The Japanese government has created a draft public-private investment roadmap for small drones and is examining a raft of other measures to adapt to the “new ways of warfighting” on display in the Ukraine and Iran conflicts | Corey Lee Bell

China has built and practised with weapons to attack US and ally satellites in space and would certainly use those weapons if war started, the head of US space combat command has warned | Max Blenkin

Expanding Japan’s “comprehensive national power,” absorbing lessons from the Ukraine conflict and strengthening the nation’s defence industrial and technological bases were among the key themes addressed | Corey Lee Bell

Japanese AI/neurotech start-up Araya has successfully undertaken proof-of-concept trials on unmanned ground vehicle autonomous target tracking capabilities, a company press release stated on 27 April | Corey Lee Bell

Back in the early 2000s as the Navy planned for its new Aegis-equipped air warfare destroyers, one emerging capability was ballistic missile defence | Max Blenkin

Members Only

RAAF Tindal redevelopment

By the time this article is published Lendlease expects to have finished all but a tiny portion of two separate contracts for Defence at RAAF Base Tindal in the Northern Territory | Gregor Ferguson

Nova Systems and Here partner on digital services

Nova Systems has announced a new strategic partnership with Here Technologies, strengthening Nova’s digital services capability across Defence, Emergency Services and Government.

Codan appoints new Strategic Advisor

Codan has appointed former Chief of Army Lieutenant General (Retired) Rick Burr as Strategic Advisor, reinforcing its focus on expanding sovereign defence capability in Australia and across allied markets.

Li-S Energy prototype secures US shipping approval

Li-S Energy has secured the regulatory approvals required to airfreight its prototype lithium-sulphur cells from Australia to the United States.

NEC commences Orbital Transfer Vehicle project

NEC has launched a project to develop an Orbital Transfer Vehicle following its selection by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency and the agency’s decision to award NEC with a grant.

AICraft to develop space electronics

Adelaide-based artificial intelligence company AICraft has secured support through the Manufacturing Growth Accelerator Program to develop advanced electronics that will enable the next generation of spaceborne radar systems.

Embraer to receive Bharat Forge Landing Gear Forgings

Embraer and Bharat Forge have signed a contract for the supply of forged raw materials.

QinetiQ Australia opens Melbourne Office

Assistant Minister for Defence, Peter Khalil, and Federal Labor Senator, Raff Ciccone, have formally opened QinetiQ Australia’s new office in Melbourne.

Exercise Nemesis Typhoon finishes

Australian Defence Force helicopters and soldiers from the 16th Aviation Brigade and Special Operations Command have recently completed Exercise Nemesis Typhoon, a domestic counter-terrorism training activity.

Australia and India talk Defence

The 10th Australia–India Defence Policy Talks were held in New Delhi on 8 May. The Indian delegation was led by Joint Secretary Shri Amitabh Prasad, while the Australian side was led by First Assistant Secretary International Policy Bernard Philip.

AtkinsRéalis to acquire Coras

AtkinsRéalis has entered into an agreement to acquire Coras, an Australian Defence and National Security advisory consultancy with offices in Canberra, Sydney and Adelaide.

BlueRoom Simulations and Airbus to explore MR training

BlueRoom Simulations has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Airbus Australia Pacific and Airbus Helicopters at RotorTech 2026 on the Gold Coast.

SYPAQ Systems Corvo X enters into service

SYPAQ Systems has announced the successful delivery and entry into service of Corvo X, delivering a next generation military-grade SUAS capability under the Australian Army’s Def 129 Small Uncrewed Aerial System Program.