Yesterday
Beijing lashes Australia over ‘China threat’ meeting with allies
China has condemned Australia and its allies for stoking regional tensions.
Military chief warns of war waged from home shores
The acting head of the Defence Department said he was not surprised the US was calling for Australia to lift defence spending.
This Month
‘It’s a matter of sovereignty’: PM not for turning on defence
Anthony Albanese has no intention of being dictated to on defence spending, by the US or anyone else.
UK to spend billions on drones, nuclear subs for war readiness
Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced major spending plans, saying the country was facing more serious threats than at any time since the Cold War.
Why Trump demands more from Australia’s defence budget
Increasing Australia’s defence budget to 3 per cent of gross domestic product would be acting in our own interests.
Taylor widens divide on defence, as Albanese rebuffs $40b US demand
The Coalition has recommitted to boosting defence spending to 3 per cent of GDP, even as the PM pushes back on the Trump administration’s demands of a big boost.
Despite Trump’s chaos, Hegseth spoke an uncomfortable truth on defence
Australia’s defence spending choices are being distorted by the acquisition of nuclear-powered submarines.
UK to build 12 attack submarines in move to war-ready footing
A long-awaited strategic defence review will urge Sir Keir Starmer to keep his pledges on higher military spending.
US urges $40b defence spend; Soul Patts’ $14b tie-up; Big bubble looms
Read everything that’s happened in the news so far today.
Will Albanese stand up to Trump on trade and defence?
If played carefully, the US will have to accept Canberra can’t be kicked around, if for no other reason than they need the military bases on Australian soil.
The burning questions Hegseth left unanswered on the China challenge
The US defence secretary’s speech has helped to address, but will not silence, lingering questions about the Trump administration’s commitment to Asia.
US to support Indo-Pacific allies against ‘imminent’ China threat: Hegseth
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth reassured allies in the Indo-Pacific that they will not be left alone to face increasing military and economic pressure from China.
May
‘Grim’ risk of nuclear arms race as US presses for defence budget boost
Defence Minister Richard Marles will tell a top security forum an updated arms control regime is needed to prevent war.
Bradfield candidates separated by votes in single digits
Earlier the count was separated by just one vote; Magda Szubanski diagnosed with “nasty” cancer. How the day unfolded.
Ghost Bat military drone decision looms for minister
Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy says this term will be one of delivery for major military projects, rebuffing complaints from industry.
Queensland firm probed over parts in Russian ‘Frankenstein’ missile
Russia’s new weapon has been dubbed a Frankenstein missile for how it has been assembled with different parts from multiple countries.
Pilots’ disorientation behind fatal army helicopter crash
Defence investigators said mechanical failure did not cause the crash that prompted a decision to dispose of and scrap Taipan helicopters.
Trump says ‘golden dome’ defence shield ready in three years
The US president’s vow is ambitious, given that much of the technology for a missile-defence shield is unproven, especially plans for space-based interceptors.
China to launch military drone mothership
The new aircraft can launch large numbers of drones at once, making it difficult for an enemy to respond. Watch simulated video footage of what this could look like.
Five years after Brexit, UK strikes ‘new era’ EU deal
Prime Minister Keir Starmer signs a pact to remove trade barriers and bolster defence co-operation, as both sides reduce their reliance on the US.