France’s increasing naval presence in the Asia–Pacific
By Brendan Nicholson*
As military cooperation between France and Australia increases, the French Navy is stepping up its presence in the Asia–Pacific region to protect its trade routes and demonstrate the importance it places on international maritime law. Ballistic missile defence: options for Australia
Kim Jong-un has set North Korea on the path to establishing a nuclear-tipped intercontinental ballistic missile capability. We don’t know how much further the international community will push, and how the North Koreans will respond. But Kim Jong-un’s actions remind us that state-on-state conflict can still happen, and at short notice. What realistic options does Australia have in response? Key areas worth considering involve space, land and sea. UK contemplates Navy downsize
In the past few days, (oct, 2017) the British press and social media have been rife with reports that the Royal Marines are to be reduced by 1000 from their present establishment of 6500. In addition, the amphibious fleet may be similarly reduced with the decommissioning of the landing platform dock (LPD) that is the core of the British ready capability and the possible disposal of both that ship and a sister unit held in reserve. This scheme is one option being considered as part of a ‘mini defence review’ underway in the UK. To rule the (air) waves
By Tim McGeehan and Douglas Wahl*
A new domain of conflict emerges as America transitions onto a wartime footing. Military, commercial, and private interests debate how to balance security, privacy, and utility for new technology that unleashes the free-flow of information. The President issues Executive Orders to seize and defend the associated critical infrastructure for exclusive government use for the duration of the conflict. Year of big US-Australian anniversaries
By Kim Beazley*
This is the year of significant anniversaries marking the Australia–US relationship. In May we commemorated the 75th anniversary of the battle of the Coral Sea and more recently the 50th birthday of the joint facilities, led by Pine Gap, which the late Des Ball aptly described as the ‘strategic essence’ of the American alliance. Last month Defence Minister Marise Payne gave a shout-out for the 50th anniversary of the first of the joint facilities, the North West Cape Naval Communication Station, named for the late Harold E. Holt, one-time Australian prime minister. Australia need not choose between China and US
By Andrew Carr*
If Australian politicians are certain about one thing regarding the future, it’s that ‘we do not have to choose’ between the US...
‘Plan B needed’ for submarine project
By Andrew Davies*
My previous post on the future submarines talked about having a Plan B in case the project runs into insurmountable problems. In...
Managing contractor for Osborne South Shipyard announced
The Australian Government has announced that Lendlease has been selected as the managing contractor for the construction of the Osborne South Shipyard and has...
HMAS Adelaide hosts President Duterte in the Philippines
Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte, the Secretary for National Defense Delfin Lorenzana and a delegation of senior government and military officials visited HMAS Adelaide (Oct 2017) as Australia continues to work closely with the Government of the Philippines to counter the threat of terrorism in the region. War, huh . . . good God y’all, What is it good for? Absolutely...
Will Taylor responds to the article by "Sir Humphrey" The Royal Marine Corps. What is it good for?