Australian Defence Force personnel Presidente Nicolau Lobato International Airport, Dili.

Strategic Influence

Fault Lines – Taiwan drones, Timorese deals and New Caledonian diplomacy

This roundup examines Chinese components undermining Taiwan’s drone industry, prompting investment in domestic production. It also covers Australia’s growing security partnership with Timor-Leste and tensions over Chinese policing arrangements in Vanuatu, complicating Australia’s regional relationships.

Strategic Influence

John Scali Has Lunch With a Soviet Spy—Cuban Missile Crisis, Day Eleven

During the Cold War, an unofficial backchannel and Premier Khrushchev’s letter created a possible diplomatic exit as nuclear tensions intensified. The episode shows how carefully managed communications, message discipline and individual initiative can prevent escalation during crises.

cyber

Australians should prepare for online services to go down unexpectedly as threats rise, cyber agency warns

The Australian Signals Directorate warns AI is accelerating cyber threats, increasing attacks on networks and infrastructure. Organisations should modernise systems, use AI-driven defences, prioritise security over availability, and expect more outages during protection efforts.

Indonesian

Military Management

Indonesia’s carrier ready for relief

The vessel can serve as a floating air base for helicopters and drones, delivering logistics, evacuations and medical support when land access fails. Domestic support should strengthen humanitarian readiness and technological self-reliance.

Ice

Strategic Influence

The new EU Arctic strategy shows ambition—but also anxiety

The Strategy adopts a more proactive, security-focused approach, prioritising resilience, economic prosperity, and cooperation. It responds to rising geopolitical competition while positioning the EU as a stronger Arctic actor within its traditional areas of expertise.

Martin Baltimore, Middle East.

Military History

A Flight to Remember

Australian aircrew also served with Britain's Royal Air Force in WW2. A dangerous reconnaissance mission over the Aegean Sea highlighted the importance of experience, sound judgement and adaptability — preparation, teamwork and quick decisions can determine survival.

Bluebottle, Russell offices.

Military Management

Australian-made Bluebottle drones to patrol Fiji's waters for drug traffickers

The drones can operate continuously for six months highlighting how affordable, persistent technology can strengthen regional security. Powered by solar, wind and wave energy, Fijian personnel will control surveillance operations from Suva using AI identification.

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Taking off on The Runway

Australian Defence Force personnel Presidente Nicolau Lobato International Airport, Dili.

Strategic Influence

Fault Lines – Taiwan drones, Timorese deals and New Caledonian diplomacy

This roundup examines Chinese components undermining Taiwan’s drone industry, prompting investment in domestic production. It also covers Australia’s growing security partnership with Timor-Leste and tensions over Chinese policing arrangements in Vanuatu, complicating Australia’s regional relationships.

Strategic Influence

John Scali Has Lunch With a Soviet Spy—Cuban Missile Crisis, Day Eleven

During the Cold War, an unofficial backchannel and Premier Khrushchev’s letter created a possible diplomatic exit as nuclear tensions intensified. The episode shows how carefully managed communications, message discipline and individual initiative can prevent escalation during crises.

cyber

Australians should prepare for online services to go down unexpectedly as threats rise, cyber agency warns

The Australian Signals Directorate warns AI is accelerating cyber threats, increasing attacks on networks and infrastructure. Organisations should modernise systems, use AI-driven defences, prioritise security over availability, and expect more outages during protection efforts.

Ice

Strategic Influence

The new EU Arctic strategy shows ambition—but also anxiety

The Strategy adopts a more proactive, security-focused approach, prioritising resilience, economic prosperity, and cooperation. It responds to rising geopolitical competition while positioning the EU as a stronger Arctic actor within its traditional areas of expertise.

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