US and China race for naval dominance
The race between
China and the United States to develop a more capable navy is expected to further intensify, with Washington planning to equip its...
Business as usual in a time of upheaval
By Marcus Hellyer
The big defence news in Australia this year was in the 2020 defence strategic updatereleased on 1 July. The update and its accompanying...
Exmouth base needed to plug naval gap
By John Coyne*
To make sure that northern Australia is ready to support a range of defence contingencies, the region must have socially and economically...
Climate change poses threats: RN chief
The First Sea Lord and Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Tony Radakin, says Britain faces increasing threats from China and Russia as new global trade...
Chief of Navy launches the RAS AI Strategy 2040
On 6 October Vice Admiral Michael Noonan launched the Navy’s Remote and Autonomous System & Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2040. The following day he gave the keynote...
Covid slows, but not stops, Chinese military
By Richard A. Bitzinger*
THE COVID-19 virus has up-ended many things. When it comes to Chinese military modernisation, however, the pandemic has blunted the pace...
Pacific arms race: extra money for US shipbuilding
U.S. Defense Secretary Mark Esper has announced called for increased funding for Navy shipbuilding after a major review of its force structure — but...
US Navy chasing the impossible
By Brendan Thomas-Noone*
Several months ago, US Navy Secretary Kenneth Braithwaite said he believed the service was ‘at a turning point’ in its history. The...
No need to choose between guns or butter
By Frank Yuan
The Morrison government’s plan for defence spending outlined in the Defence Strategic Update last month has been incorporated into the Canberra consensus,...
Strategic update and internal risks
By Peter J. Dean
The 2020 defence strategic update released last month provides a sobering analysis of Australia’s strategic environment and the risks we must...