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The launch of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 confronted the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) with a new geopolitical reality. Once described as “braindead” by French President Emmanuel Macron, the alliance was jolted into action by a threat that seemed consigned to history—a full-scale conventional war in Europe.

Military leaders began issuing warnings of a resurgent Russia, stressing the need for NATO allies to be prepared within three, five, or eight years. Romanian Defence Chief Gheorghita Vlad underscored the gravity of the situation, stating in February 2024, “The Russian Federation has become a problem for the world order, for democracy. It is not just a war with Ukraine but a war against the democratic world.”

Following decades of post-Cold War downsizing and years of focusing on counterinsurgency rather than traditional military threats, NATO’s readiness for this new challenge has come into question. European defence budgets shrank during the “peace dividend” years, and the shadow of former U.S. President Donald Trump’s potential return to the White House adds uncertainty to NATO’s cohesion.

According to Gordon B. Davis, a senior fellow at the Centre for European Policy Analysis (CEPA) and NATO’s former deputy assistant secretary general, NATO’s current capabilities are not sufficient to defeat Russia without significant costs. However, NATO’s collective strength still makes it a formidable force.

As of 2024, NATO’s 32 members, especially its European contingent, face challenges such as ammunition shortages, fragmented defence industries, and limited air defence coverage. Yet, in many aspects, even the European portion of NATO can outgun Russian forces. NATO, excluding the U.S., has approximately 1.9 million active personnel, 2,400 combat-ready aircraft, and 6,650 tanks, compared to Russia’s 1.1 million troops, 1,370 aircraft, and 2,000 tanks, according to the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS).

The accession of Sweden and Finland further strengthened NATO, adding well-trained militaries and extending the alliance’s defence line with Russia by over 1,300 kilometres. This expansion puts additional pressure on Russia’s defence capabilities.

NATO also possesses superior long-range firepower, with advanced jets like the F-35, and more modern airpower compared to Russia. Ed Arnold, a senior research fellow at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI), remarked that Russia’s tactics in Ukraine would likely be ineffective against NATO forces, which could swiftly decimate Russian troops in a short, intense conflict.

However, a quick war may not be what NATO would face. The Russian state and society, as demonstrated during the first year of the invasion, appear capable of enduring initial losses and regrouping for a prolonged conflict. NATO planners view the Baltic states as particularly vulnerable to attack, given their proximity to Russia and Belarus, and the strategic Suwalki Gap remains a crucial concern.

While NATO’s firepower could overwhelm Russian forces, Davis cautioned that NATO might still suffer significant losses, particularly from Russian bombers, drones, and submarines targeting NATO territory. The balance of power between the two forces remains uncertain, hinging on political will, resources, and the endurance of Western societies in a potential long war.

Photo: Luke Johnston overlooking a burial site where 20 North Vietnamese soldiers were laid to rest. (Supplied: Luke Johnston)

In a rubber forest just north of Ho Chi Minh City, an excavation to find the bodies of North Vietnamese soldiers has made a long-awaited discovery.

The search has unearthed dozens of men, presumed to have been killed in battles more than 50 years ago.

CLICK LINK to read this ABC News story

Australian Vietnam War veterans and descendants help discover long-buried Vietnamese soldiers – ABC News

HMAS Sydney fires Royal Australian Navy’s first Standard Missile 6 (SM-6) near Hawaii during Exercise Pacific Dragon 2024. (ADF LSIS Daniel Goodman)

SYDNEY — Australia has announced a significant $7 billion AUD) investment in SM-2 IIIC and SM-6 missiles, boosting the Navy’s long-range precision capabilities and strengthening its defence against ballistic missile threats. This purchase underscores the country’s commitment to modernizing its naval defences with US-made advanced missile systems.

Defence Minister Richard Marles highlighted the strategic importance of these weapons in enhancing Australia’s defence capacity. “The Standard Missile 6 and Standard Missile 2 Block IIIC will enable our Navy to strike maritime, land, and air targets at long range, providing a terminal ballistic missile defence capability,” Marles said in a statement. He added that these systems will be deployed on Hobart-class destroyers and the future Hunter-class frigates, enhancing the Australian Defence Force’s (ADF) ability to protect national interests.

Australia’s recent investment comes after the successful test firing of an SM-6 missile from the HMAS Sydney, demonstrating the Navy’s growing operational capability. Pat Conroy, the Minister for Defence Procurement, emphasized the strength of Australia’s alliance with the United States, noting that Australia was the first country outside the US to fire an SM-6 missile.

The SM-2 IIIC, with its active seeker technology, brings enhanced defensive capabilities against missile threats. Meanwhile, the SM-6 provides extended range for Australia’s missile defence, giving the Navy greater depth and versatility in responding to potential threats.

This development builds on years of cooperation between Australia and the US in missile technology. In 2021, the US State Department approved a Foreign Military Sale (FMS) case valued at $350 million USD for services related to future purchases of the SM-6 and SM-2 IIIC missiles. Although the new investment is not explicitly stated as an FMS case, it is likely that it includes essential elements like training, spare parts, and manuals, managed by the US government as an intermediary between Raytheon, the manufacturer, and Australia.

The SM-2 missile had experienced a production hiatus in 2013 due to declining international demand but resumed production in 2020. More than 12,000 SM-2 missiles have been delivered worldwide to countries including Canada, Germany, Japan, Korea, and Spain. Australia has operated earlier versions of the SM-2 since 2010.

The Australian order is expected to bolster the SM-2 and SM-6 production lines, supporting broader missile production efforts. The US Navy, which also relies on these missiles, has faced challenges in meeting missile procurement demands, with planned production rates lower than in previous decades. Australia’s investment is poised to strengthen both nations’ missile defence capabilities in the coming years.

US Army (AUSA) Conference

The U.S. Army is in the early stages of testing specialized 30mm and 25mm rounds to help counter the growing threat of small drones. These new rounds, intended for the AH-64 Apache attack helicopters and Bradley Fighting Vehicles, are designed to neutralize unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), a growing concern in modern combat. Army officials made the announcement during the annual Association of the U.S. Army (AUSA) conference, highlighting the lessons learned from ongoing conflicts, particularly in Ukraine.

“The character of war is changing,” said Army Maj. Gen. John T. Reim, Jr., who oversees the Army’s Joint Program Executive Office Armaments & Ammunition. He stressed the need for tactical solutions to deal with the increasing number of first-person view drones being used by adversaries. Traditional air defence systems are insufficient to meet the scale of the drone threat, and the Army is focusing on upgrading its existing platforms to tackle the issue.

One of the key challenges is the cost disparity between interceptors and the drones they are designed to destroy. Drones are relatively inexpensive, with some adversary UAVs costing as little as $1,200, whereas intercepting them can cost upwards of $100,000 per drone. This imbalance has prompted the Army to seek more cost-effective solutions by modifying current weapons systems.

The XM1228 Bradley Aerial Defeat Group Enhanced Round, or BADGER, is a 25mm proximity-sensing round being developed to help mechanized units engage drones. Similarly, the XM1225 Aviation Proximity Explosive (APEX), a 30mm round, is intended for use with Apache helicopters. The APEX round is designed to airburst, allowing it to destroy small drones mid-flight. These new munitions represent a significant step forward, with the APEX marking the first major upgrade to the Apache’s 30mm cannon in 30 years.

Though both rounds are still in the developmental stage, with live-fire testing scheduled soon, they promise to provide a more affordable and scalable defence against small drones. Lt. Col. Saleem Khan, product manager for medium calibre ammunition, emphasized that these rounds will offer protection with minimal modifications to existing systems.

As drone warfare continues to evolve, the Army is moving quickly to ensure its formations are equipped with the tools needed to neutralize this growing threat.

ABC News

The visit of King Charles III to Parliament House, intended as a ceremonial and diplomatic event, took an unexpected turn yesterday when Independent Senator Lidia Thorpe interrupted the occasion with a highly controversial outburst. As the King finished his speech in the Great Hall, Senator Thorpe confronted him, loudly proclaiming her rejection of his sovereignty.

“You are not our king. You are not sovereign. Give us our land back,” she shouted, in a move that has since drawn widespread criticism across the political spectrum.

The incident has sparked significant backlash, particularly from senior members of the Liberal Party. Senator Linda Reynolds expressed her disgust at Thorpe’s actions, calling them “disrespectful” and “deeply inappropriate.” Reynolds suggested that Thorpe’s behaviour did not befit the office she holds, stating, “Being an elected representative comes with a great responsibility to maintain the dignity and respect of the parliament.”

Reynolds also revealed that she would support a formal censure motion against Thorpe when parliament reconvenes in November. A senior Liberal staffer confirmed that two other senators are considering joining Reynolds in pushing for this censure.

Although a censure motion holds no formal power to penalize Thorpe, it would be a strong statement of disapproval from the Senate. For many in the Liberal Party, the incident represents a new low in Thorpe’s confrontational political style, which has consistently courted controversy.

Thorpe, a long-time advocate for Indigenous rights, has made headlines before for her outspoken views on Australia’s colonial history and its institutions. However, this latest outburst — directed at the monarch — is seen by many as crossing a line. Her accusation that King Charles III shares responsibility for what she described as “genocide” shocked many, who found the disruption to be disrespectful not only to the King but to the institution of Parliament itself.

The push for Thorpe’s resignation is now gaining traction among some political figures. Critics argue that her continued presence in the Senate undermines its decorum and brings international embarrassment. While Thorpe has the right to express her views, many believe she overstepped in both tone and venue.

The potential censure motion will be a key test for Thorpe’s political future, as pressure mounts for her to be held accountable for her actions. Whether the motion will garner the necessary support remains to be seen, but the incident has undoubtedly sparked a debate about the limits of protest in public office and the conduct expected from those who represent the Australian people.

As the Senate prepares for its November session, this issue is sure to remain in the spotlight, with growing calls for Lidia Thorpe to face the consequences of her actions — if not through censure, then possibly through wider political pressure to resign.

UK Post

Russia has significantly escalated its use of Shahed-type drones in its ongoing conflict with Ukraine. Since the start of 2024, Russia has deployed a total of 6,130 Iranian-designed Shahed drones, according to an update provided by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on October 20. This surge in drone attacks has intensified in recent weeks, with Russian forces targeting Ukrainian cities and towns almost daily since the beginning of September.

These drones, which have been described as cost-effective yet capable of inflicting damage, have become a central element of Russia’s military strategy against Ukraine. The use of Shahed drones first became prominent in the fall of 2022, and recent attacks have demonstrated a sharp uptick in their frequency and scale. On August 26, Russia carried out its largest assault to date, launching 127 missiles and 109 drones simultaneously, resulting in strikes on civilian infrastructure, energy facilities, and a dam in Kyiv. Ukraine’s air defences successfully intercepted a large portion of these threats, downing 102 missiles and 99 drones.

However, the recent shift in Russia’s tactics has placed a growing strain on Ukraine’s defences. On October 18, Russia employed 129 Shahed-type drones in a single attack, signalling an increased reliance on this weaponry. Ukrainian President Zelensky expressed frustration with delays in receiving additional defence systems from allied nations, urging a more decisive international response. He emphasized the need to disrupt not only the storage of Shahed drones but also their production and logistics infrastructure.

In response to this intensified threat, Ukraine has made notable counterstrikes. On October 9, Ukrainian forces hit a key Russian base in Krasnodar Krai, which was storing 400 Shahed-type drones. Ukraine’s military is also working to bolster its defences against drone attacks. One of the latest developments is a domestically-produced drone called “Sting,” which is designed to track and intercept Shahed drones. This new technology represents a significant step forward in Ukraine’s ability to combat the growing drone threat.

While Russia initially relied on importing Shahed drones from Iran, reports from August 2023 suggest that Russia has begun domestic production of these drones, further complicating efforts to curb their use. As the conflict continues, the evolving drone warfare between the two nations highlights both the strategic importance of drone technology and the urgency for Ukraine to strengthen its air defence capabilities.

Prabowo Subianto, once a pariah, will be sworn in as Indonesia’s eighth president today. Twenty-five years ago, he faced accusations of human rights abuses in Papua and East Timor, and his special forces abducted democracy activists in 1998, some of whom were never seen again. His military career ended in disgrace, and he was dismissed for “misinterpreting orders” during the fall of his father-in-law, President Soeharto.

After years in exile, Prabowo’s return to power marks a significant shift in Indonesia’s political landscape. He has openly expressed his disdain for democracy, calling it “very tiring” and “messy.” The political party he founded, Gerindra, seeks a return to the original 1945 Constitution, which granted extensive powers to the president and did not ensure human rights or separation of powers. Such a move would dismantle Indonesia’s democratic system established after Soeharto’s fall.

Outgoing President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) has already paved the way for Prabowo’s authoritarian ambitions. Amendments passed under Jokowi’s administration have restored elements of the New Order, including allowing active military members to hold civilian positions. A new criminal code, set to take effect in 2026, will restrict press freedom and curb criticism of the government.

Civil society has also been targeted, with defamation cases and government actions against NGOs escalating. Activists fear further repression under Prabowo’s leadership, and some worry about his ties to conservative Muslim groups, which could pressure or undermine his critics.

Prabowo’s ascent raises concerns about the future of Indonesia’s fragile democracy and the potential resurgence of authoritarianism.

In 2003, the Australian Collins-class submarine HMAS Dechaineux nearly suffered a catastrophic loss when a seawater pipe burst while operating near its maximum depth off Western Australia.

CLICK LINK to read the article

An Australian Collins-Class Submarine Almost Suffered a Catastrophic Loss | The National Interest

The New Voice of Ukraine – English

In the early hours of October 18, Ukraine’s Air Force faced an intense wave of Russian drone attacks, successfully downing 80 out of 135 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) launched against the country overnight. These attacks, a continuation of Russia’s ongoing offensive against Ukrainian infrastructure and cities, represent one of the largest air assaults in recent months.

As the attack unfolded, Romania’s Defence Ministry took decisive action after radar detected an unidentified aerial object approaching the country’s airspace. Jets were scrambled as the object, potentially part of the Russian assault, crossed into Romanian territory near the town of Amzacea, approximately 200 kilometres south of the Ukrainian border. Romanian forces lost radar contact with the object shortly after, heightening concerns about the proximity of the war to NATO borders.

This incident is not isolated. In recent months, Romania and neighbouring NATO member Bulgaria have had to scramble their fighter jets in response to similar threats, as Russian missiles and drones have increasingly encroached on their airspace during cross-border skirmishes. Debris from Russian weaponry has been found in NATO-member countries on multiple occasions, underscoring the risk of accidental escalation between Russia and NATO members.

Meanwhile, further to the north, Belarus scrambled its own fighter jets. The Belarusian monitoring group Hajun reported that two drones were spotted flying toward the Belarusian border, prompting the deployment of its air force. Tensions remain high in the region, with Belarus acting as a key Russian ally. This marks another chapter in the complicated relationship between the two neighbours, with Russia relying on Belarus for logistical and military support during its offensive against Ukraine.

While 80 drones were successfully shot down, Ukraine’s Air Force reported that another 44 were “lost.” Military officials believe these UAVs were downed using electronic warfare tactics, a method that disrupts and disables the drones’ guidance and communication systems. Ukraine has increasingly relied on electronic countermeasures to combat the surge in drone warfare, often forcing drones to crash without the use of missiles or anti-aircraft weaponry.

Despite the sheer volume of drones involved in the attack, Ukrainian authorities confirmed that no significant damage was reported, and there were no immediate casualties from falling debris. However, the strain on Ukraine’s air defence systems continues to grow as Russia intensifies its drone warfare campaign.

The recurring intrusions into the airspace of neighbouring NATO countries like Romania and Bulgaria serve as a stark reminder of the risks posed by the proximity of the war to NATO borders. With each drone or missile that strays from Ukrainian airspace, the potential for a NATO-Russia conflict increases. The quick reaction by NATO forces, as demonstrated by Romania’s response, underscores the seriousness with which these incidents are treated.

As Ukraine continues to defend against Russian air assaults, its NATO neighbours remain vigilant, monitoring for potential spillovers of the conflict. The ongoing drone warfare highlights the evolving nature of modern combat, where electronic warfare, UAVs, and swift air defence responses play a central role in defending national borders and ensuring regional security.

For now, Ukraine remains steadfast in repelling Russian aggression, while NATO members continue to assess and adjust their defence postures in light of the growing challenges posed by the war in Eastern Europe.

Ray Payne – Frontline

Australia’s immigration levels are running at an unsustainable pace, contributing directly to the housing shortage and skyrocketing rental costs. This is making it increasingly difficult for young Australians to buy homes, start families, and cope with the rising cost of living, which is spiralling out of control.

Over the first eight months of 2024, Australia recorded an unprecedented 358,964 net permanent and long-term arrivals. This figure is around 5,000 higher than last year’s record, and a staggering 115,500 more than the same period in 2019. The sheer volume of new arrivals is placing enormous strain on an already overstretched housing market, driving prices up and pushing rents to unaffordable levels.

The situation is exacerbated by a lack of new housing developments and limited supply of rental properties. Young Australians, who are already burdened with high costs of living, are being priced out of home ownership. Many are delaying or reconsidering starting families due to the financial uncertainty caused by high mortgage rates, rent increases, and inflation.

As immigration levels continue unchecked, the balance between housing demand and supply grows more uneven. The government’s lack of control over this issue is hurting future generations, making it almost impossible for many to achieve the Australian dream of owning a home.

If Labor does not take immediate action to manage immigration numbers, the situation will only worsen. Australia’s young people will continue to bear the brunt of the housing crisis, and the country’s economic and social fabric will be strained by this ongoing pressure.