Accountable Dependable Forthright

The Army’s new capstone document is the best reference point for Australians to understand how the Service will contribute to the national defence strategy.

The soft war

Australia is waging a quiet yet critical battle against criminals and hostile foreign states on a new front – its software supply chains.

Aligning commercial technology with AUKUS Pillar II

The Australian and US Governments must focus on becoming more attractive customers to industry by strengthening the economic incentives for the defence market to participate in AUKUS pillar II.

Who takes charge of terrorism?

The terror threat level in Australia has been raised to ‘probable’, but the government responsibilities for managing the threat has become increasingly muddled.

Detecting weaponised words

A groundbreaking new study into the patterns of terrorist language could help authorities create algorithms to detect and flag extremist content online.

The man for the job

Dave Lassam’s recent memoir therefore offers a welcome glimpse into the reality of life at sea, and reminds readers of the valuable roles and often unexpected tasks undertaken by the Royal Australian Navy in times of peace as well as war.

Threat level – Probable

Australia’s terrorism threat level has been raised to ‘probable’ —indicating that the level of risk of a terror attack is greater than 50 percent in the next 12 months.

The enemy within

The Soviet Union relied on ideologically motivated spies in the West to leak defence and technology secrets and the recent arrests of two Russian spies in Australia suggests this problem is now re-emerging.

Australian defence and deterrence

Robbin Laird’s “Australian Defence and Deterrence: A 2024 Update” serves as a handy summation of the Defence challenges faced by Australia in a more contested world.

In defence of AUKUS

Those who value AUKUS recognise that Australia can thrive with our sovereignty, strategic choices and economic freedom intact, but only if we remain ambitious.

Drone wars

The Russian invasion of Ukraine has revealed the criticality of drones as a weapon system for modern battlefields. Yet as other states rush to follow suit, there are some sobering realities to face from “high-tech” tools of warfare.

Homes for heroes

The Australian Defence Force needs bold, creative initiatives to attract and keep enough personnel to reach expansion targets, and making it easier for young service people to buy their own home could offer a major attraction.