Artificial Intelligence

When weapons can learn, humans need to stay in control

Weapons that adapt themselves after deployment may behave differently from the versions originally tested and approved. Continuous monitoring, intervention controls and clear responsibility are needed because machines cannot bear legal or moral accountability.

Solar

Air & Space Power

DoD demo contract takes a step closer to beaming solar power from space

The secure beacon will enable satellites to beam solar power from orbit to authorised Earth sites. The Pentagon-backed project supports efforts to deliver reliable energy to remote military locations through space-based solar power technology.

Strategic Influence

Ukraine war briefing: Putin orders army expansion as Zelenskyy says more North Koreans to be deployed in Russia

Russia is increasing its active military personnel to 1.55 million, while Ukraine reports additional North Korean troop deployments supporting Russian forces. Ongoing attacks and economic strain highlight the continuing intensity of the war.

With AI hackers in mind, Air Forces Cyber develops defensive ‘campaign plan’

The U.S. Air Force has developed a defensive cyber operations campaign plan to counter AI-enabled cyber threats. The focus is on network hardening, proactive deterrence and secure architecture to protect critical systems from advanced attacks.

Australian Army Soldiers Austral Shield 2026.

Military Management

Fast following: The edge Australia’s defence needs

Ukraine and Russia repeatedly adapt each other’s innovations. Australia could strengthen its ability to respond to rapid change by systematically observing, adapting and improving useful ideas from others while retaining the capacity to develop original solutions.

P-8A Poseidon Aircraft at Clark Air Base.

Communication & Cognition

For whom the bell tolls: Strategic reminders from Fremantle’s grand final collapse

Effective strategies can lose value when circumstances change and opponents adapt — decision-makers must continually reassess assumptions, threats and the conditions that make an approach effective. Deterrence depends on capability, preparation and perception.

B-2

Cyber Operators Are Deployed in Place. The Pentagon Should Treat Them That Way

Operators face growing mental health risks from continuous high-tempo missions, with little separation between combat operations and family life. Experts argue that structural workforce reforms are needed to reduce burnout and cyber-operator issues.

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Strategic Influence

Ukraine war briefing: Putin orders army expansion as Zelenskyy says more North Koreans to be deployed in Russia

Russia is increasing its active military personnel to 1.55 million, while Ukraine reports additional North Korean troop deployments supporting Russian forces. Ongoing attacks and economic strain highlight the continuing intensity of the war.

Artificial Intelligence

When weapons can learn, humans need to stay in control

Weapons that adapt themselves after deployment may behave differently from the versions originally tested and approved. Continuous monitoring, intervention controls and clear responsibility are needed because machines cannot bear legal or moral accountability.

With AI hackers in mind, Air Forces Cyber develops defensive ‘campaign plan’

The U.S. Air Force has developed a defensive cyber operations campaign plan to counter AI-enabled cyber threats. The focus is on network hardening, proactive deterrence and secure architecture to protect critical systems from advanced attacks.

Solar

Air & Space Power

DoD demo contract takes a step closer to beaming solar power from space

The secure beacon will enable satellites to beam solar power from orbit to authorised Earth sites. The Pentagon-backed project supports efforts to deliver reliable energy to remote military locations through space-based solar power technology.

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