China claims successful testing of a hypersonic aircraft means a commercial aircraft could potentially travel from Beijing to New York in two hours. The challenge of switching between hypersonic and slower speeds, however, remains unresolved.

The author argues large warships are vulnerable to modern weapons, so Australia needs a dispersed naval force of fast attack missile boats and aerial drones, which are harder to detect and target—cost-effective and tactically superior."

China’s growing ties with Kiribati and the Cook Islands challenge New Zealand’s confrontational Pacific diplomacy and risk straining regional relations. However, Australia has managed to maintain trust with its Pacific neighbors despite similar challenges.

US robots, mainly used for aircraft maintenance and refuelling in remote areas, are also deployed in nightclubs for community engagement—showcasing the expanding versatility of robotics beyond defence.

France is revising its strategy—currently defence-industry focused—to prioritise local concerns, especially human security: rights, health, and prosperity over US-China rivalry. A new Australia-France cooperation roadmap was signed in 2023.

Authorities in the US are working to identify the remains of 17 people found on a suspected serial killer's property. At least 12 victims have been identified so far, thanks to the renewed identification effort.

This article argues that while the Ukraine conflict offers insights into future warfare, Australia appears hesitant about applying its lessons.

Due to potential competition from the Chinese AI company DeepSeek, US markets have boosted AI investment, securing $500 billion for US-based AI companies and driving tighter export controls on AI and advanced semiconductors to China.

These exercises may be undertaken to express China's displeasure over regional actions. They also serve to gain operational experience, assert dominance, and test the resolve of adversaries, particularly U.S. allies like Australia and New Zealand.

The Battle of Leyte Gulf (1944) was the largest naval engagement in history, involving four major engagements over four days. The U.S. destroyer escort Roberts fought valiantly against heavy Japanese cruisers, despite eventually being sunk.