Didier Rafi
@didierrafi.bsky.social
Writing about International Affairs and Defense, focus on 🇫🇷🇺🇸🇦🇺, IndoPacific & AUKUS on https://defenseidentity.fr and https://theaukusobserver.substack.com
Interesting piece from @aspi-org.bsky.social on AUKUS "ambiguities" to be addressed.
www.aspistrategist.org.au/aukus-ambigu...
www.aspistrategist.org.au/aukus-ambigu...
AUKUS ‘ambiguities’ will need to be worked through | The Strategist
Nervous AUKUS-watchers in Australia probably felt a mix of emotions when the defence technologies initiative was raised in public during Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s visit to Washington this mont...
www.aspistrategist.org.au
November 23, 2025 at 9:09 PM
Interesting piece from @aspi-org.bsky.social on AUKUS "ambiguities" to be addressed.
www.aspistrategist.org.au/aukus-ambigu...
www.aspistrategist.org.au/aukus-ambigu...
UK's special rep for AUKUS details how 🇦🇺🇺🇸🇬🇧 may refocus Pillar 2 on 4 areas. UK and Australia already agreed and the final decision may be pending the final US AUKUS review.
Read more about the changes of this reshuffle of priorities here: theaukusobserver.substack.com/p/aukus-pill...
Read more about the changes of this reshuffle of priorities here: theaukusobserver.substack.com/p/aukus-pill...
November 20, 2025 at 10:04 PM
UK's special rep for AUKUS details how 🇦🇺🇺🇸🇬🇧 may refocus Pillar 2 on 4 areas. UK and Australia already agreed and the final decision may be pending the final US AUKUS review.
Read more about the changes of this reshuffle of priorities here: theaukusobserver.substack.com/p/aukus-pill...
Read more about the changes of this reshuffle of priorities here: theaukusobserver.substack.com/p/aukus-pill...
I already got the main outcomes of Albanese’s meeting with Trump here. More insights on the global outcome of the 🇦🇺🇺🇸 discussions here: ⬇️⬇️⬇️
open.substack.com/pub/theaukus...
open.substack.com/pub/theaukus...
October 27, 2025 at 11:30 AM
I already got the main outcomes of Albanese’s meeting with Trump here. More insights on the global outcome of the 🇦🇺🇺🇸 discussions here: ⬇️⬇️⬇️
open.substack.com/pub/theaukus...
open.substack.com/pub/theaukus...
And well, Trump supports the sub deal with Australia. And makes the deal better now. For details, it is "moving along rapidly and very well".
October 20, 2025 at 3:52 PM
And well, Trump supports the sub deal with Australia. And makes the deal better now. For details, it is "moving along rapidly and very well".
Critical minerals first: Australia and USA sign an agreement as the first main outcome of the visit.
October 20, 2025 at 3:50 PM
Critical minerals first: Australia and USA sign an agreement as the first main outcome of the visit.
Reposted by Didier Rafi
#NATOGATE Trump Pulls Plug On Major NATO Corruption Probes – Top Suspects Walk Free
#investigation by @simonvandorpe.bsky.social and @jesse-pinster.bsky.social @ftm.eu, together with media partners @lalettre.bsky.social, @lesoir.be, @knack.be and others
💥 www.ftm.eu/articles/us-...
#investigation by @simonvandorpe.bsky.social and @jesse-pinster.bsky.social @ftm.eu, together with media partners @lalettre.bsky.social, @lesoir.be, @knack.be and others
💥 www.ftm.eu/articles/us-...
October 20, 2025 at 4:37 AM
#NATOGATE Trump Pulls Plug On Major NATO Corruption Probes – Top Suspects Walk Free
#investigation by @simonvandorpe.bsky.social and @jesse-pinster.bsky.social @ftm.eu, together with media partners @lalettre.bsky.social, @lesoir.be, @knack.be and others
💥 www.ftm.eu/articles/us-...
#investigation by @simonvandorpe.bsky.social and @jesse-pinster.bsky.social @ftm.eu, together with media partners @lalettre.bsky.social, @lesoir.be, @knack.be and others
💥 www.ftm.eu/articles/us-...
We can expect major announcements on critical minerals or maybe industry cooperation to top the agenda of Albanese ´s meeting with Trump. And at least a glimpse at the results of AUKUS review. We will know tomorrow. Some insights on this meeting ⬇️⬇️
open.substack.com/pub/theaukus...
open.substack.com/pub/theaukus...
Critical minerals, submarines, missiles, industrial cooperation, money: Albanese due to Washington D.C. with his luggage full of wonders - and issues
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese arrives in Washington D.C.
open.substack.com
October 19, 2025 at 7:29 AM
We can expect major announcements on critical minerals or maybe industry cooperation to top the agenda of Albanese ´s meeting with Trump. And at least a glimpse at the results of AUKUS review. We will know tomorrow. Some insights on this meeting ⬇️⬇️
open.substack.com/pub/theaukus...
open.substack.com/pub/theaukus...
Je suis atterré par les efforts des uns et des autres pour trouver les éléments de langage visant à calmer un Donald Trump qui mériterait le prix Nobel de la paix. La réalité est qu’il ne le mérite pas …
Le Nobel de la paix a été décerné à María Corina Machado ce vendredi, au lendemain de l’annonce d’un accord de cessez-le-feu sur Gaza entre Israël et le Hamas, mais conclu trop tard pour que Donald Trump puisse l’emporter. →https://l.lefigaro.fr/XiQw
October 10, 2025 at 10:15 AM
Je suis atterré par les efforts des uns et des autres pour trouver les éléments de langage visant à calmer un Donald Trump qui mériterait le prix Nobel de la paix. La réalité est qu’il ne le mérite pas …
Reposted by Didier Rafi
Aus has signed important agreements
A defence alliance with PNG and today a new agreement with Singapore --- of interest
more access for defence forces at each other's bases -- expanded for Aust at regional SIN base and SIN gets more access to Aus training bases
www.pm.gov.au/media/joint-...
A defence alliance with PNG and today a new agreement with Singapore --- of interest
more access for defence forces at each other's bases -- expanded for Aust at regional SIN base and SIN gets more access to Aus training bases
www.pm.gov.au/media/joint-...
Joint declaration by the Prime Ministers of Australia and Singapore on the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership 2.0
On the occasion of the 10th anniversary of our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) and the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations, we the Prime Ministers of Australia and Singapore announce…
www.pm.gov.au
October 8, 2025 at 8:23 AM
Aus has signed important agreements
A defence alliance with PNG and today a new agreement with Singapore --- of interest
more access for defence forces at each other's bases -- expanded for Aust at regional SIN base and SIN gets more access to Aus training bases
www.pm.gov.au/media/joint-...
A defence alliance with PNG and today a new agreement with Singapore --- of interest
more access for defence forces at each other's bases -- expanded for Aust at regional SIN base and SIN gets more access to Aus training bases
www.pm.gov.au/media/joint-...
« Commonsense things » 🇬🇧🇦🇺🇺🇸 can do to make AUKUS more sustainable. John Noh, nominee for US DoD assistant sec for IndoPac Sec Affairs is optimistic about AUKUS future, with hints at adjustments to meet Pillar 1 targets www.abc.net.au/news/2025-10...
Trump's Pentagon nominee flags possible 'commonsense' AUKUS changes
The AUKUS submarine pact may need "commonsense" action from both Australia and the US to make it more "sustainable", according to Donald Trump's nominee to oversee US defence strategy in the Indo-Paci...
www.abc.net.au
October 8, 2025 at 5:08 AM
« Commonsense things » 🇬🇧🇦🇺🇺🇸 can do to make AUKUS more sustainable. John Noh, nominee for US DoD assistant sec for IndoPac Sec Affairs is optimistic about AUKUS future, with hints at adjustments to meet Pillar 1 targets www.abc.net.au/news/2025-10...
Reposted by Didier Rafi
Nuclear cooperation between France and the United Kingdom is no longer symbolic. It could reshape Europe’s deterrence posture.
Can More British and French Nuclear Cooperation Help Deter Russia?
As Europe continues to come to terms with both the Russian threat amid the war in Ukraine as well as the uncertainty surrounding the U.S. commitment to
warontherocks.com
October 6, 2025 at 4:00 AM
Nuclear cooperation between France and the United Kingdom is no longer symbolic. It could reshape Europe’s deterrence posture.
Reposted by Didier Rafi
Movement in the Spanish defence industry
on.ft.com/3VQViqQ
Brothers in arms: Spanish defence merger raises conflict questions
on.ft.com/3VQViqQ
Brothers in arms: Spanish defence merger raises conflict questions
Brothers in arms: Spanish defence merger raises conflict questions
EM&E’s co-founder seeks deal with aspiring national champion Indra — whose chair is his elder sibling
on.ft.com
October 6, 2025 at 4:28 AM
Movement in the Spanish defence industry
on.ft.com/3VQViqQ
Brothers in arms: Spanish defence merger raises conflict questions
on.ft.com/3VQViqQ
Brothers in arms: Spanish defence merger raises conflict questions
Just rumors, indiscretion, wishful thinking or lobbying stunt. Whatever it is, the media announce that AUKUS pillar 1 arrangements may survive the Pentagon review asia.nikkei.com/spotlight/tr...
AUKUS survives Pentagon review, with US submarine sales to proceed
Washington to conclude evaluation ahead of Australian PM's visit on Oct. 20
asia.nikkei.com
September 30, 2025 at 9:42 AM
Just rumors, indiscretion, wishful thinking or lobbying stunt. Whatever it is, the media announce that AUKUS pillar 1 arrangements may survive the Pentagon review asia.nikkei.com/spotlight/tr...
Some chitchat, a nice picture and finally a date for the long awaited meeting between Albanese and Trump. On 20th October. Potentially the date for the formal results of the AUKUS review www.abc.net.au/news/2025-09...
Thumbs up from Trump, as White House releases official photo with Albanese
A photo of a smiling Donald Trump, alongside Anthony Albanese, his fiancée Jodie Haydon and US First Lady Melania Trump, has been released by the White House.
www.abc.net.au
September 30, 2025 at 9:39 AM
Some chitchat, a nice picture and finally a date for the long awaited meeting between Albanese and Trump. On 20th October. Potentially the date for the formal results of the AUKUS review www.abc.net.au/news/2025-09...
Case use for the Ghost Bat, looking to develop block III and sell it to 🇦🇺. RAAF « describes MQ-28s positioned, at the ready, along Australia’s vast northern coastline for the defensive counter-air mission ». www.flightglobal.com/military-uav...
Australia’s MQ-28 on the hunt for key production decision
Boeing's MQ-28 Ghost Bat, Australia's first domestically designed combat aircraft since the Second World War, has demonstrated its capabilities in its first public flight at the Woomera test facility.
www.flightglobal.com
September 17, 2025 at 12:01 PM
Case use for the Ghost Bat, looking to develop block III and sell it to 🇦🇺. RAAF « describes MQ-28s positioned, at the ready, along Australia’s vast northern coastline for the defensive counter-air mission ». www.flightglobal.com/military-uav...
Just as planned. If the plans don’t change of course… edition.cnn.com/2025/09/13/a...
US will have access to new AUKUS nuclear submarine shipyard, Australia says | CNN
Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles said on Sunday that the United States would be able to use planned defense facilities in Western Australia to help deliver submarines under the AUKUS nuclear...
edition.cnn.com
September 14, 2025 at 9:26 PM
Just as planned. If the plans don’t change of course… edition.cnn.com/2025/09/13/a...
AU$12bn of investments for Henderson’s shipyard for shipbuilding, sustainment and maintenance of both surface and sub fleets announced today + AU$8bn planned of HMAS Stirling already in the pipeline. AUKUS getting more money in Australia this time www.theguardian.com/australia-ne...
Government makes $12bn downpayment on WA shipyard to help prepare it for Aukus submarine era
Henderson defence precinct to be used to build surface vessels and maintain submarines
www.theguardian.com
September 14, 2025 at 9:23 PM
AU$12bn of investments for Henderson’s shipyard for shipbuilding, sustainment and maintenance of both surface and sub fleets announced today + AU$8bn planned of HMAS Stirling already in the pipeline. AUKUS getting more money in Australia this time www.theguardian.com/australia-ne...
1,200 US and UK personnel and their families to be posted to Perth to support the operation of SRF-West once operational, on or near the HMAS Stirling base, from 2027 on. A glimpse of what the sub rotational force would look like, if all goes as planned www.abc.net.au/news/2025-09...
Inside the plan to station 1,200 Americans and their subs near Perth
The head of Australia's submarine agency says planning is so far advanced to settle the American soldiers that quarantine arrangements for their pets are underway.
www.abc.net.au
September 11, 2025 at 9:22 PM
1,200 US and UK personnel and their families to be posted to Perth to support the operation of SRF-West once operational, on or near the HMAS Stirling base, from 2027 on. A glimpse of what the sub rotational force would look like, if all goes as planned www.abc.net.au/news/2025-09...
Interesting description of potential use cases for the Ghost Shark newly acquired by 🇦🇺RAN. It challenges the Navy to develop new ways to operate but it will be a good thing for them to find alternative ways to fill some of its sub missions. www.aspistrategist.org.au/sharks-for-f...
Sharks for filling the moat: what Anduril’s autonomous submarines can do for Australia | The Strategist
Autonomous submarines that Australia has launched into production are likely to relieve operational pressure on the country’s crewed submarines, undertake the most dangerous undersea missions, and pre...
www.aspistrategist.org.au
September 11, 2025 at 9:06 PM
Interesting description of potential use cases for the Ghost Shark newly acquired by 🇦🇺RAN. It challenges the Navy to develop new ways to operate but it will be a good thing for them to find alternative ways to fill some of its sub missions. www.aspistrategist.org.au/sharks-for-f...
The Ghost Shark is often presented as a model of innovation and modern cooperation to develop new capabilities for Defence. This multi-year contract for $1.7bn is a new milestone and will definitely demand 🇦🇺 Defence to do the same in other domains
www.minister.defence.gov.au/media-releas...
www.minister.defence.gov.au/media-releas...
www.minister.defence.gov.au
September 10, 2025 at 6:07 AM
The Ghost Shark is often presented as a model of innovation and modern cooperation to develop new capabilities for Defence. This multi-year contract for $1.7bn is a new milestone and will definitely demand 🇦🇺 Defence to do the same in other domains
www.minister.defence.gov.au/media-releas...
www.minister.defence.gov.au/media-releas...
Reposted by Didier Rafi
Europe makes up an increasing share of global VC defence investment
September 8, 2025 at 5:57 AM
Europe makes up an increasing share of global VC defence investment
Reposted by Didier Rafi
“Companies in the sector have raised €2.4bn since the start of 2022 including €1.4bn in the first seven months of this year alone, up from just €30mn in 2020 and €150mn in 2021”
on.ft.com/3VJiU0d
on.ft.com/3VJiU0d
Europe’s defence tech start-ups attract investment surge
Russia’s war in Ukraine and fears over US security relationship drive wave of VC funding
on.ft.com
September 8, 2025 at 5:53 AM
“Companies in the sector have raised €2.4bn since the start of 2022 including €1.4bn in the first seven months of this year alone, up from just €30mn in 2020 and €150mn in 2021”
on.ft.com/3VJiU0d
on.ft.com/3VJiU0d
The bipartisan ARMOR Act (AUKUS Reform for Military Optimization and Review Act) has passed the US House of Representatives to streamline again arms transfer regulations between the USA, the UK and Australia youngkim.house.gov/2025/09/02/h...
House Passes Rep. Young Kim’s ARMOR Act to Strengthen AUKUS - Congresswoman Young Kim
Washington, DC – Today, the House of Representatives passed the AUKUS Reform for Military Optimization and Review Act (ARMOR) Act (H.R. 4233), a bipartisan bill led by East Asia and the Pacific Subcom...
youngkim.house.gov
September 7, 2025 at 9:09 PM
The bipartisan ARMOR Act (AUKUS Reform for Military Optimization and Review Act) has passed the US House of Representatives to streamline again arms transfer regulations between the USA, the UK and Australia youngkim.house.gov/2025/09/02/h...