This Month
Defence considers recruiting from PNG to see off China’s influence
In the jockeying for influence, the South Pacific’s largest nation has emerged as a key target given its proximity to Australia and rich natural resources.
- Updated
- Andrew Tillett
October
- Exclusive
- US Votes 2024
Meet the Australian ally who could hand Trump the election
Republican Don Bacon, who served with Australians in the Iraq war, is locked in a tight battle in a state that could tip the balance in a dead-heat election.
- Matthew Cranston
Big KPMG team departs Defence data project
More than 70 consultants from the firm have finished working on an ambitious project to better manage and share data held by the sprawling department.
- Edmund Tadros and Andrew Tillett
Australian tanks to help evict Russians from Ukraine
The Albanese government has made a U-turn on gifting the army’s old tanks to Ukraine after months of pleading.
- Andrew Tillett
September
Defence company boss ousted after tensions over big contracts
Ben Hudson is out as BAE Systems CEO after concerns he was not focused enough on AUKUS submarines.
- Andrew Tillett
August
- Exclusive
- Defence
Australia needs to arm up by late 2026: Hastie
If he becomes defence minister after the next election, Andrew Hastie will move to rapidly acquire new weapons amid warnings of possible conflict with China in 2027.
- Andrew Tillett
Talks sanction more US bombers, fighter jets, spy planes in Australia
Annual defence and foreign affairs talks will see Australia deepen its role as the US’s “unsinkable aircraft carrier” in a potential conflict with China.
- Andrew Tillett and Matthew Cranston
July
AUKUS navy chiefs sound alarm over China, Russia, Iran collaboration
The head of the US Navy warns that “unfettered access” to the sea for trade is at risk from authoritarian countries dubbed the “axis of upheaval”
- Andrew Tillett
- Opinion
- Middle East tensions
Australia goes missing as Red Sea crisis deepens
The Houthis have been remarkably persistent in disrupting global trade. But there is a deeper strategic cost to Australia as well.
- Jennifer Parker
Air force officials rebuff concerns over slow pace of missile defence
Military experts have warned Australia is not moving quickly enough to be able to defend itself against missile strikes amid lessons from Ukraine and Israel.
- Andrew Tillett
Russian spy plot arrests spur hostage fears
One Russian expert says Australians in Russia could be detained as part of the Kremlin’s “hostage diplomacy”.
- Andrew Tillett
Army private and the labourer: The couple behind Russian spy plot
Arrested at their Brisbane home, the couple are accused of being sleeper agents who allegedly tried to pass Australian Defence Force secrets to Moscow.
- Updated
- Andrew Tillett and James Hall
ASX hits record; Army private ‘a spy’; Defiant Biden gaffes again
Read everything that’s happened in the news so far today.
- Opinion
- AUKUS
Control of the sea is worth gambling on AUKUS
To any objective observer it is apparent acquiring nuclear-powered submarines has significant advantages for national security. However, these come with major costs and risks.
- Richard Dunley
June
- Exclusive
- Defence
Crash hits army’s multimillion-dollar drone program
An army drone crashed soon after take-off in a test flight after losing communications with operators.
- Andrew Tillett
Warship deployed as China, Philippines clashes raise tensions
The navy has dispatched its most powerful warship to exercise with Asian navies, in a test for improved communications with China to avoid dangerous incidents at sea.
- Andrew Tillett
Australia criticises China for sea skirmish in sign tensions remain
Improved communications between the Australian and Chinese militaries will not reduce the likelihood of potentially dangerous confrontations, experts warn.
- Updated
- Andrew Tillett
- Opinion
- Defence
Silence is not golden when it comes to Defence
Defence’s culture of secrecy can sometimes cause more trouble than it’s worth. It became obvious again this week.
- Andrew Tillett
Low unemployment is hurting the military
Defence will only hit 57 per cent of its recruiting target this year, Australia’s outgoing military chief says.
- Andrew Tillett
Tomahawk missiles plan for Collins-class submarines misfires
Australia’s ageing submarine fleet won’t be fitted with strike missiles following advice that modifying the boats would not be value for money.
- Andrew Tillett