Defence and National Security

For much of the past century, the world has learned to interpret war through categories shaped by American power.

Donald Trump tells US allies to "get involved quickly" in unblocking the Strait of Hormuz shipping channel, while warning members of NATO the alliance faces a "very bad" future if they do not do their bit. 

For many South Asian migrants across the Gulf, keeping quiet about Iran's attacks ensures they're able to pay the bills and feed their families. But is leaving even an option?

If there ever was a strategy behind Donald Trump's decision to blow up the Middle East, it is lying in tatters as the second week of the Iran war draws to a close.

An Iranian man has told ABC News "black rain is falling from the sky" in Tehran in the wake of Israeli attacks on oil depots.

Residents on the NSW South Coast are being asked to decide which model helicopter they want to replace Nowra's "chopper on a stick" landmark.

One of Australia's most sophisticated military surveillance planes will be deployed to the Middle East, along with a crew of about 85 defence personnel to operate it.

Middle powers may have a larger role to play in the emerging world order, but the same old dilemma persists: how far are they willing to defend the rules when the countries bending them are their closest allies?

It seems that Australia finds itself yoked to America's actions whether the government likes it or not.

While the cabaret of outlandish and contradictory statements and claims continues in Washington, there is considerable pragmatic pessimism in the Gulf about the mess Donald Trump will leave behind.

The prime minister confirms three Royal Australian Navy personnel were on board a US submarine that sank an Iranian warship earlier this week.

China will boost defence spending by 7 per cent in 2026, still outpacing wider economic growth targets at a time of growing regional tension, including over Taiwan.

The US military releases footage of one of its submarines opening fire on the vessel as it traversed international waters off the coast of Sri Lanka, with dozens of sailors missing.

Bipartisan support for the "global rules-based order" has all but disappeared in Australia. 

Israel's new ambassador to Australia seeks to discredit the United Nations by claiming the country "can't take them seriously".

It was clear within hours that this conflict is different and threatens to engulf the region in a longer, deadlier war.

Deputy Chief of Army, Major General Chris Smith, delivers a speech at Parliament House. 

Major General Chris Smith delivered an excoriating address to a major conference last year, declaring "managerial and advertising logic and double speak" had "polluted" the military.

The fate of the "ISIS brides" is inextricably linked to constitutional facts but the debate about their future is not taking place in a legal chamber — it is being fought in the court of public opinion.

Japan's government plans to deploy surface-to-air missiles on one of its remote western islands near Taiwan by March 2031, the country's defence minister says.