Washington Post

A newly released intelligence report confirms what many have long suspected: China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea are coordinating their efforts more closely than ever to undermine US interests globally. The Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) has released a 30-page threat assessment highlighting these four nations as America’s primary adversaries.

China is identified as the “most capable” threat, using military, economic, and cyber strategies to challenge US dominance. Russia is ramping up its nuclear capabilities while remaining deeply engaged in its war against Ukraine. Iran is supplying drones to Russia and advancing its own weapons programs. Meanwhile, North Korea is providing munitions and troops to Russia, receiving advanced weaponry in return.

China is executing a long-term strategy to replace the US as the world’s dominant superpower. Beijing is expected to increase pressure on Taiwan in 2025 to push for unification. Additionally, it is expanding its territorial claims in the South and East China Seas, directly challenging US allies like Japan and the Philippines. On the technological front, China is heavily investing in artificial intelligence, aiming to surpass the US by 2030.

Russia is making significant advancements in its nuclear capabilities, with President Vladimir Putin determined to cement his legacy by prevailing in Ukraine. Moscow is receiving critical economic and military support from China, Iran, and North Korea to sustain its war efforts. This raises questions about how Putin will approach future ceasefire negotiations with Ukraine and whether external support will prolong the conflict.

Iran is balancing its own military ambitions while providing substantial aid to Russia. Tehran has become a key supplier of drones to Moscow, enhancing Russia’s battlefield capabilities. At the same time, Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile is at record highs, though it has not officially restarted its nuclear weapons program. There have also been reports of seismic activity near Iran’s nuclear sites, which some believe could be indicative of clandestine operations.

North Korea is leveraging its growing partnership with Russia to reduce its dependence on China. Pyongyang has sent troops and munitions to Russia, receiving advanced military technology in return. This relationship not only strengthens North Korea’s military capabilities but also enhances its ability to challenge US interests in the region.

As these four nations deepen their cooperation, the geopolitical landscape is becoming increasingly complex. The growing alignment between China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea presents a multifaceted challenge for the US, requiring a strategic and coordinated response to counter their collective efforts.

By Ray Payne OAM

The latest budget announcement does not provide the necessary funding to strengthen Australia’s defence forces despite growing global threats. Instead of making significant investments in national security, the government is shifting a modest $1 billion over the next few years, mostly towards submarines and missiles. This small funding adjustment does little to improve the readiness and sustainability of the current defence force.

The total funding for Defence, the Australian Signals Directorate, and the Australian Submarine Agency in 2025–26 is estimated at $58.99 billion, an increase of 4.2 percent from the previous year. However, after accounting for inflation, the real increase is only 3.2 percent. This is not enough, especially considering the government itself has stated that Australia is facing its most serious security challenges since World War II.

A closer look at the budget shows that the government is still not prioritising the readiness of existing defence forces. While there is some extra funding to maintain the F-35 Lightning jets and Collins-class submarines, there is little change in overall maintenance, usage, and workforce support. This lack of investment weakens the immediate effectiveness of Australia’s military.

This budget is a missed opportunity to strengthen national security. It does not show a strong commitment to defence, risks damaging relationships with key international allies, and discourages investment from the defence industry. Without clear signals from the government that it is serious about strengthening Australia’s defence capabilities, local industries will continue to face delays and uncertainty.

In the end, the government’s failure to prioritise defence funding leaves Australia unprepared for future threats. While successive governments have acknowledged the growing security risks, this budget does little to ensure that Australia has a strong and ready defence force. The government must recognise that its top responsibility is to protect the nation and take action by providing proper and timely funding for defence.

Photo: The MC-55A taking flight. (L3Harris photo)

The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) is set to receive a new multi-mission intelligence aircraft, the MC-55A Peregrine, this year. Prime contractor L3Harris is finalising developmental work after delays in the program.

The MC-55A is a modified version of the Gulfstream G550, part of a global trend of equipping business jets with advanced military systems. Australia procured four aircraft through the US Air Force’s foreign military sales process in 2019. However, the project has faced setbacks, with initial deliveries anticipated as early as 2023.

L3Harris has stated that the project remains within contractual cost and schedule frameworks, despite the delays. Challenges arose from adjustments to flight parameters and modifications to the aircraft’s structure to accommodate military equipment.

Following certification from the US Federal Aviation Administration in December, the aircraft is now on track for delivery. The Australian Department of Defence has not confirmed an exact timeline but expects the aircraft within the next 12 months.

The MC-55A is designed for strategic intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions. Its capabilities include electronic warfare and command and control functions. The RAAF will be the first operator of this specific configuration, which features an extensive suite of sensors and mission systems integrated into a business jet platform.

L3Harris is also pursuing further international sales of the MC-55A. Another foreign military sales customer has reportedly purchased a G550 with similar mission systems, though details remain undisclosed.

Media Release

AVALON AIR SHOW — Australia is set to conduct its first live weapon test from the MQ-28 Ghost Bat drone before the end of the year. This marks a significant milestone for the Australian-designed and built unmanned aircraft, which has been in development for several years.

The upcoming test will focus on an air-to-air weapon, with future trials expected to explore air-to-ground capabilities. The Ghost Bat program has gained international attention, particularly from the United States, which signed a data-sharing agreement with Australia in 2023. At least one Ghost Bat has been observed operating in the US.

Boeing has announced that the MQ-28 recently completed its 100th test flight, demonstrating progress in the program. Currently, eight Block 1 Ghost Bats are undergoing flight tests, while two Block 2 aircraft are in production. By the end of the year, 11 units are expected to be engaged in live testing.

The transition from Block 1 to Block 2 focuses on enhancing the drone’s survivability in contested environments. Key upgrades include improved navigation systems to prevent interference and structural modifications to facilitate maintenance and production efficiency.

Additionally, the MQ-28 is expected to participate in “operationally relevant missions” alongside the E-7 Wedgetail and F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. These collaborations aim to refine the drone’s capabilities in a combat environment. Future demonstrations are also planned with platforms such as the F-15EX.

The Ghost Bat program is regarded as a potential boost for Australia’s defence industry, with aspirations for large-scale exports. With continued testing and development, it is expected to play a crucial role in modern aerial warfare strategies.

Photo: An MQ-28 Ghost Bat drone flies in tests for the Royal Australian Air Force. (Australian Department of Defence)

Pulse of Israel blog

A growing number of protests are breaking out against Hamas in Gaza. This would have been unthinkable in the past, but with the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) steadily gaining control over the Gaza Strip and Hamas seemingly collapsing above ground, more and more “civilians” now feel safe enough to voice their dissent.

Many social media commentators are quick to claim that the people of Gaza have been unwilling victims of Hamas’ rule, largely controlled by fear. But is this the full story?

The reality is that protests against Hamas are not new. They have occurred periodically since Hamas violently ousted Fatah in 2006 after winning the Palestinian elections. During that takeover, Hamas terrorists threw Fatah members off buildings, engaged in gunfights, and expelled the faction’s leadership from Gaza.

Some argue that these latest protests indicate a shift in the attitudes of Gazans towards Israel. However, this is a misinterpretation. What these protests reveal is that when under pressure, the so-called civilians of Gaza will turn against Hamas—but only when they have no other choice. Notably, despite a $5 million reward offered for assistance in rescuing Israeli hostages, not a single Gazan has come forward to help the IDF. Those now protesting against Hamas would, under different circumstances, eagerly take part in another violent campaign against Jews.

As Hamas continues to collapse, there will be an increasing effort to portray the Gazan population as peaceful. But this ignores the fact that the overwhelming majority supported the October 7th attacks and are only speaking out now because they know they are losing.

True peace will only come when the Arabs of Gaza—many of whom trace their roots to Egypt—are resettled elsewhere, and the land is repopulated by Jews, who have an ancient historical connection to the region. Any other solution is based on delusion and is doomed to fail.

The Australian Government handed down the 2025-26 Federal Budget on 25 March 2025.

The 2025–26 Budget builds on previous investments that have seen the demand for the Department’s services increase.

$47.6 million in 2025–26 has been provided to increase resourcing in key service delivery areas of the Department. This includes funding for up to 120 service delivery staff in the following areas:

• the Veteran Access Network
• Veteran Support Officers
• Complex Case Management teams
• Information Access teams, and
• mental health support teams.

A further $11.9 million in 2025-26 has been provided to support continued access to key health and support programs for veterans and families, including:

• extension of the Military and Veteran Psychiatry Training Program
• extension of the Veterans’ Chaplaincy Pilot Program
• supporting the delivery of the Veteran Employment Program
• extension of the Veterans – volunteer training in suicide recognition and intervention program
• supporting Invictus Australia
• supporting Kookaburra Kids.

This additional funding builds on significant investments into the Department via the 2024–25 Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook (MYEFO) process, which included $34.9 million to provide DVA with additional resourcing as well as funding to support the Department’s implementation of the Government’s response to the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide.

To find out more about the 2025–26 Budget measures, please visit the 2025–26 Budget page on the DVA website.

ED: This budget includes some positive steps in improving veteran services, particularly in mental health, case management, and employment support. However, will this funding be enough to address the backlog of claims and long wait times veterans currently face? Additional staff is welcome, but systemic issues within the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) require long-term structural reform, not just short-term budget increases. Veterans need streamlined, efficient services, not just more bureaucracy. Will these measures lead to tangible improvements for veterans, or are they just another

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Cheers Ray

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Media Release – DroneShield

DroneShield, a global leader in counter-drone solutions, proudly reaffirms its support for the Australian Defence Force (ADF) Drone Racing Team at the upcoming Avalon Australian International Airshow 2025. This continued collaboration further strengthens the partnership between DroneShield and Australia’s foremost military drone operators, fostering innovation in both drone and counter-drone technologies.

Building on the successful engagement with the ADF Drone Racing Association, DroneShield’s sponsorship at Avalon 2025 will go beyond traditional support. This year, the focus will be on hands-on collaboration, with DroneShield drone pilots actively participating in the ADF Drone Racing Team’s activities at the Airshow. This initiative aims to enhance cross-domain expertise and drive innovation in real-time drone engagements.

“The ADF Drone Racing Team represents the pinnacle of high-performance drone operations, and we are excited to continue our support at Avalon 2025,” said Oleg Vornik, CEO and Managing Director of DroneShield. “This partnership is more than just sponsorship; it’s about shaping the future of drone warfare by merging expertise from both offensive and defensive drone technologies.”

Wing Commander Keirin Joyce, President of the ADF Drone Racing Association, welcomed the continued collaboration. “The partnership between the ADF Drone Racing Team and DroneShield is invaluable in pushing the boundaries of what drones can do – both in competition and on the battlefield. By testing cutting-edge counter-drone technologies against some of the most skilled drone operators in Defence, we create a unique development loop that strengthens Australia’s overall defence capabilities.”

The Avalon Australian International Airshow 2025 will provide a premier platform to showcase the latest advancements in drone and counter-drone technologies, further cementing Australia’s position as a leader in military drone innovation.

eWise Blog – Contributor

The Australian Defence Force (ADF) is shifting its approach to language training, prioritising cultural intelligence and strategic linguistic interoperability within the Indo-Pacific region. This transition moves away from an outdated focus on Middle Eastern languages, aligning training efforts with Australia’s evolving strategic interests.

A key step in this realignment is the introduction of Tok Pisin, the most widely spoken language in Papua New Guinea (PNG), into ADF language programs. With PNG’s close geographic proximity and historical ties to Australia, a structured defence treaty is long overdue. However, trust remains a complex issue shaped by colonial legacies, security interventions, and perceptions of ADF personnel. To foster genuine, sustainable partnerships, Australia must go beyond formal agreements and earn trust through cultural and linguistic engagement.

For years, ADF language training has prioritised Arabic, Urdu, Pashto, and Farsi—reflecting past operational commitments. With Australia’s focus now firmly on the Indo-Pacific, its military language training must follow suit. Resources are still allocated to European languages, despite English being the standard for NATO operations. Redirecting this focus to regional languages will improve operational effectiveness with minimal investment.

PNG presents unique linguistic challenges, with over 840 living languages. Tok Pisin, an English-based creole, is a practical choice due to its accessibility and broad use across military, governmental, and community contexts. Another strategic addition to ADF language training would be Bahasa, covering both its Malay and Indonesian variants. Though distinct, these forms remain mutually intelligible, facilitating communication with over 300 million people across Indonesia and Malaysia.

The success of Australia’s partnership with PNG will be determined by the strength of relationships built on the ground. To make this engagement meaningful, Australia must invest in language and cultural capability, ensuring ADF personnel can operate as trusted partners rather than external enforcers. Prioritising Tok Pisin and, where possible, Bahasa, will be a decisive step towards achieving this goal.