UWA Defence and Security Institute’s Post

‘Regardless of the state of Turkiye’s defence-industrial relations with the US and European countries, the Turkish defence industry has become more active in new export markets. Turkiye’s purchase of the S-400 (RS-SA-21 Growler) air-defence system from Russia in 2017 and its delivery in 2019 marked yet another shift in Turkish foreign policy and, consequently, in the defence industry’s trajectory.’ Read the latest research paper by Sıtkı Egeli, Serhat Guvenc, Arda Mevlutoglu and Caglar Kurc, produced as part of a joint project between the Center for Foreign Policy and Peace Research and the IISS, supported by CATS Network. ➡ https://lnkd.in/eQNYHnek #Defence #Turkey #InternationalSecurity

🆕 Twenty Years Young - The new edition of EDA’s European Defence Matters magazine is out! The European security environment has changed dramatically since EDA’s establishment, and so have we. As #EDAturns20 this year, the new European Defence Matters sheds light on the Agency’s past achievements and assesses the future of #EUdefence cooperation. While NATO will remain the cornerstone of Europe’s collective defence, EDA’s work on 155mm #ammunition procurement in support of Ukraine, as well as its role in marshalling collaborative defence projects, illustrate how EDA is helping to make the #EU a security provider. EDA has proved its worth since its birth on 12 July 2004 — and continues to do so. EDA’s Head of Agency, High Representative Josep Borrell, and EDA’s Chief Executive, Jiří Šedivý, explain why the EU needs to continue to develop its common defence policy. EDA’s initiatives in #autonomous systems, outlined in this edition, reveal much about warfare of the future. Finland’s Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen sets out his key tasks for EU defence, as well as what it means to be part of NATO. We also hear from a Swedish think-tanker at the Atlantic Council, Anna Wieslander, on what Sweden’s new membership of the alliance means for Europe. Also in this edition of European Defence Matters, we talk to NATO’s Assistant Secretary General for Public Diplomacy, Marie-Doha Besancenot, on the work that goes on to remind citizens of how we must both honour the successes of the past and continue to work to secure our future security. Get your copy now - https://lnkd.in/e-iKBJpn #EDM27 #EU #defence #europeanunion

📢 Key Takeaway from the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) Prague Defence Summit: A Call for Europe to Strengthen Support for Ukraine During the keynote Q&A session, a significant question was raised: "𝘞𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘶𝘭𝘵𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘜.𝘚. 𝘦𝘭𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴, 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘌𝘶𝘳𝘰𝘱𝘦 𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘥𝘰 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘦𝘯𝘴𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘜𝘬𝘳𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘦 𝘥𝘰𝘦𝘴 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘭𝘰𝘴𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘳, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘪𝘧 𝘴𝘰, 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘱𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘦 𝘣𝘦 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘌𝘶𝘳𝘰𝘱𝘦?" President Pavel of the Czech Republic responded decisively, highlighting the need for European nations to prepare for intensified support, regardless of American election outcomes. Reflecting on past challenges, he underscored: - Europe’s critical role in supporting Ukraine, recognizing that the initial aid was too slow, which allowed Russia to gain ground. - The need for proactive measures from Europe to strengthen its defense capacities and not wait on U.S. policies. - The potential risks of a U.S. administration shifting focus, especially with potential policy changes that might deprioritize Ukraine. As Europe faces a turning point in its collective security strategy, President Pavel called for a multilateral approach to peace involving not only NATO and European Union members but also influential global players like China and India. Any peace settlement, he emphasised, must include Ukraine and Europe to ensure a lasting security structure. This message resonates deeply as Europe navigates the evolving geopolitical landscape and the importance of proactive support for Ukraine. 🌍✊ #IISSPrague #EuropeanSecurity #UkraineSupport #GlobalDiplomacy #TransatlanticUnity #Defence

Was on holiday when I saw this notification. I’m pleased to share that I’ve just published an article on The Diplomat examining Singapore's bilateral military exercises with its neighbours! The Diplomat reaches an influential audience of commentators, policymakers and academics with its in-depth treatment of regional issues. In writing this article, I aimed to address two key points: Firstly, while discussions about Singapore's military exercises often focus on its engagements with the US, Australia, and the Five Power Defence Agreement (FPDA) [which includes Australia, New Zealand, the UK, Malaysia, and Singapore], the concept of deterrence is frequently invoked. However, deterrence alone doesn’t fully explain why Singapore continues to conduct exercises with its immediate neighbours despite its perceived vulnerabilities. Secondly, while Singapore’s military exercises with its neighbours have been analysed through the lens of defence diplomacy, there has been less focus on whether these exercises foster cooperation on non-traditional security issues such as terrorism and piracy. Moreover, Singapore’s bilateral exercises provide access to new training facilities, enhancing realistic training both on land and at sea, and overcoming some of the country’s geographical constraints. A historical parallel: During the Second World War, Japanese forces trained extensively in Taiwan’s forests and plantations to simulate combat in similar terrains before their invasion of Malaya in 1941. Similarly, Singapore conducts training in diverse and unfamiliar jungle terrains overseas to simulate combat scenarios effectively. Read more about it here! https://lnkd.in/eF7QrwQE

In a welcome move, France has recently removed its opposition to non-EU companies, including those from the UK, participating in EU-funded defence incentives. This is a positive and pragmatic step toward closer UK-EU defence cooperation, especially at a time when Europe’s security environment is increasingly complex. The UK, as a UN Security Council permanent member, a leading NATO ally, and one of Europe’s largest defence contributors, plays a crucial role in ensuring both European and global security. Its greater involvement in EU defence initiatives, such as the European Defence Investment Plan (EDIP), is a welcome development that will bolster shared capabilities. The war in Ukraine has underscored the need for a more integrated European defence strategy. By fostering closer UK-EU collaboration, we can strengthen supply chains, enhance strategic autonomy, and build innovative solutions to shared challenges. Including the UK in EU procurement processes ensures efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and interoperability across borders. This decision also sends a strong signal of transatlantic cooperation, ensuring Europe’s defence industry can meet future demands while maintaining key partnerships with the UK. With Europe’s security landscape continuing to evolve, UK-EU collaboration remains vital to promoting stability, economic prosperity, and resilience across the region. #UKDefence #EUDefence #UKEUrelations #Security #StrategicAutonomy #RussiaUkraine

💥 Honored to contribute to the debate at one of Taiwan’s most prominent think tanks, the Institute for National Defense and Security Research In the latest Defence Security Brief (Vol. 13-3), I had the privilege of sharing my analysis titled: “Why what happened to Israel could be a tactical and strategic lesson for defending Taiwan.” The lessons Taiwan can draw from Israel represent yet another key link in the growing interconnections between the Indo-Pacific and the Enlarged Mediterranean. The analysis focuses on: • Tactical insights: Strengthening air defenses against missile saturation, preparing for asymmetric warfare, and improving intelligence-sharing systems. • Psychological resilience: Learning from how Israel maintains unity amid conflict. • Military reforms: Adapting conscription systems and investing in multi-domain defense capabilities. • Geopolitical positioning: Aligning Taiwan within the global ‘axis of democracies’ to counter authoritarian regimes. 🌐 Taiwan faces unique challenges, and analyzing Israel’s strategies offers valuable insights into bolstering military and societal defenses. I’m grateful to the INDSR for the opportunity to contribute to this vital discussion, and look forward to engaging with peers on this critical topic. 📖 You can read the full analysis in the Defence Security Brief Vol. 13-3. Let’s keep the conversation going!

The recently signed Reciprocal Access Agreement between Japan and the Philippines reflects the growing geo-strategic alignment between the two nations. This will strengthen the self-defence capabilities of these key first island chain states. It is also likely to be a model for future defence cooperation across the Indo-Pacific. Read more in IDSS Paper "Japan-Philippines Reciprocal Access Agreement Strengthens Defence Links Across the First Island Chain" by John Bradford and Ryan Ashley #RSIS #IDSSPaper

I am encouraged by the strengthening defense relationship between Japan and the Philippines, highlighted by their efforts to conclude a new defense pact. A notable example of these deepening security ties is Japan making the Philippines the first Southeast Asian recipient of its new Official Security Assistance (OSA). I have often emphasized Japan's potential to enhance regional capacity building if it could utilize Official Development Assistance for defense and security purposes. With OSA, this is now possible. This bilateral cooperation also paves the way for impactful trilateral efforts, creating a true win-win situation. Japan's increased role in global security over the past decade is commendable, and I look forward to seeing further expansion in the future. I applaud Japan’s ongoing efforts to support peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. https://lnkd.in/eXpbajMG

The 23 NATO countries' meeting to achieve the alliance's 2% defence spending target signifies a pivotal moment in global security dynamics. The surge in defence spending, notably an 18% increase in Europe and Canada this year, represents the most significant rise in decades. Notably, countries like Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, and Turkey reaching the 2% threshold for the first time underscores a renewed commitment to collective security within NATO. For the Middle East, a region often on the brink of conflict, NATO's strengthened defence posture holds significant implications. Countries like Lebanon, with its volatile border with Israel, face unique challenges amidst these developments. While NATO's enhanced capabilities could offer stability, they raise concerns about potential regional tensions and arms races. Turkey's intricate role within NATO and its actions in Gaza and Lebanon add complexity to the regional dynamics. Ankara's involvement in these areas and its alignment with NATO's goals pose questions about potential friction within the alliance. Lebanon, already grappling with instability, may face added pressure to navigate heightened military tensions and potential geopolitical conflicts. NATO's increased defence spending underscores a robust alliance prepared to address global security threats. However, the implications for the Middle East are multifaceted, demanding careful diplomacy, strategic foresight, and a steadfast commitment to peace and stability in one of the world's most volatile regions.

Israel’s defence strategy against asymmetric threats offers vital lessons for Taiwan facing China’s ‘Anaconda’ approach. In my latest Times of Israel piece, I explore the parallels and tactical insights for both democracies👇