Cost effective drones challenge traditional air defence systems—and Ukraine relies heavily on layered air defences against drone attacks. Electronic warfare and radar systems help detect incoming drones, while cooperation allows countries to share lessons.

Growing demand for advanced munitions is straining global supply, creating an opportunity for Australian industry to expand capability, strengthen partnerships, and support national resilience. Long-term contracts encourage industry confidence, workforce development and accelerate local production.

Sea mines remain cheap yet highly disruptive. Clearing them remains slow and complex despite modern technology, highlighting the continuing challenge of securing maritime routes and the need for improved systems, coordination, and sustained investment.

Geography, modern weapons, and historical precedent show how narrow waterways favour defenders—highlighting the risks powerful fleets face when operating in confined maritime spaces during crises. Mines remain effective tools for restricting maritime movement.

Despite close ties with Tehran, Beijing and Moscow have offered only diplomatic backing and cautious rhetoric, signalling strategic restraint while protecting broader interests and avoiding deeper involvement. Neither country announced economic or operational assistance.

Experts warn of a risky flu season as low vaccination rates coincide with the fast‑spreading “Super‑K” strain. Australia’s 2026 vaccine has been updated for protection, but doctors urge early vaccination to avoid another severe year.

Explore how culture, language and tradition shape the way Defence partners connect, collaborate and operate around the world. Dive into the Naval Culture and Language Series via Horizon.

Ukraine’s rapid development of cheap interceptor drones has become crucial globally, as its combat-proven systems counter mass drone-attacks and attract international demand amid rising threats demonstrated in the Iran conflict.

In this opinion piece, Lt. Col. Grant Georgulis (USAF) states that air denial is insufficient for U.S. strategy, arguing air superiority—locally and temporally achieved—is essential for initiative, deterrence, and avoiding costly stalemate.

Rising energy prices and disrupted trade flows spreading economic pressure beyond the Middle East, exposing how vulnerable many Indo-Pacific economies are to global shocks and supply disruptions. Transition to clean energy likely reduces future shocks.