Strategic Influence

Why Losing a Taiwan War Might Not Break China

The article argues China’s secure continental position could let it absorb a failed Taiwan campaign without regime collapse. Deterrence must therefore challenge Beijing’s Eurasian economic and strategic depth, not focus solely on maritime forces.

Air & Space Power

US Air Force outlines the fighter fleet it needs by 2035

A force structure of 1,509 combat-ready fighters required according to the USAF. More F-35s and F-47s, supported by increased procurement and 500 drone wingmen. Requirements may change with future threats, technology and funding.

Air & Space Power

Space Force shifts into high gear on cislunar warfare, with RFIs coming soon

The Pentagon has designated cislunar space (the region of space between the Earth and the Moon) a warfighting domain, prompting Space Force to rapidly field commercial technologies and autonomous spacecraft by 2029. Driven by China’s growing Earth-Moon surveillance and operational presence.

‘Stress hormone’ cortisol is blamed for infertility, but major new study hints that could be wrong

New research suggests cortisol is not inherently harmful to fertility. A review found natural cortisol rises often coincide with ovulation—indicating it may actually support reproduction—while earlier studies may have overstated cortisol’s negative effects.

Unexploded ordnance on the seabed in Solomon Islands.

Technology & Innovation

Fibre sensing: how undersea cables learned to listen

Existing communications infrastructure can now detect activity beneath the ocean, creating valuable opportunities for maritime awareness while raising important questions about privacy, national security, ownership and regulation across the Indo-Pacific.

Deployable CT scanner, Enoggera.

Your aging brain may be trading memory for something more valuable

Researchers propose that healthy ageing shifts cognition from detailed recall towards interpreting meaning and sharing accumulated knowledge. The hypothesis distinguishes normal development from Alzheimer’s disease but remains a theoretical framework requiring further research.

Papua New Guinea Defence Force soldier - Exercise Puk Puk

Strategic Influence

Australian Defence Force opening recruitment to PNG university students under $65 million trial

Initial recruitment targets 100 people aged 18-25 over two years from two PNG universities. Applicants must meet existing Australian security screening standards and eventually obtain citizenship. Aims to create career opportunities and support closer ties.

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Taking off on The Runway

‘Stress hormone’ cortisol is blamed for infertility, but major new study hints that could be wrong

New research suggests cortisol is not inherently harmful to fertility. A review found natural cortisol rises often coincide with ovulation—indicating it may actually support reproduction—while earlier studies may have overstated cortisol’s negative effects.

Strategic Influence

Why Losing a Taiwan War Might Not Break China

The article argues China’s secure continental position could let it absorb a failed Taiwan campaign without regime collapse. Deterrence must therefore challenge Beijing’s Eurasian economic and strategic depth, not focus solely on maritime forces.

Air & Space Power

Space Force shifts into high gear on cislunar warfare, with RFIs coming soon

The Pentagon has designated cislunar space (the region of space between the Earth and the Moon) a warfighting domain, prompting Space Force to rapidly field commercial technologies and autonomous spacecraft by 2029. Driven by China’s growing Earth-Moon surveillance and operational presence.

Air & Space Power

US Air Force outlines the fighter fleet it needs by 2035

A force structure of 1,509 combat-ready fighters required according to the USAF. More F-35s and F-47s, supported by increased procurement and 500 drone wingmen. Requirements may change with future threats, technology and funding.

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