As tensions in the South China Sea reach new heights, the United States and Philippines are dramatically expanding their military cooperation through a combination of new infrastructure projects and cutting-edge unmanned systems. The United States plans to fund and construct a facility capable of hosting watercraft and assault boats on…
Japan Ground Self-Defense Force members prepare to land in V-22 Ospreys assigned to 108th Aviation, Transport Aviation Group, during a bilateral insert exercise in support of Iron Fist 25, at JGSDF Camp Ainoura, Sasebo, Nagasaki, Japan, Feb. 23, 2025. Iron Fist is an annual bilateral exercise designed to increase interoperability…
In a significant demonstration of evolving naval warfare doctrine, U.S. Marines with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 162 successfully integrated into anti-submarine warfare operations during Atlantic Alliance 2025, marking a significant evolution in how the Navy-Marine Corps team approaches undersea threats. The exercise, conducted at the Surface Combat Systems Center…
A U.S. Marine V-22 Osprey with the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) prepares to land during a raid for realistic urban training (RUT) in Lynchburg, Virginia, Mar. 19, 2025. RUT, an exercise hosted by Expeditionary Operations Training Group (EOTG), is comprised of different training scenarios that enable the 22nd MEU…
U.S. Marines with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 162 transport Marines with Company C, 1st Battalion 25th Marines, 4th Marine Division, during Atlantic Alliance 2025 at Pickerel Pond, Maine, July 10, 2025 In a groundbreaking demonstration of evolving naval warfare doctrine, U.S. Marines with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 162…
By Robbin Laird Italy is poised to make aviation history by establishing the first F-35 fighter pilot training center outside the United States, Defence Minister Guido Crosetto announced during a ceremony in Sardinia July 2. The groundbreaking facility will be located in Sicily, further cementing Italy's position as a key…
U.S. Marines load air intercept missile ordnance and launch F-35B Lightning II aircraft assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 242, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, during flight operations aboard the amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6), in the Philippine Sea, June 3, 2025. Marine F-35Bs bring a 5th generation…
By Robbin Laird It may seem a strange candidate to blaze a path towards a more sustainable ready force or a "fight tonight" force but that is exactly the potential contribution of the CH-53K. You don't expect the Left Tackle of the offensive line to race down the field. But…
