High-performing middle managers are essential talent managers. Unfortunately, many organisations burden them with administrative tasks and insufficient autonomy; undermining leadership, morale, and retention precisely when adaptable management is most vital.

Spain cancelled its F-35 order, Switzerland may cut back due to tariff-driven price rises, and India paused U.S. arms deals over trade tensions—marking a growing resistance to U.S. defence dependence.

Finland has lodged criminal charges against the crew of a suspected Russian shadow-fleet vessel accused of sabotaging undersea telecom cables. The crew is accused of communication disruptions and interference with critical national infrastructure.

Norway’s security agency revealed that pro-Russian hackers briefly gained control of a dam’s systems, manipulating valves to release water—an act of cyber hybrid-warfare, demonstrating adversary capabilities without physical destruction.

Following a comment by a U.S. official, China said Taiwan was an inalienable part of Chinese territory. The United States is Taiwan's most important international backer, despite the absence of formal diplomatic ties.

Microsoft confirmed that Russia’s FSB-affiliated hacking group, Secret Blizzard, launched a cyber-espionage campaign against embassies in Moscow using ISP-level access. The group deployed custom malware and backdoors, marking a significant escalation in diplomatic cyber threats.

The mite is wreaking agricultural havoc. A national biosecurity strategy, similar to the National Defence Strategy is imperative for whole-of-nation resilience, and to prevent wider risks. Regular war-games could prepare for biosecurity crises.

Dutch researchers exposed major vulnerabilities in police, intelligence, and military radios where secure end-to-end encryption was weakened by reduced key lengths. The flaw allows eavesdropping, spoofed messages, and misinformation risks across sensitive global Defence communications.

SpaceX disclosed technical failures behind two Starship explosions, refining engineering fixes ahead of the next test launch. The case underscores risks and iterative innovation in space systems with implications for sovereign launch capabilities.

Defence personnel potentially face an ethical dilemma—being conditioned to obey. However, if they obey “manifestly unlawful” orders, they can be held accountable. This article states not all personnel are aware of this legal contradiction.