DefenceTalkTikTok was dealt fresh setbacks Tuesday as Australia joined a list of Western nations banning the Chinese-owned apps from government devices and Britain fined it for allowing children under 13 to use the social media platform. The popular video-sharing app has come under growing pressure in Western countries, with the United States urging TikTok to […]https://www.defencetalk.com/tiktok-hit-with-uk-fine-australia-government-ban-80006/

DefenceTalkAustralia has unveiled plans to buy up to five US nuclear-powered submarines, then build a new model with US and British technology under an ambitious plan to bulk up Western muscle across the Asia-Pacific in the face of a rising China. The announcement came Monday at an event at a San Diego, California, naval base […]https://www.defencetalk.com/australia-to-buy-us-nuclear-subs-in-ambitious-new-pact-79939/

DefenceTalkAustralia said Thursday it has snapped up a US offer to obtain the same long-range, mobile rocket system Ukraine has deployed on the battlefield against invading Russian forces. The government said the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) would deter attacks on Australia but could also be transported by plane for deployment worldwide. “The effectiveness […]https://www.defencetalk.com/australia-buys-ukraine-tested-us-missile-system-79681/

DefenceTalkThe US Defense Department on Wednesday announced the approval of a potential $6.35 billion sale of 24 C-130J-30 transport aircraft and other equipment to Australia. “The proposed sale will improve Australia’s capability to meet current and future threats by providing the Royal Australian Air Force with replacements for its aging cargo fleet, guaranteeing a reliable […]https://www.defencetalk.com/us-approves-6-35-bn-aircraft-sale-to-australia-79592/

DefenceTalkThirteen German military aircraft were on their way to Australia on Tuesday as Germany looks to strengthen its presence in the Indo-Pacific region amid growing tensions with China. The six Eurofighters and seven military transport aircraft were due to land in Singapore on Tuesday before travelling on to Australia under the mission dubbed Rapid Pacific […]https://www.defencetalk.com/german-fighter-jets-to-make-debut-in-indo-pacific-79200/

DefenceTalkAustralia unveiled a substantial compensation deal with French submarine maker Naval Group Saturday, ending a contract dispute that soured relations between Canberra and Paris for almost a year. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the French firm had agreed to a “fair and an equitable settlement” of 555 million euros (US$584 million) for Australia ending a […]https://www.defencetalk.com/australia-agrees-payout-ending-france-submarine-spat-78952/

DefenceTalkAustralia’s government lashed out at “loose” comments by the former defence minister Thursday, after he revealed sensitive plans to buy US nuclear-powered submarines over their British rivals. Peter Dutton, who left office as defence minister a few weeks ago after his conservative coalition lost elections, disclosed his previously secret plans to choose the US Virginia-class […]https://www.defencetalk.com/australia-lashes-out-after-us-nuclear-subs-plan-revealed-78921/

DefenceTalkCambodia and Beijing on Tuesday denied a report that they are building a secret naval facility for the Chinese fleet, as Australia’s new prime minister voiced concern and called for transparency. The Washington Post, citing unnamed Western officials, said a new facility at Cambodia’s Ream base — strategically located on the Gulf of Thailand — […]https://www.defencetalk.com/cambodia-china-deny-naval-base-reports-as-australia-voices-concern-78902/

DefenceTalkBeijing on Monday warned Australia to “act prudently” or face “serious consequences” after Canberra accused a Chinese fighter jet of dangerously intercepting one of its spy planes over the South China Sea. Australia has argued it is not unusual for it to undertake surveillance flights in the South China Sea — a region Beijing insists […]https://www.defencetalk.com/china-warns-australia-risks-serious-consequences-after-jet-interception-78899/

DefenceTalkTalks between Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and 10 Pacific Island nations failed to reach an agreement on a wide-ranging security deal Monday, after sharp warnings the proposal would push the region into “Beijing’s orbit”. A virtual summit of leaders and foreign ministers was expected to discuss proposals to radically increase China’s involvement in the […]https://www.defencetalk.com/china-fails-to-ink-security-pact-with-pacific-nations-78841/