UN talks on space norms surprisingly collegial, but fireworks to come: Sources

UN talks on space norms surprisingly collegial, but fireworks to come: Sources
UN talks on space norms surprisingly collegial, but fireworks to come: Sources

Though even global rivals had substantive discussions this time, “I imagine that it will start to get spicier,” an allied expert said of the next meeting of the UN group that will focus on threatening behavior by military space operators.

Quad’s Indo-Pacific ship tracking ‘fusion’ will be expensive and hard

Quad’s Indo-Pacific ship tracking ‘fusion’ will be expensive and hard
Quad’s Indo-Pacific ship tracking ‘fusion’ will be expensive and hard

“It can be difficult to make these systems work in practice. I expect that it will take quite a bit of money, time and focus to get a system like this actually operating,” said David Brewster, a senior fellow at Australian National University’s National Security College.

After Biden’s Taiwan remarks make waves, Austin reiterates US policy hasn’t changed

After Biden’s Taiwan remarks make waves, Austin reiterates US policy hasn’t changed
After Biden’s Taiwan remarks make waves, Austin reiterates US policy hasn’t changed

The US defense secretary also praises European allies for latest Ukraine arms commitments, including Harpoons from Denmark and attack helicopters from the Czech Republic.

Aussie election: Labor win not likely to mean big defense changes

Aussie election: Labor win not likely to mean big defense changes
Aussie election: Labor win not likely to mean big defense changes

“What I have said, and we maintain, is that the relationship with China will remain a difficult one,” Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said at his swearing in. “It is China that has changed, not Australia.”

US to boost Pacific spending to counter China, but no ‘real number’ yet

US to boost Pacific spending to counter China, but no ‘real number’ yet
US to boost Pacific spending to counter China, but no ‘real number’ yet

“We aim to prove that we can stay focused on the region despite the very real power moves elsewhere,” State Department official Camille Dawson said after mentioning Ukraine.

Head of US special ops in Africa likens Wagner Group to ‘terrorist organization’

Head of US special ops in Africa likens Wagner Group to ‘terrorist organization’
Head of US special ops in Africa likens Wagner Group to ‘terrorist organization’

“They bring just destabilization [and] instability wherever they go. They leave countries less secure and poorer when they leave. They benefit from governmental instability in Africa,” said Rear Adm. Milton Sands.

Google exec pushes lawmakers to support Pentagon’s AI efforts

Google exec pushes lawmakers to support Pentagon’s AI efforts
Google exec pushes lawmakers to support Pentagon’s AI efforts

“What I worry about… for this individual is whether they are going to get enough support from the government and from the center of DoD to actually make changes that are needed,” said Google’s Andrew Moore.

Red line or no, secrecy over China-Solomon Islands pact piques US suspicion

Red line or no, secrecy over China-Solomon Islands pact piques US suspicion
Red line or no, secrecy over China-Solomon Islands pact piques US suspicion

Stopping short of saying “red line,” a senior State Department official said a US delegation warned the Solomon Islands about a US response should China attempt to have a “de facto” military presence there.

For military spending to counter China, PDI tells only a small part of the story

For military spending to counter China, PDI tells only a small part of the story
For military spending to counter China, PDI tells only a small part of the story

Lawmakers and taxpayers should know PDI is not reflective of the defense investment to counter the pacing challenge of China, AEI’s Elaine McCusker writes.

China says Solomon Islands security pact signed; critics knock Morrison government

China says Solomon Islands security pact signed; critics knock Morrison government
China says Solomon Islands security pact signed; critics knock Morrison government

Morrison’s “government has really dropped the ball on this,” Peter Dean at the University of Western Australia said. “Why had the warnings last year not been taken more seriously?”

Australia, US grapple with Solomon Islands tilt to China

Australia, US grapple with Solomon Islands tilt to China
Australia, US grapple with Solomon Islands tilt to China

The White House announced that Daniel Kritenbrink, assistant secretary of State for east Asian and Pacific affairs, and Kurt Campbell, the National Security Council’s Indo-Pacific Coordinator, will lead an interagency delegation to the Solomon Islands, Fiji and Papua New Guinea.

Idaho National Labs to build Pentagon’s mobile ‘nuclear microreactor’

Idaho National Labs to build Pentagon’s mobile ‘nuclear microreactor’
Idaho National Labs to build Pentagon’s mobile ‘nuclear microreactor’

The Strategic Capabilities Office is considering engineering designs by BWXT Advanced Technologies, LLC, and X-energy, LLC. One design will be selected and announced this spring. 

DIA sees ‘dramatic’ change in space competition; China, Russia ‘mature’ capabilities

DIA sees ‘dramatic’ change in space competition; China, Russia ‘mature’ capabilities
DIA sees ‘dramatic’ change in space competition; China, Russia ‘mature’ capabilities

The bottom line, according to DIA is that space “is being increasingly militarized” around the globe, and the threats to US military and commercial space activities continue to grow, from ground-based ASAT tests, to ISR fleets, to deep space hiding places.

Three reasons why defense is beating offense in Ukraine – and why it matters for Taiwan

Three reasons why defense is beating offense in Ukraine – and why it matters for Taiwan
Three reasons why defense is beating offense in Ukraine – and why it matters for Taiwan

Changes in technology, terrain and society have shifted the balance between offense and defense in ways that favor democracy’s defenders in Ukraine — and beyond.