Security & Defence PLuS

Does your business have questions about quantum technologies? ⚛️ Join us for a day of workshops with academic experts to explore how to innovate with quantum in healthcare and materials. From quantum computing in material or drug design to next generation sensors, quantum is transformative in every domain. 💊 You'll receive an itinerary led by your interests with the chance to network and discuss collaboration opportunities. This could be your next innovation breakthrough. 💡 https://loom.ly/6cKE4Eg

Next week we will be at the Air & Space Forces Association: Air, Space & Cyber Conference in National Harbor, MD. If you're attending, stop by to talk to Charles Bailey and Craig Sharp and learn more about Security & Defence PLuS' mission, vision and offerings. For some insights into what we do, check out our Partnership Prospectus: https://lnkd.in/e4cP5uKW and feel free to reach out to arrange a meeting. https://lnkd.in/eFUCV8XA

Media commentary on our #FutureSecurityForum keynote speech by Australian Ambassador to the US, Hon. Kevin Rudd. ⬇ New America Arizona State University

💡“Do we seek security from Asia or in Asia?” Artificial intelligence, robotics and automation, quantum sensing and encryption, and hypersonic missiles all represent game-changing technologies. - Read the latest think-piece on advanced technology from S&D+ Executive Director, Dr Ian Langford, PhD, in The Australian. https://lnkd.in/e94EpUPK

🇺🇸🇨🇳🇪🇺 How is Europe navigating the growing competition between the US and China and its broad impact on international relations? Join the Centre for Grand Strategy for an insightful discussion with researchers from various fields. 🗓️17 September, 18:00-20:00 📍Dockrill Room https://lnkd.in/ewWzHjEX

Last night, Security & Defence PLuS hosted a dinner event at the ASU Barrett & O’Connor Washington Center at the close of the #FutureSecurityForum, joined by esteemed panellists and guests. We were honoured to welcome Arizona Senator Mark Kelly as our keynote speaker. Senator Kelly, who has served as a US Navy Captain, NASA astronaut, and now a US Senator, reflected on his recent visit to the Baltic region. He reaffirmed his strong support for Ukraine and the importance of continued US assistance to the country. Drawing on the AUKUS alliance, he emphasised the critical role of deterrence, stating that the prevention of conflict should remain a top priority, ensuring that adversaries understand the cost of war is too great. Senator Kelly concluded his speech with a call to action, encouraging everyone to vote in the upcoming US general elections. Our deepest thanks to Senator Kelly and his team (Mark Kelly for Senate) for providing such a memorable and inspiring close to our engagement in Washington, D.C.

Closing off day two of the 2024 #FutureSecurityForum! Huge thanks to New America and Arizona State University's Future Security Initiative for inviting us to collaborate on the 10th anniversary of the event. Yesterday, we had the privilege of bringing together leaders, academics and military personnel from the #AUKUS nations and beyond to discuss critical issues surrounding Indo-Pacific security and stability. Dr Ian Langford, PhD welcomed attendees, provided an overview of the AUKUS agreement, and outlined how Security & Defence PLuS harnesses the expertise of the three universities (Arizona State University, King's College London and UNSW) and the higher education sectors of all three counties to address global security challenges. The day's highlights included an opening panel on the political resilience of AUKUS, with perspectives on each of the three nations, followed by a fireside chat on intelligence sharing with Sir Simon Gass and Vice Adm. Ann Rondeau, President of Naval Postgraduate School. In the afternoon, we transitioned into a dynamic panel, moderated by Prof Wyn Bowen on alliances and diplomacy, with a focus on Japan, Australia and the UK. Following the keynote speech, delivered by Ambassador Kevin Rudd, we hosted a panel on AUKUS industry challenges and opportunities with government and industry leaders. The day closed with a fireside chat on regional approaches to Indo-Pacific security with the Philippines Ambassador to US, Jose Manuel G. Romualdez and Rear Adm. Takaaki Hayamizu from the Japanese embassy. Throughout the day, there was a strong sense of commitment to advancing the goals of AUKUS and achieving tangible outcomes in the near future. A huge thank you to all our speakers and attendees for their invaluable contributions, and we look forward to continued discussions and collaboration.

On day two of the 2024 #FutureSecurityForum, we were honoured to welcome Australian Ambassador to the United States the Honourable Kevin Rudd as our keynote speaker. The Ambassador gave his insights on where AUKUS sits in the current geopolitical environments in which the US, UK, and Australia find themselves. He emphasised the progress since AUKUS was announced nearly three years ago, highlighting the transition "from concept, to policy, to legislation, to regulation, and now into execution." Ambassador Rudd outlined some of the developments made on AUKUS Pillar 1 – Australia’s acquisition of conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines (SSNs) and the broader, transformative potential of Pillar 2. As he explained, Pillar 2 is more than “a technology-sharing partnership…it will enable our militaries, industries, and our economies to work together more seamlessly during a period of deteriorating strategic circumstances in the Indo-Pacific and more broadly.” The Ambassador also commented on the importance of collaboration with universities and defence industry, with the AUKUS Innovation Challenges offering a direct way for these partners to contribute to government demands. He closed by emphasising the need for implementation and is optimistic that several leading projects will be completed within the year. Huge thanks to Ambassador Rudd and his team at the Australian Embassy Washington DC for supporting Security & Defence PLuS and the Future Security Forum.

Closing out a great first day at the #FutureSecurityForum, celebrating 10 years of partnership between Arizona State University and New America's Future Security Initiative. The morning featured a dynamic conversation on the past and future of US foreign policy with former National Security Advisor Lt. Gen. HR McMaster (U.S. Army, Ret.) and Peter Bergen. This was followed by Dmitri Alperovitch discussing US-China relations, and panels on political violence and extremism, and the war in Ukraine. In the afternoon, we gained valuable insights from Adm. Christopher W. Grady, Vice Chairman of The Joint Staff, on preparing for future security challenges. Additional discussions covered climate change, Afghanistan, hostage recovery, and pandemic preparedness. To close the day, Sir Lawrence Freedman (Department of War Studies) reflected on lessons learned from the past decade's wars and what they mean for the future. There’s still time to register to watch tomorrow's program, organised by Security & Defence PLuS, via the livestream: https://lnkd.in/ekMUmYhk

What opportunities has #AUKUS created in the defence industry and what are the key challenges faced by industry players in adapting to the AUKUS framework? Sign up to watch our #FutureSecurityForum panel discussion with expert speakers: Dr Peter Highnam (Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering), Congressman Joe Courtney, Chris Montferret (General Dynamics Mission Systems) and Ashley Schneider (Mission Technologies, a division of HII). This panel will be moderated by Prof Matt Hulver (Arizona State University). 🗓 Tuesday September 10, 2:45 PM (ET) - don’t miss out, register now: https://lnkd.in/dpkDwrpB