SOFREP Daily: US-Japan-Australia Expand Partnerships, China Signals Caution to Trump, Hezbollah Faces Ceasefire Pressure

Welcome to your Sunday rundown of the top global defense and security stories. From strengthened alliances in the Indo-Pacific to the Pentagon’s push for cost-effective tech, we’re covering the latest moves shaping the future of military and security operations. Meanwhile, tensions escalate in the Middle East as Israel’s strikes in Lebanon intensify, and China signals a cautious approach ahead of the Trump administration. Plus, a quick update on Ukraine as both sides prepare for the next chapter of the conflict.

Here’s what you need to know this Sunday, November 17.

US, Japan, Australia Expand Partnerships

The United States, Japan, and Australia are stepping up their defense game with a new framework called the Trilateral Defense Consultations.

This initiative, announced by defense leaders on Sunday, aims to streamline military planning and responses to regional crises, signaling a stronger commitment to security cooperation.

Defense leaders announced plans for more joint exercises, including Japan’s participation in US-Australian drills and Australia’s joining US-Japanese operations.

In Darwin, I participated in the 14th Trilateral Defense Ministers Meeting with Australia and Japan. Today, we continue to build on the significant progress our three countries made over the last four years. Our trilateral cooperation has never been stronger. pic.twitter.com/G5j8MPxrLb

— Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III (@SecDef) November 17, 2024

They’re also exploring deeper ties with India, focusing on maritime surveillance.

“We are united in our steadfast commitment to a peaceful, stable, and prosperous Indo‑Pacific region, where the rule of law is upheld, sovereignty is respected, and nations can make decisions free from coercion or threats of force,” a read the joint statement issued on Sunday, November 17.

On AUKUS (Australia-United Kingdom-United States), despite challenges in building Virginia-class submarines, officials remain optimistic about meeting deadlines.

They’re also working on cutting-edge tech with Japan’s help, starting with autonomous maritime systems.

And with a new Trump administration incoming, there’s confidence that these defense initiatives will continue, given their bipartisan support and strategic importance.

US Air Force Expands Drone Arsenal

The US Air Force is ramping up its drone game, ordering more Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCAs) to test how these high-tech wingmen can assist in real-world missions.

These drones are designed to fly alongside F-35s and future fighters, taking on tasks like striking targets, jamming signals, and gathering intel—all at a fraction of an F-35’s cost.

Andrew Hunter, the Air Force’s acquisition chief, confirmed the move on Wednesday, emphasizing the need to experiment with these drones to develop effective battle strategies.

The experimental operations unit is already working with international allies, including Australia, to refine tactics.

CCAs from General Atomics and Anduril Industries have passed critical design reviews, with flight tests slated for 2025.

The Air Force is pushing to streamline production and keep costs low, aiming to bring these game-changing drones into action sooner rather than later.

Pentagon Seeks Smaller, Cheaper GPS

The US Space Force is shaking up its Global Positioning System (GPS) game, aiming for a fleet that’s smaller, cheaper, and more resilient.

Four companies—Sierra Space, L3Harris, Astranis, and Astrion—are competing to design the next-gen satellites under the Resilient GPS program (R-GPS), Defense News reported on Saturday.

The first batch could launch by 2028, with a focus on keeping costs down to $50-80 million per satellite, a fraction of current prices.

The goal? Make the GPS system tougher against jamming and spoofing, threats that have been on the rise, especially in conflicts like Russia’s war in Ukraine.

By deploying a larger constellation of smaller satellites, the Space Force hopes to outsmart adversaries and ensure uninterrupted service.

The new Resilient GPS program is exactly what America needs.

And we are honored to be a part of it, with our newest product: Astranis Nexus. pic.twitter.com/xh3yIkOZYy

— Astranis Space Technologies (@Astranis) November 6, 2024

The program takes a page from the Space Development Agency’s playbook, emphasizing modular designs that can be upgraded on the fly.

While Congress has raised some budget questions, the Space Force is pushing ahead, confident that this new approach will strengthen national security without breaking the bank.

Homeland Security Sets AI Safety Rules

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recently rolled out a fresh set of recommendations for safely using artificial intelligence (AI) in critical infrastructure.

This new framework, designed with input from the AI Safety and Security Board, offers tailored guidance for various sectors, including cloud providers, AI developers, and critical infrastructure operators.

According to DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, the framework is a groundbreaking effort aiming to ensure the safety of essential services like water, power, and internet.

Today, DHS released a set of recommendations for the safe and secure development and deployment of AI in critical infrastructure, the “Roles and Responsibilities Framework for Artificial Intelligence in Critical Infrastructure”.

This first-of-its kind resource was developed by… pic.twitter.com/QpxXT4lNhK

— Homeland Security (@DHSgov) November 14, 2024

The approach emphasizes collaboration and shared responsibility, making it a “living document” that will evolve as AI technology advances.

The recommendations focus on five key areas: securing environments, designing responsible AI models, implementing solid data governance, ensuring safe deployment, and monitoring impact.

While voluntary, Mayorkas hopes industry leaders will champion the framework, potentially avoiding heavy-handed regulations under the incoming Trump administration.

Watchdog Slams US Navy Missteps

A new report from the Pentagon’s inspector general reveals the US Navy dropped the ball on recognizing the risks of storing massive fuel tanks above a drinking water well at Pearl Harbor.

This oversight led to a 2021 jet fuel leak that poisoned the water supply for over 6,000 people, forcing thousands of families to evacuate and costing the military millions.

“The DoD must take this action, and others, to ensure that tragedies like the one in November of 2021 are not allowed to repeat,” Inspector General Robert P. Storch said in a statement on Thursday, cited from Military.com.

Despite warnings dating back years, Navy officials failed to act on the dangers outlined in engineering and environmental studies.

The Red Hill facility, built in the 1940s, had a history of leaks, but the Navy repeatedly assured the public the water was safe—until it wasn’t.

Hawaii’s congressional leaders and Governor Josh Green are now calling for the Navy to fully own up to its failures and implement stricter safety measures.

Meanwhile, the Navy says it’s working on improvements, but many are left wondering why it took a disaster to spur action.

China Signals Caution to Trump

At the recent Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Peru, President Joe Biden met with China’s Xi Jinping for what may be their final conversation before Trump takes office.

Xi emphasized the importance of keeping US-China relations stable, warning that cooperation is critical for both countries and global stability.

“Make the wise choice,” Xi cautioned, cited from the Associated Press. “Keep exploring the right way for two major countries to get along well with each other.”

Without naming Trump, Xi clearly aimed his comments at the incoming administration’s “America First” stance, which could disrupt the delicate balance between the two nations.

Biden reflected on his long relationship with Xi, stressing the need for open communication to avoid conflicts, especially as tensions remain high over issues like Taiwan, cybersecurity, and North Korea.

US President Joe Biden and China’s President Xi Jinping are meeting for the final time before Trump takes office in January 2025.

‘I am very proud of the progress we’ve both made together’ Biden says in his opening remarks. https://t.co/PAiZ4D1jU3

📺 Sky 501 pic.twitter.com/Pnz8cupsmX

— Sky News (@SkyNews) November 16, 2024

With US companies already shifting supply chains away from China, Xi hinted that mutual cooperation—not decoupling—is the path forward.

As Biden prepares to hand off a complex US-China relationship, he urged Xi to play a bigger role in reigning in North Korea and dissuading its support for Russia’s war on Ukraine.

The meeting was marked by cautious optimism, but the road ahead under Trump’s leadership could redefine the dynamics between these two global powers.

Quick Recap: Ukraine, Russia Brace for War’s Next Phase

When Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, many expected Kyiv to fall quickly. Instead, Ukraine held its ground and even reclaimed some territory.

But nearly three years later, the war has turned into a brutal grind.

Russia continues to chip away at Ukraine’s defenses, sacrificing lives for small gains, while Ukraine struggles to hold the line and keep Western aid flowing.

Over the past week, the aggressor used nearly 140 missiles of various types, more than 900 guided aerial bombs, and over 600 strike drones. Today, our F-16 pilots shot down approximately 10 aerial targets. Efforts to address the consequences of the combined attack on our… pic.twitter.com/rpRNJmIPIn

— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) November 17, 2024

With the incoming Trump administration, the stakes are even higher.

Trump has hinted at cutting US support, which could force Ukraine into a ceasefire that leaves its borders vulnerable.

Meanwhile, Russia is doubling down, drawing support from allies like Iran and North Korea, as Ukraine pushes for more advanced weapons.

Both sides are in a war of attrition, and the next phase depends heavily on US decisions. For Ukraine, it’s a fight to protect not just its land but also the future security of Europe.

Israel Escalates Lebanon Strikes, Hezbollah Faces Ceasefire Pressure

Tensions are at a boiling point as Israeli airstrikes hit Lebanon Friday, killing at least 11 people, including a family of five.

This comes amid ongoing violence between Israel and Hezbollah, which ramped up following the October Hamas attack on Israel.

Lebanon’s caretaker, Prime Minister Najib Mikati, has asked Iran on Friday to push Hezbollah toward a ceasefire deal based on a US proposal.

The US plan draws on a 2006 United Nations resolution that calls for only the Lebanese army and UN peacekeepers to operate in southern Lebanon—meaning Hezbollah would have to pull back.

While Iran claims it supports Lebanon’s unity, its backing of Hezbollah has fueled the group’s dominance in the country.

Head of Peace Operations @Lacroix_UN is in Lebanon in solidarity with peacekeepers at this challenging time. Tonight he met with Prime Minister @Najib_Mikati and later will meet with other officials to stress the criticality of UNIFIL’s role and the importance of resolution 1701. pic.twitter.com/rY5EqBZls5

— UNIFIL (@UNIFIL_) November 12, 2024

Meanwhile, Israeli airstrikes continue to target what they claim are Hezbollah facilities, even as civilian casualties mount.

With the UN pushing for an immediate ceasefire and regional leaders scrambling to de-escalate, the next steps remain uncertain.