Ex-Navy chief takes the helm in defence force shake-up
The first navy boss in 22 years to lead the Australian Defence Force will play a key role in laying the foundation for the multi billion-dollar AUKUS alliance.
defence
Japan partnership an ‘evolution’ of AUKUS: PM
As AUKUS partners plan to work with Japan on technology sharing, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says the security pact will not grow to four countries.
Helen Clark warns New Zealand off ANZUS return
New Zealand leaders need to "keep their nerve" and not fall under Washington DC's influence according to Helen Clark, who senses a major foreign policy shift.
Ex-Navy man takes the helm in defence force shake-up
Australia's next chief of the defence force will be the first from the Navy in more than two decades, as the military prepares for the AUKUS alliance.
US comments on AUKUS are ‘very dangerous’: China
China's Taiwan Affairs Office has delivered a warning to the US over remarks made about the AUKUS submarine project.
Ministers mark 75 years of NATO, agree on Ukraine aid
NATO ministers have agreed to start planning for a bigger role in getting military aid to Ukraine as they commemorated 75 years of the trans-Atlantic alliance.
Rich deal to send Aussie armoured vehicles to Germany
A $1 billion defence deal with Germany is expected to create hundreds of Aussie jobs, with Anthony Albanese touring a military manufacturer to spruik the pact.
Minister sinks talk of Trump torpedo for nuclear subs
Cold water has been poured on claims a Donald Trump presidency would threaten Australia's acquisition of nuclear powered submarines.
‘Gold standard’: ex-MP’s larrikin soldier son mourned
MPs and army leaders have joined mourners at a heartbreaking funeral for Lance Corporal Jack Fitzgibbon, the son of former defence minister Joel Fitzgibbon.
Biden bid to cut submarine ‘no fatal blow’ to Australia
Doubts have been cast that the AUKUS pact is in jeopardy as Joe Biden moves to cut submarine production, which could hurt the future sale of one to Australia.
Labor stumps up almost $1b for NT rare earths project
The federal government has continued its big spend-up in the Northern Territory with a funding package of up to $840 million for a rare earths mining project.
Australia faces subs challenge in US, nuclear at home
Australia is contending with a backed up US production line for its nuclear-powered submarine while the government works to put in place safeguards at home.
Veterans on ‘last legs’ as system fails to ensure help
Veterans are frustrated with the time taken to deal with complaints and the lack of mental health services, a senator has told an inquiry into defence suicides.
Ex-defence minister’s son dead after parachute incident
The soldier son of a former Australian defence minister has died after a parachute training incident that has triggered a defence force investigation.
Military chief denies justice system is weaponised
The Australian Defence Force doesn't believe its military justice system is being used as a weapon against individuals, a royal commission has been told.
‘Not ideal’: NZ Defence Force plane lets down PM Luxon
New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Luxon is scrambling to make his way to Melbourne on commercial flights after a breakdown of his Defence Force plane.
Fear spy crackdown will create uni research brain drain
National security legislation designed to crack down on secrets leaking could lead to the unintended consequence of scaring the world's brightest minds away.
Australia’s secrets ‘aggressively’ sought by countries
Due to unprecedented threats, ASIO says secrecy provisions for intelligence personnel should be tougher to deter unauthorised disclosures to foreign actors.
Navy to be ‘most lethal’ in history after huge overhaul
An overhaul of the navy's combat fleet will make it the most lethal in history, its chief says, but concerns remain about its capability in the short term.
Defence chief unaware of commander’s torture allegation
A Fijian colonel facing torture allegations was appointed to oversee 3000 Australian troops, without the knowledge of the defence force chief.
Trump NATO remark ‘appalling and unhinged’: White House
Donald Trump said he would encourage Russia to do "whatever the hell they want" to any NATO member country if they don't meet his spending guidelines.
Biden, European leaders criticise Trump’s NATO comments
European leaders have reacted to Donald Trump's comments over a hypothetical Russian invasion of NATO allies not spending enough on defence.
Three Black Hawk army helicopters to arrive early
Black Hawk helicopters from the United States have been expedited after the early grounding of the Taipan fleet left a hole in the army's capability.
China hits out at Australia-NZ ‘seamless’ military goal
China says Australia and New Zealand risk going "further down the wrong and dangerous path" after the trans-Tasman allies agreed on deeper military integration.
NZ eyes place in AUKUS alliance after trans-Tasman trip
Australian foreign and defence ministers, Penny Wong and Richard Marles, have hosted their New Zealand counterparts for trans-Tasman security talks.
NZ firms up AUKUS desire ahead of trans-Tasman talks
Australian and New Zealand foreign and defence ministers will meet together for the first time in Melbourne, with AUKUS high on the agenda.
Gaza ruling sparks calls to reconsider Israel support
A ruling by the top UN court ordering Israel to prevent genocide in Gaza has sparked calls for Australia to reconsider its support for the Israeli government.
Russian Medibank hacker first to be hit with sanctions
The Australian government has imposed cyber sanctions for the first time, naming Russian Aleksandr Ermakov as the man responsible for the Medibank data breach.
Further sanctions against Middle East terror groups
Australia has imposed fresh sanctions against three groups and 12 people with links to proscribed terror groups Hamas, Hizbollah and Palestinian Islamic Jihad.
Australia involved in strikes on Houthi rebels in Yemen
Australia has participated in strikes launched by the US and the UK on Houthi rebels in Yemen, after they blocked a key maritime trading route.
Foreign soldiers ‘an option’ to boost defence numbers
Soldiers from overseas could join Australia's defence forces under an option being considered to grow the military amid issues with recruitment and retention.