Talking Tactics with Mel Pikos

With tensions escalating globally—from China's aggression towards Taiwan, to the wars in Ukraine and Gaza, to the recent US strikes on Iran—the threat of a global conflict is no longer farfetched. But if World War 3 broke out, what role would Australia play?In this episode of Talking Tactics, I walk through a hypothetical scenario of a multi-front global war, based on real strategic wargaming exercises. We ask the hard question...

Australia has six regular infantry battalions in the Royal Australian Regiment (RAR) — each with its own identity, role, and capabilities. In this video, we break down what makes each battalion unique.From light infantry to amphibious specialists and mechanised units we look atthe role of each RAR battalion, the gear and weapons they use, and how they operate as part of the Australian Army.Whether you're curious about the ADF, ...

Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025 (TS25) is set to be the largest, most strategically significant iteration yet of this biennial joint military exercise. Involving Australian Defence Forces (ADF), the United States military, plenty of other nations (and likely "observers" from China's PLA Navy), TS25 will test interoperability, combat readiness, and strategic coordination across land, sea, air, and cyber domains. With grow...

What happens when a country shuts down coal plants, underinvests in gas, and leans too heavily on intermittent renewables—without the storage or infrastructure to back it up?In this video, we break down how Australia's current energy policy is creating soaring power prices, a fragile grid, and a growing risk to national security. With military fuel reserves dangerously low and the threat of blackouts rising, is ideology winning...

In this special live episode of Talking Tactics, I sit down with former Australian Prime Minister John Howard for a candid conversation on the major political, economic, and defence issues shaping Australia and the world today.John Howard shares his unfiltered views on:- Donald Trump, U.S. politics, and the dangers of tariffs on economic growth- Why Anthony Albanese’s Labor government won the last election- His opinion of David Cri...

Imagine an Australian Defence Force with cutting-edge B-21stealth bombers, a full brigade of mechanised infantry, modern missile defencesystems in the north, and a sovereign military satellite network. It soundsambitious—but it could become reality if Australia increased its defence budgetto 3.5% of GDP.

In this episode, I’m breaking down what capabilities theAustralian Defence Force could acquire if we were to have such an increas...

If China invades Taiwan, what would Australia do?In this episode, Mel Pikos explores the high-stakes reality of Australia’s potential involvement in a war between China, Taiwan, and the United States. From our $325 billion trade relationship with China to our military alliance with the US and AUKUS commitments, Australia may be closer to conflict than most realise.We break down:What a Chinese invasion of Taiwan could look likeWheth...

Did you know Australia has a home-grown radar system that can detect aircraft over Indonesia, ships near Papua New Guinea, and even missile launches from China—all from deep within the Outback?In today's episode, we dive into the Jindalee Operational Radar Network (JORN)—a cutting-edge, over-the-horizon radar system that revolutionised Australia’s regional surveillance capabilities. Not only is it a powerful tool for national d...

Australia is always undergoing significant reshapings of its defence strategy — and while there is often big announcements for new projects, equipment and weapons being acquired, it also means some major military projects are being cancelled, delayed, or scaled down.In this video, we break down the ADFs recent cancellations, reductions or changes, including:✈️ The cancellation of a fourth squadron of F-35A Lightning II jets🚫 The s...

Want to help combat homelessness? Consider donating to my fundraiser for the CEO Sleepout that I will be participating in. Every little bit helps. https://www.ceosleepout.org.au/fundraisers/melpikos/queensland ---From the skies above to the seas below, drones and uncrewed systems are transforming modern warfare—and the Australian Defence Force is leaning into this revolution. In this video, we explore how the ADF is investing in a ...

Australia’s steel industry is at a crossroads. With the future of the Whyalla Steelworks hanging in the balance, the nation faces a critical question: can we afford to lose our sovereign steelmaking capability? In this video, we break down: The challenges facing Australia's steel sector, the potential collapse of Whyalla Steelworks and its national impact, how global tensions — from trade wars to rising conflict risks — have ma...

In a significant shift, New Zealand has unveiled its 2025 Defence Capability Plan, committing NZ$12 billion over the next four years—including NZ$9 billion in new funding—to modernise and expand its military forces. This plan aims to increase defence spending from just over 1% to more than 2% of GDP within eight years, marking the most substantial investment in the New Zealand Defence Force in decades.In this video, we delve into:T...

Go behind the scenes with the Australian Defence Force’s Supacat — a high-mobility, all-terrain vehicle designed to support the nation’s most elite soldiers. Built for speed, agility, and heavy firepower, the Supacat is engineered to operate in extreme environments and take on the toughest missions.In this video, we get an exclusive look at the Supacat's cutting-edge features, weapon systems, and modular design, includingRemote...

🏟️ Brisbane 2032 Olympic Venues Revealed! | A Sneak Peek at the Games 🏅In this episode, we explore the key venues that will shape the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. From the ambitious rebuild of The Gabba to the stunning waterfront location of the Brisbane Arena, we break down the major infrastructure projects, the newly proposed venues, and how this massive city-wide transformation is set to unfold.🛠️ What’s stayin...

The B-21 Raider is touted as the world’s first sixth-generation stealth bomber, designed for long-range strategic missions and capable of penetrating advanced air defences. With production already underway and the aircraft set to enter service with the United States Air Force in 2027, could Australia become the first foreign operator?In this video, we explore:✅ What makes the B-21 Raider so advanced✅ How it compares to other bomber...

Only in Australia would we name the Army's latest armoured 4WD after a highly venomous snake—one that was, in turn, named after a beer-chugging Prime Minister! 🐍🍺In this video, we take a deep dive into the Hawkei Protected Mobility Vehicle, exploring:✅ What the Hawkei is and why it’s a game-changer for the Australian Army✅ How it got its unique name✅ Where it’s built and how it enhances military operationsJoin us as we uncove...

Is 72 F-35s enough for Australia, or do we need more?The F-35A Lightning II is one of the most advanced stealth fighters ever built. Designed for multi-role combat, it combines cutting-edge stealth technology, advanced sensors, and superior agility, making it a key asset for air forces around the world. Australia currently operates a fleet of 72 F-35s, but opposition leader Peter Dutton has announced plans to acquire 28 more if ele...

In February 2025, a flotilla of Chinese warships sailed down Australia’s east coast, coming within 300km of Sydney. As the People’s Liberation Army Navy continues to expand, how can Australia respond to potential threats? Traditionally, naval and air forces handle maritime defence, but what if the Australian Army could engage naval targets from land?Enter HIMARS—the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System. This cutting-edge technolog...

Australia is modernizing its military with the AS9 Huntsman self-propelled artillery—based on the K9 Thunder—and it's set to transform the nation's firepower. But why did Australia choose this system? In this video, we break down the capabilities, firepower, and strategic importance of the AS9, exploring how it fits into Australia's defense plans.From precision-guided Excalibur munitions to its enhanced mobility and pro...