PNG defence pact sign-off delayed in setback for PM
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says there's "no downside" to the delayed sign-off on a major defence pact between Australia and Papua New Guinea.
defence
Pacific snags could follow Albanese to Trump meeting
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has little to show from his recent Pacific sojourn, before a hotly anticipated meeting with US President Donald Trump.
Ukraine attacks major Russian refinery in drone assault
Russia says it has downed more than 361 Ukrainian drones after an attack on its Kirishi oil refinery, as Kyiv says it conducted a "successful strike".
‘Always pulled our weight’: PM defends defence spending
Australia is spruiking its defence budget and a planned facility to support nuclear submarines deal as a major security pact remains under US review.
Australia and PNG prepare to sign landmark defence deal
Australia and Papua New Guinea will sign a major security deal that will allow citizens of the Pacific nation to serve in Australia's military.
Minister torpedoes talk defence billions to appease US
Australia insists a $12 billion spend on a defence precinct is about boosting the nation's capabilities, but experts say the increase is not significant.
Defence pact elevates PNG to treaty level of US and NZ
Papua New Guinea will soon be seen as an Australian ally on the same level as New Zealand and the United States.
PM talks up ‘warm’ Trump phone call but no meeting set
Anthony Albanese has held his fourth phone call with President Donald Trump, but there has been no update on the result of a critical US defence review.
Venezuelan jets fly near US warship as cartel boat shot
Military tensions have risen in the Caribbean with Venezuelan jets flying near a US Navy destroyer after the Americans attacked a suspected cartel drug boat.
China condemns Australian warship’s Taiwan Strait route
Australian and Canadian warships have engaged in "trouble-making and provocation" by sailing through the Taiwan Strait, China's military says.
Fight goes on as defence suicide reforms slowly kick in
Advocates for an inquiry into defence and veteran suicide are cautiously optimistic about the direction of reforms almost a year after findings were made.
Israel pounds Gaza City outskirts as onslaught ramps up
Israel's military has stepped up armed operations around Gaza City, ending temporary pauses there that had allowed aid deliveries.
Zelenskiy seeks higher-level talks on Ukraine security
Ukraine's president is pushing for higher-level international talks on measures to protect his nation after EU defence ministers met in Copenhagen.
Thai PM removed by court, triggering power scramble
A power struggle has erupted in Bangkok, after Thailand's Constitutional Court ousted Thai prime minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra.
Israel security meet to discuss plan to seize Gaza City
Israeli air strikes have pounded Gaza City as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's security cabinet prepares to meet to discuss its planned offensive.
Russia claims non-stop offensive on Ukraine frontline
A top Russian general says the strategic initiative in Ukraine 'lies entirely with Russian forces' and Moscow has captured 3500 square kilometres since March.
Israel sends tanks deeper into Gaza City
Israeli tanks have pushed deeper into Gaza City as the military forges ahead with a plan to take control of the whole enclave.
Ukraine to retaliate after Russia hits power sector
Russia and Ukraine have both intensified air strikes in recent weeks despite US President Donald Trump's attempt to end the conflict.
Australian minister comes face-to-face with JD Vance
The defence minister has held talks with US Vice President JD Vance and his US counterpart Pete Hegseth, as questions remain over the AUKUS partnership.
Jewish group decries ‘reckless’ Netanyahu attacks on PM
An Australian Jewish group has hit out at Benjamin Netanyahu as the Israeli prime minister continued his criticism of Anthony Albanese.
Israel to begin Gaza ceasefire talks to end war: PM
The wide-scale operation in Gaza City could start within days after Benjamin Netanyahu grants final approval at a meeting with senior security officials.
Latest strikes lay bare Russia’s intentions: Zelenskiy
Russia has launched a rare drone and missile attack on western Ukraine, hitting an American-owned electronics plant among other targets.
Moscow stonewalling on leaders summit: Zelenskiy
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has accused Moscow of stalling on plans for a meeting between him and Vladimir Putin.
Japan and South Korea’s leaders promise closer ties
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has held his first full summit with Japanese leader Shigeru Ishiba in Tokyo, where they pledged closer co-operation.
More aid seekers killed, Gaza City braces for offensive
Four Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces while seeking aid via a military zone south of Gaza City, a hospital and eyewitnesses say.
Zelenskiy celebrates Independence Day with Canadian PM
World leaders have pledged their support for Ukraine on the nation's Independence Day, including Canada's prime minister, who attended a ceremony in Kyiv.
Kyiv has struck a nuclear power plant: Moscow
Russia has accused Ukraine of drone strikes that sparked a fire at a nuclear power plant in the Kursk region.
Israel ready to support Lebanon in disarming Hezbollah
Benjamin Netanyahu says Israeli forces could withdraw after the Lebanese cabinet's decision to work towards the disarmament of the militant group Hezbollah.
Death of journalists in latest Mideast attack condemned
Press freedom organisations and the United Nations have condemned the deaths of five journalists in Gaza following the Israeli strikes.
Australia to probe $1b Chinese company deal with Nauru
The Albanese government has confirmed it is seeking confirmation whether Nauru's deal with a Chinese corporation has breached a security treaty with Australia.
Albanese shrugs off swipe from angry Israeli leader
The prime minister says he will still engage with Benjamin Netanyahu diplomatically, despite the Israeli leader calling him 'weak'.