and offer nations in the region an alternative to greater debt and dependency on Beijing.

Forward ‘defence in depth’ for Australia

China is determined to challenge the US across the Indo-Pacific and replace the established rules-based order with a Chinese-led system. Extending Australia’s defence capability would help counter this threat.

Where to next on the final frontier?

A critical mass of participants, initiatives and developments are riding a wave of government enthusiasm and private-sector support for Australia’s space industry. It’s a good time to be involved in the sector, but what should its priorities be from here?

China’s strategic push in the South China Sea

In a highly provocative move, China has deployed anti‑ship cruise missiles and surface-to-air missile systems on three reefs converted to military bases on Mischief Reef, Fiery Cross Reef and Subi Reef in disputed territory in the South China Sea.