“For years Australia's defence strategy has been based on the assumption nuclear powered submarines will eventually arrive. The government insists there's still no need to draw up a plan B if AUKUS falls over, but alternative options are fast evaporating”

RT @stephendziedzic: AUKUS, sunk costs and fine balances, with @AndrewBGreene .

“Sources familiar with the LCM project warn the delivery date is now facing delays of up to two years, which is likely to affect subsequent plans to build a fleet of larger Army landing vessels, as well as other shipbuilding projects at Henderson”

"This wasn't just a blip. It was full-scale, military-grade radar triggering built-in safety protocols … and it rolled across our network in sync with the ship's movement. It's not every day a warship takes your gear offline!"

"Australia’s defence force is slowly but surely being degraded in size and capacity by being denied funding, due to a focus on submarines that will arrive too late to deter China’s rapid military build-up and aggression" - savage piece via @WarintheFuture

“The Prime Minister will announce tomorrow that the UK’s conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarine fleet will be significantly expanded, with up to 12 new SSN-AUKUS boats to be built”

“On defense spending, Secretary Hegseth conveyed that Australia should increase its defense spending to 3.5 percent of its GDP as soon as possible”

“Roughly 50,000 people cheered, threw lilacs from balconies and waved Czech and U.S. flags. Humason was treated like a hero this month when he visited the Czech Republic, returning to a place he helped liberate from Nazi Germany during World War II” 🇺🇸 🇨🇿

“Japan will need to begin planning soon if the GCAP is delayed to ensure it has enough jets to counter Chinese and Russian planes that regularly probe its air defences. While senior officials are discussing the possibility of buying more F-35s”

“The need to increase defence spending is something that he definitely raised… What I made clear is that this is a conversation that we are very willing to have, and it is one that we are having, having already made very significant steps in the past”

Breaking: Up to eight people, believed to be from China, have been detained by border protection authorities after reaching a remote part of the Northern Territory coast by boat earlier this week

ASPI's @BassiJustin responds: "ASPI was set up to deliver hard truths to the government of the day, regardless of who's in power. Our charter requires us to provide alternative advice to government and increase public understanding and discussion. That's what we've been doing".

"Well, that's what they do, isn't it, ASPI? I mean, seriously, they need to … have a look at themselves and the way they conduct themselves in debates. ASPI (is) run by people who have been in a position to make a difference in the past”

@PatConroy1 "I am delighted that the letter of intent signed today could open up a new perspective with new orders for Rafales, Scorpenes, light frigates”

@PatConroy1 “We are considering it. We are also a non-aligned country, not siding with any bloc. We are good friends with everyone”.

Defence Industry Minister @PatConroy1 responds: “I will make the point that Indonesia sources equipment from all around the world and has done for a number of decades. The important point is that Australia's relationship with Indonesia is going from strength to strength”.

"Both Chinese and Russian aircraft could potentially offer faster delivery timelines compared to Western alternatives, which often involve lengthy production queues and complex approval processes"

“If we fall, you all will crumble. Let me tell you Australia, this war is next door. It's so close that you cannot even imagine. Most of the countries don't support us . globally, and that's a matter of democracy,".

“When I did say that I was married to somebody in the U.S. Army, the officers laughed at me… They kept telling me that I had too many clothes in my suitcase. So because of that, they assumed that I was going to overstay my visa”.

"Last year, even before Donald Trump returned as president, we warned the Australians that sending these Abrams tanks would be complicated, and once they finally get to the battlefield the Ukrainians will find them difficult to sustain"