The increasing autonomy of AI-powered drones in warfare raises urgent ethical and legal questions about programming morality into weapons systems. Experts debate whether AI can make moral decisions, distinguish combatants from civilians, and the implications of a "kill box" scenario.
Australia is set to receive three secondhand US Virginia-class nuclear submarines, with the first arriving in 2032. Defense Minister Pat Conroy dismissed criticism, stating the deal is cheaper and more efficient, while acknowledging potential US congressional review.
US defence industry leaders advocate for increased commercial cooperation with Taiwan to enhance its military capabilities amid growing Chinese pressure, while addressing concerns over US arms sales being used as a negotiating chip with Beijing.
Concerns over potential delays in Australia's nuclear-powered submarine acquisition under AUKUS are prompting calls for a 'plan B', with options like leasing submarines from Japan being discussed as contingencies.
Japan’s Mogami-class destroyer appears to be pulling ahead in the race to become the next generation of warships for the Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN), in what would be another major deal for Japan’s defence industry just weeks after Tokyo announced it was lifting its long-held ban on weapons exports. Under its 2025 Defence Capability Plan, the government in Wellington has committed to replacing its two ANZAC-class frigates – launched in the early 1990s – with more capable, modern warships. The...
Keir Starmer is attending a European Political Community summit in Yerevan, Armenia, where he announced UK plans to join the EU's €90bn (£78bn) loan for Ukraine. The loan, previously blocked by Hungarian PM Viktor Orbán, will provide military support for Ukraine and give British defence firms access to major contracts. The move is part of Starmer's efforts to improve post-Brexit UK-EU relations ahead of a summer summit.
China would see India's defense industry cooperation with South Korea on artillery and anti-aircraft guns as inevitably sensitive given Beijing's border dispute with New Delhi in the Himalayas, analysts say. South Korea's Lee said Seoul backs India's Atmanirbhar Bharat self-reliant policy and hopes to actively support production and operation of Indian defense equipment. India operates about 100 K9 Vajra-T 155mm self-propelled howitzers, made in India based on South Korea's K9 Thunder design, and plans to acquire 100 more.
