The Australian Ministry of Defence has published draft legislation that seeks to make it easier for Australia and its AUKUS allies the United States and the United Kingdom exchange information on advanced technologies. The bill’s summary reveals Australia’s agenda of establishing an export license-free system to support industry, higher education and research advancements among the...
Category: National Security
Australia Signs infosec Deal With European Partners
Australia has signed the Security Agreement on the Protection of Classified Information under the Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation, according to a joint media release Tuesday from Australian Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles and Minister for Defence Pat Conroy. The pact opens classified information exchange between Australia and the European intergovermental organization, known by its...
AUKUS Maneuvers Test Warfare Capabilities of Uncrewed Undersea Vessels
The AUKUS alliance of Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States has tested the warfare capabilities of their new uncrewed underwater vessels and related equipment and personnel. According to a news release from the Department of Defense, the naval maneuvers included the launch of the new Australian Defence Vessel Guidance, which featured a range...
U.S. Reaffirms Commitment to Develop Resilient, Secure Infrastructure in Pacific
Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield, U.S. representative to the United Nations, has reaffirmed the American government’s commitment to the Pacific Islands’ sustainable development goals, which include building resilient and secure infrastructure. The ambassador made the pledge during the Pacific Islands Forum held in the Cook Islands, where she met with regional leaders and entrepreneurs. Enhancing digital connectivity...
US Navy Official Says Australia Could Get First Virginia-Class Sub in 2032
The United States will deliver Virginia-class submarines to Australia starting in 2032 under the trilateral AUKUS security agreement, according to Vice Adm. Bill Houston, commander of Naval Submarine Forces. Speaking to reporters at the Naval Submarine League on Tuesday, Houston revealed that Australia will receive at least three submarines throughout the 2030s. Following the initial...
US-South Korea Agreement Outlines Cybersecurity Collaboration Areas
The U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency has signed a memorandum of understanding with South Korea’s National Intelligence Service to define the cybersecurity collaboration areas broadly set under a bilateral cyber framework agreed upon in April. CISA Director Jen Easterly and NIS Deputy Director Baek Jong-wook signed the MOU, which identified sharing cyberthreat information and...
PNNL Official: Cyprus Security Center’s Benefits Extend Beyond Cypriot Borders
The Cyprus Center for Land Open Seas and Port Security, CYCLOPS for short, contributes not only to securing the host country but also its neighbors and beyond, a Pacific Northwest National Laboratory official said. In a feature article on PNNL’s footprint on world security posted on the lab’s website, James Spracklen, principal advisor at PNNL’s...
Rheinmetall Sets First Delivery of Multi Ammunition Softkill System to Australian Navy by Year-End
Rheinmetall Defence Australia has set a year-end delivery date for the Multi Ammunition Softkill System ordered by the Royal Australian Navy in May. The company said Monday that it is looking for Australia-based partners that specialize in electronics, electrics and artillery to manufacture components for MASS. According to Nathan Poyner, Rheinmetall Defence Australia managing director,...
MBDA UK, PGZ Ink $4.9B Deal to Bolster Poland’s Air Defense System
MBDA UK has signed a $4.9 billion agreement with Polish defense firm PGZ to build up Narew, Poland’s next-generation air defense program. The deal will support Poland’s plans to establish a powerful ground-based air defense system that can neutralize threats from cruise missiles and fighter jets, according to the UK Ministry of Defence. The defense...
South Korea Eyes End-November Launch of First Homegrown Spy Satellite
South Korea is preparing to launch its first locally made spy satellite for better monitoring of neighboring North Korea, which has an expanding nuclear arsenal. Jeon Ha Gyu, a South Korean Defense Ministry spokesperson told reporters on Monday that the satellite will lift off from California’s Vandenberg Air Force Base on Nov. 30, ending Seoul’s...