The Krakow Post

Efforts to bring stability to Ukraine took a step forward with a recent phone call between the U.S. and Ukrainian leaders. This marks their first conversation since tensions arose over previous disagreements. The discussion followed a separate call between the U.S. and Russian leaders, where a proposed ceasefire was partially agreed upon.

The U.S. reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Ukraine through intelligence sharing, despite external pressures. The dialogue focused on aligning the positions of all parties to move towards a resolution. The U.S. administration emphasized its role in safeguarding Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, considering potential measures to enhance its protection.

During the call, Ukraine reiterated its willingness to engage in a full ceasefire proposal, while agreeing to a temporary pause in strikes on critical infrastructure. This step is seen as a potential pathway to broader peace efforts. However, challenges remain, as reports indicate continued hostilities despite commitments made during negotiations.

The U.S. also pledged to assist Ukraine in securing additional air defence systems, particularly focusing on European stockpiles. This measure aims to strengthen Ukraine’s defensive capabilities while diplomatic efforts continue.

Russia, while agreeing to a partial halt in attacks, defended recent military actions, citing ongoing operations at the time agreements were made. Meanwhile, reports surfaced regarding cross-border attacks, highlighting the complexities in reaching a lasting peace.

Despite previous claims that the war could be resolved quickly, achieving lasting stability has proven more challenging. However, diplomatic channels remain open, and the continuation of high-level discussions signals a commitment to negotiation.

A recent prisoner exchange between the nations further demonstrates the ongoing diplomatic engagement. While such swaps have been a regular occurrence, they are seen as positive steps towards building trust between the conflicting sides.

Moving forward, the restoration of direct communications between Ukraine and the U.S. is expected to play a crucial role in shaping future peace efforts. With continued dialogue, there remains hope for a resolution that balances security concerns and diplomatic progress.

AS the Allies advanced towards Berlin after D-Day 1944, grateful populations showered victorious troops with flowers, alcohol, gifts and other favours as peace of sorts arrived.

The notable exceptions were those countries “liberated” from Nazi rule by Stalin’s Russians, with many people fearful they would be worse than those they replaced.

It was also when a nascent United Nations envisaged an international role, “peace keeping”, although “peace” was often an illusory concept.

Australia has contributed to multiple forms of “peace keeping” from Indonesia in 1947 to the present, participating in the full gambit of those operations, including all-out war in Korea.

CLICK LINK to read Ross’s article

Taking a chance with Peace | Australian Defence History, Policy and Veterans Issues

The decision to extend the operational life of one of Australia’s largest coal power stations underscores the volatility of the country’s transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy. Despite ambitious plans to double renewable energy output by the decade’s end, concerns over energy security have necessitated a reassessment of coal’s role in the power grid.

Victoria’s Yallourn power station, originally slated to close by mid-2028, is now expected to operate for an additional four years. This delay, negotiated between the plant’s owners, the state government, and grid operators, reflects fears of electricity shortfalls that could result from an over-reliance on intermittent renewable sources without sufficient backup capacity.

The core issue lies not in coal itself but in the lack of sufficient gas-fired generation to support renewables. Without an adequate supply of gas and gas peaking plants to stabilise the grid, coal stations must continue running to prevent blackouts. Victoria has already committed to subsidising the Loy Yang A power station until 2035 and Yallourn until 2028, and now an additional extension is in the works, though details remain undisclosed.

New South Wales has also extended the life of the Eraring power station until 2027, with a direct $450 million subsidy to ensure continued operation. These decisions highlight the growing contradiction in Australia’s energy policy—failed renewable targets, secret coal subsidies, and increasing dependence on the gas industry while power prices climb and energy security remains uncertain.

Major investors in the renewable sector argue that slowing the transition will drive electricity prices higher by maintaining reliance on aging coal plants and expensive gas generation. Asset management firms and energy companies with significant stakes in wind and solar projects continue to push for an accelerated shift away from fossil fuels. However, their advocacy often aligns with their financial interests in expanding renewable generation.

A parallel issue emerges in the gas sector, where concerns are growing over potential government intervention to redirect domestic gas supplies. Queensland’s LNG producers are bracing for policy changes that may force them to prioritise local markets once existing export contracts expire. Companies such as ConocoPhillips and Shell are already increasing exploration efforts, anticipating stricter government measures to ensure domestic supply security.

As Australia navigates its energy transition, the challenge remains balancing affordability, reliability, and sustainability. While renewables are the long-term goal, ensuring stable baseload power through coal and gas remains an unavoidable necessity in the near term.

Media Release – DIU

The U.S. Defence Innovation Unit (DIU) has awarded contracts to four companies, including two based in Ukraine, to develop modular, long-range, one-way attack drones capable of rapid deployment and mission-specific payload adaptation. The initiative, known as Project Artemis, focuses on addressing the need for unmanned aerial systems (UAS) that can operate effectively in environments where electronic warfare (EW) and Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) are denied.

Project Artemis aims to expedite the development and deployment of scalable, cost-effective drones that provide a tactical advantage in modern conflicts. The selected companies include two U.S. firms and two Ukrainian firms, which have partnered with American software developers to enhance drone capabilities. Demonstrations of the prototypes are scheduled between April and May 2025, with further selections to follow based on performance evaluations.

The program was launched following a congressional directive to accelerate the introduction of adaptable, low-cost, long-range UAS platforms for military use. Other branches of the U.S. military are conducting parallel efforts to develop similar systems to enhance battlefield capabilities. The only official visual accompanying the DIU’s announcement features an AI-generated image of drone-like aircraft with three engines.

The drones under development must meet specific criteria set by the DIU, including affordability, rapid launch capability, low-altitude navigation, and resistance to electronic interference. They are designed to function in disrupted, disconnected, intermittent, and low-bandwidth environments while carrying various interchangeable payloads suited to diverse mission requirements.

Project Artemis seeks to provide operational units with advanced drone systems significantly earlier than traditional military procurement programs. The DIU, in collaboration with the Office of the Under Secretary of Defence for Acquisition & Sustainment, selected the participating firms through a competitive evaluation process involving 165 proposals and flight demonstrations, completed within a four-month timeframe.

The program reflects evolving global military trends influenced by recent conflicts. The increasing emphasis on scalability and cost efficiency over highly sophisticated, high-cost systems is evident. Observations from ongoing military engagements highlight the growing role of mass-deployable drones in modern warfare, reinforcing the necessity for rapid adaptability in drone technology.

Scalability and affordability are also shaping procurement strategies for other defence assets, including fighter aircraft. The shift towards producing and maintaining adaptable platforms rather than prioritizing extreme technological advancements is gaining traction. The involvement of Ukrainian firms in Project Artemis underscores their experience in asymmetric warfare and drone development, having demonstrated success in deploying various unmanned systems in recent conflicts.

The DIU has also initiated a separate project, the Enterprise Test Vehicle (ETV), which shares similarities with Artemis but focuses on developing cost-effective cruise missile alternatives. The objectives of both programs align with current operational needs and combat conditions, with direct input from defence personnel regarding the challenges posed by near-peer adversaries.

As global military strategies evolve, initiatives like Project Artemis highlight the increasing reliance on unmanned systems to enhance operational effectiveness. By leveraging emerging technologies and fostering collaboration between U.S. and international defence firms, the program aims to develop versatile and resilient aerial platforms capable of meeting modern battlefield demands.

Photo credit U.S. Defence Innovation Unit

Only in Australia would we name the Army’s latest armoured 4WD after a highly venomous snake—one that was, in turn, named after a beer-chugging Prime Minister!

In this video, we take a deep dive into the Hawkei Protected Mobility Vehicle, exploring:

✅ What the Hawkei is and why it’s a game-changer for the Australian Army

✅ How it got its unique name

✅ Where it’s built and how it enhances military operations

Air & Space Forces Association’s Warfare Symposium – Release

China’s latest fighter jet has become a focal point of discussion at a major American defence conference, prompting renewed urgency among US military leaders to advance their own sixth-generation stealth combat aircraft.

The issue took centre stage at the annual Air & Space Forces Association’s Warfare Symposium, held in Colorado from March 18-20. Senior US Air Force officials voiced concerns over China’s rapid advancements in aerial warfare and debated the future of America’s Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program, a multi-billion-dollar initiative aimed at developing the next evolution of air superiority fighters.

China’s Breakthrough Raises Alarms

US military officials are closely monitoring China’s latest stealth fighter, believed to be a sixth-generation aircraft designed to counter American air superiority in potential future conflicts. While details on the Chinese aircraft remain classified, analysts suggest it incorporates advanced stealth, artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted combat systems, and networked capabilities—features also central to the US NGAD program.

During a panel discussion at the symposium, US Air Combat Commander General Kenneth Wilsbach acknowledged the urgency of responding to China’s advancements.

“We have some choices to make as we observe what China has produced, and we can presume we know what that’s for – for air superiority,” Wilsbach stated, according to Defence One.

His remarks underscored growing concerns within the Pentagon that China is closing the technological gap in air warfare, potentially challenging US dominance in the skies.

The Status of the NGAD Program

The NGAD program is the Pentagon’s ambitious plan to develop a next-generation fighter jet to replace the F-22 Raptor and ensure continued US air superiority. Initially conceived as a highly advanced, multi-role combat system with manned and unmanned components, the program has faced obstacles, including budget constraints, technical hurdles, and strategic debates over its necessity.

Last year, the program was paused as military planners reassessed its feasibility and cost. However, China’s latest breakthrough may force Washington to accelerate its timeline.

According to US Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall, the NGAD program remains a top priority but must align with real-world threats and fiscal realities.

“We must ensure that our investments in next-generation air dominance are strategically sound and provide the US with a decisive advantage,” Kendall stated at the symposium.

The Strategic Implications

China’s air force has made significant strides in recent years, with its fifth-generation J-20 stealth fighter already in service and undergoing upgrades. If China has successfully developed a true sixth-generation aircraft, it could tip the balance in the Indo-Pacific region, where tensions over Taiwan and the South China Sea continue to escalate.

The US, meanwhile, is under pressure to maintain its edge. Defence analysts argue that if the NGAD program remains stalled or delayed, America risks falling behind in a critical area of modern warfare.

With heightened geopolitical tensions and a rapidly evolving threat landscape, the US military may soon have to make tough decisions about the future of its next-generation fighter jet program—before it’s too late.

The Times

Well, that didn’t last. Just two months after agreeing to pause the chaos, the Israel-Hamas war is back in full swing.

As we reported last week, the Trump administration attempted to extend the ceasefire with a “bridge proposal,” but Hamas rejected it outright. This time around, Hamas also refused to release the hostages, further escalating tensions. Israel, in turn, stated that Hamas was preparing to launch another attack. Israel Defence Minister Israel Katz made it clear: the strikes are all about achieving “war objectives,” which include bringing the hostage’s home. However, Hamas remained defiant, demanding a complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza—something Israel was never going to accept.

With no diplomatic resolution in sight, Israel wasted no time in ramping up military operations. The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) launched an aggressive campaign, targeting key Hamas commanders and operational infrastructure. Airstrikes and precision attacks aimed at dismantling Hamas’s military capabilities have been relentless.

Meanwhile, on the political front, tensions are reaching a boiling point. Prime Minister Netanyahu has doubled down on his commitment to bringing all hostages home while decisively eliminating Hamas’s threat. Defence Minister Katz did not hold back in his warnings, stating that Hamas was about to face “the gates of hell,” echoing President Trump’s aggressive stance. Hamas, in response, condemned Israel’s actions as “treacherous aggression” and called on the international community to intervene.

As the situation continues to unfold, global attention is now turning to Iran’s potential role in the conflict. President Trump has issued stark warnings against Iranian involvement and the actions of the Houthi rebels in Yemen. The coming weeks will determine just how much further this conflict escalates and whether any diplomatic off-ramps remain viable.

Washington Post

The United States has launched a series of massive airstrikes against Yemen’s Houthi rebels, intensifying tensions in the region. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump has issued a stark warning to Iran, urging them to cease their support for the Houthis or face serious consequences.

The Houthis have been ramping up their assaults on US naval forces, targeting the USS Harry Truman group with missiles and drones. Over the weekend, they launched 11 drones and a ballistic missile, none of which came close to hitting a US vessel. The attacks continued on Sunday with an even greater intensity—18 ballistic missiles and multiple drones were fired, all of which were intercepted or failed to hit their marks.

In response to these provocations, the US unleashed a wave of airstrikes on Saturday and Sunday, hitting key Houthi military targets. The Pentagon reported that dozens of terrorist training grounds, weapons depots, and command centres were destroyed. According to US officials, the strikes resulted in numerous Houthi militant casualties, while they deny any credible reports of civilian deaths.

Donald Trump did not hold back in his condemnation of the Houthis, branding them as “sinister mobsters and thugs.” He directly accused Iran of supplying the Houthis with financial backing, weaponry, and intelligence, making it clear that any future Houthi aggression would be seen as an Iranian attack. Trump warned that Iran would face “overwhelming lethal force” if such attacks persisted. Critics argue that this rhetoric could be used to justify pre-emptive strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities, further escalating the conflict.

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth defended the strikes, emphasizing the importance of protecting freedom of navigation in the region. With major international shipping routes at risk, the US is determined to prevent Houthi aggression from threatening global trade and security.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards commander, Hossein Salami, issued a response that seemed both forceful and evasive. While initially presenting a strong front, he later pivoted, insisting that the Houthis operate independently, and that Iran is not directly involved in their actions. This statement suggests that Iran may be attempting to distance itself from the Houthis to avoid becoming the next direct target of US military action. Some analysts argue that Iran’s response lacks the strength that state-controlled media outlets claim.

Adding an unusual twist to the conflict, the Houthis recently released an animated video depicting US-flagged coffins floating among the wreckage of American warships. This bizarre display underscores their continued defiance and propaganda efforts aimed at rallying their supporters.

As tensions escalate, the situation in the Middle East remains highly volatile. With the US ramping up its military actions and Trump’s strong warnings directed at Iran, the potential for a broader conflict looms large. The coming weeks will reveal whether diplomacy or further military action will define the next phase of this crisis.