"The Fat Controller" is a dangerous phrase for toddlers to pronounce if they're not really hitting their T's as my charming progeny may or may not be doing 🫢

Much more could be said, but that's my rough first reaction for what it's worth. Further thoughts on the specifics of NDS 2026 to come.

www.defence.gov.au/about/strate...

I appreciate that these are largely questions for other parts of the gov't and bureaucracy to take the lead on, and the May budget will give a good indication of where we're travelling overall. But at the same time, while defence might not be seen a vote winner, it doesn't exist in a vacuum either.

Frustrations around housing & secure jobs, shaped by productivity, inflation, immigration: these forces are driving greater political polarisation & putting social cohesion under strain. Defence exists in that context, not just the international picture of strategic competition & deterrence.

The case can absolutely be, and has been, made for more spending on defence now - NDS26 itself makes that case, as did NDS24 & DSR23 - but there's no shortage of things gov't could spend $ on across lots of portfolios. My qn is how do we square that with the other challenges Australia is facing.

It doesn't mean the government isn't held to account or we ignore where they could've done more or better/differently but nor can we overlook the unfolding inflationary impacts of the Hormuz closure & existing widespread socio-economic pressures when talking about even further increases in defence $

Australia unveils historic defence spending boost | 7NEWS YouTube video by 7NEWS Australia

I'm taking the weekend to properly re-read & reflect on the new 2026 National Defence Strategy, but @aspi-org.bsky.social Mike's comments 👇 are the only acknowledgment I've seen of the broader politico-economic circumstances that these decisions have occurred within.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=V7eZ...

Haha true! The perils of character limited posts...and where would any defence organisation be without acronyms? 😉

Inside Australia's push to build a sovereign missile industry As Australia ramps up missile production, experts say supply chain gaps and export challenges could limit its independence.

www.sbs.com.au/news/article...

Australia announces first female army chief YouTube video by SBS News

I'm grateful for the opportunity to contribute to two stories from SBS News yesterday on Australia's next steps in manufacturing & exporting long-range guided munitions, as well as some brief comments on the Defence leadership announcements.

youtube.com/watch?v=P3IywHlk2z8&themeRefresh=1

Maritime capability has become a key relationship and engagement driver for Australian defence policy of late (i.e. AUKUS and Mogami FFGs), so the new CDF is perhaps a sign of how things might look in the upcoming second National Defence Strategy, reportedly due to be released on Thursday.

This is also a sign of enduring prioritisation of AUKUS with VADM Hammond and RADM Buckley both submariners and RADM Buckley's earlier time at ASA before his appointment as DCN last year.

Congratulations to all the new appointees as CDF, CN, and CA - VADM Mark Hammond, RADM Matt Buckley, and LTGEN Susan Coyle.

There's a clear maritime flavour, with a second successive Navy CDF, as well as strong continuity from the Joint world into the services given CA's time as CJC.

Look, I know, dealing with the big topics here, but as much as I love marmalade...kaya is this close to pipping it as my top breakfast toast spread 🤏

"What looks to be the worst oil crisis in history, accelerating the rise of the far right, presaging a(nother) global recession and mass food shortages in the global south, you say?"

Pacific leaders lobby Australia for rugby cash splash after NRL deal The $150 million sports diplomacy deal is being sought by Fiji, Tonga and Samoa as the Albanese government bankrolls rugby league in the region to counter China.

Great news for Pacific rugby and Australia's ongoing role in the region. Wildly disproportionate funding going to one sporting code is not the way to go, so I'm glad to see the government listening to Fiji, Samoa, and Tonga and acting accordingly.

www.smh.com.au/sport/rugby-...

www.minister.defence.gov.au/statements/2...

The bilateral alliance is acknowledged as having a regional dimension, "inextricably linked with the security of the broader Pacific region." This will be enacted through increased regional force interoperability and support for combined ops, activities, and maritime activities.

Relatedly, this includes pursuing co-development, production, and sustainment; and focusing on the increased shared logistics, sustainment, and training opportunities that come from common operating platforms.

Importantly, the allies have committed to "operate and exercise as a more integrated Anzac force" and "employ common and complementary capabilities...including strike...autonomous systems, maritime and air platforms and equipment, and land systems".

Anzac 2035 includes increased force posture cooperation as well as the establishment of a bilateral Force Posture Working Group "to develop recommendations to advance force posture cooperation."

www.minister.defence.gov.au/statements/2...

My favourite little security framework, the Five Power Defence Arrangements, appropriately rates a mention, as well as NATO IP4 and Five Eyes.

Further points in the Joint Statement on China's actions in the South China Sea and with regard to Taiwan and Xinjiang.

Sticking with the Joint Statement, there were a few interesting snippets in the context of recent PLA-N maritime activities near Australia and in the Southwest Pacific.

DefMins Marles & Collins also released the Anzac 2035 Vision Statement to operationalise Closer Defence Relations, encompassing force posture activities; combined ops & exercises; force preparedness, resilience, and defence industry integration; and Pacific security initiatives.

Today marked the third Australia-New Zealand Foreign and Defence Ministerial Consultations (ANZMIN 2+2) alongside separate ForMin and DefMin Meetings as the allies celebrate the 75th anniversary of the ANZUS Treaty.

A few highlights to follow in this thread 🧵👇

Book Launch: Asian Crucible: Globalization, Geopolitics and the Contest for the Future

Recommended listening: this discussion between @ruthgamble.bsky.social @nickbisley.bsky.social @danielflitton.bsky.social for La Trobe Asia to launch Nick's new book "Asian Crucible: Globalization, Geopolitics and the Contest for the Future".

open.spotify.com/episode/5xdi...

"War were(n't) declared?": the politics, semantics, and strategy of Australia's support for the UAE against Iran There were several perspectives published last week which addressed the question of whether Australia was now at war with Iran, but to me they left some major aspects unanswered.

Also here for those who prefer to read via a pile of underwater vehicles.

shipofstate.substack.com/p/war-werent...

“War were(n’t) declared?”: the politics, semantics, and strategy of Australia’s support for the UAE against Iran There were several perspectives published last week which addressed the question of whether Australia was now at war with Iran, but to me they left some major aspects unanswered. Consequently, I wa…

As always, thoughts and reflections welcome - this is certainly not an assertion of unimpeachable accuracy or completeness on my part, just trying to understand the full picture and thinking through the different dimensions.

davidmandrews.com/2026/03/16/w...