I really hope the USAF is taking notes. Because continuing to lack robust anti-drone *passive* defenses (nets, shelters, etc.) over OUR strategic aircraft (bomber fleet, AWACS, etc.) would—at this point—constitute near-criminal negligence.

Today, a brilliant operation was carried out — on enemy territory, targeting only military objectives, specifically the equipment used to strike Ukraine. Russia suffered significant losses — entirely justified and deserved.

No one in our defence establishment should claim drone warfare is not relevant or inconsequential to Australia's defence and national security after today.

ADF has one hardened airbase. Whenever plans are proposed to harden other bases they are stopped on grounds of "cost". Generational under-investment in national defence infrastructure (meaning all capabilities not just bases) eventually risks/incurs even greater costs.

Good analysis by Jennifer Parker here. I broadly agree with her takeaways. We do need to lift defence spending, and do so urgently. The current level of 2.05% GDP and planned increase to 2.33% GDP by 2033 is too little, too late, to meet the rapidly growing threats. Australia needs

I don't think anyone would be surprised to know that, yes, I do think we should get to a floor of 3.5% GDP on Defence spending 'as soon as possible'. But it must be a targeted increase that delivers the most needed capabilities as quickly as possible - in a 1 to 3 year

I do not think that #Russia will use tactical nuclear weapons in retaliation for #Ukraine’s #droneattack today. Such a response would immediately end any support for Moscow from the Global South and the BRICS, including #China, and is highly likely to force the Trump

If you could replace those 16” guns with electromagnetic rail guns, DEW for point defence,,and have large numbers of VLS with ASBMs and hypersonic land attack weapons… oh, and an air wing of drones too…

Russia’s negotiating points for Istanbul adopts the ‘full Putin’ maximalist position on #Ukraine, which in essence would see the end of Ukraine as a sovereign state. There is only one way forward at this point - step up support for Ukraine’s defence.

ASPI’s Dr. Malcolm Davis 🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦 joined Natarsha Belling on The Briefing to discuss 🇺🇦’s surprise drone attack on 🇷🇺, what it reveals about the evolving nature of modern warfare and why 🇦🇺's defence spending should match our strategic circumstances. Listen 👉 bit.ly/4kkYyVL

A must read on the current poor state of Defence and political indifference by a former Chief of the Australian Army, Gen (ret) Peter Leahy. As a former Chief of Army, we cop blame for strategic mistakes. But this one’s not on us theaustralian.com.au/commentary/why… via The Australian

AUKUS is where Australia can work out where it stands on nuclear deterrence | Euan Graham | bit.ly/4dFzV3C

Great to talk with The Briefing on #Ukraine's drone attack on #Russia's strategic bomber fleet, the importance of boosting Australia's defence spending to a floor of between 3% and 3.5% of GDP as soon as possible, and the increasing risks of major power war in our region. My

All you wanted to know about the UK's #SDR2025 courtesy of ASPI 's Alex Bristow 史德礼 in this great 'key takeaways' thread.

Good analysis in the The Australian by Ross Babbge on the two big bets the government is taking on Defence spending, and why they may fail to pay off - with devastating implications for Australian security. Albanese’s dilemma: how to sell fortress Australia to Trump

Never Forget.. #Tiananmen Massacre in #China

🚨 STARTING NOW 🚨 ASPI’s 2025 Defence Conference ‘Preparedness and Resilience’ is underway! Hear from Pat Conroy MP, Dr Billy Joseph, Admiral David Johnston, Kori Schake 🌻🇺🇦 @kschake.bsky.social, Rachel Noble and many more. Follow along as we bring you the highlights and key moments from the event.

This is an incredibly short sighted move by NASA. #Nuclear spacecraft power and propulsion is the key to opening up the wider solar system to exploration and resource exploitation. Chemical rockets are too slow to get humans beyond Mars and nuclear allows large and complex

This will be a challenge but a necessary one given the growing threat posed by #Russia to #NATO.. Australia faces the same challenge in the face of the growing threat posed by #China to the Indo Pacific region.