C2 and ISR Paradigm Shifts Enabling 5th Generation Maneouver: Force Integration and Augmenting Regional and Global Influence

11/05/2019
By Robbin Laird To achieve the kind of agility and decisive effect which 5th generation maneouver can achieve requires a significant re-focus on the nature of the C2 and ISR infrastructure. Such an evolved infrastructure enables the legacy and new platforms which are re-shaping capabilities for the combat force to…

The Manoeuvrist Approach: Past, Present and Future

11/03/2019
By Robbin Laird The Williams Foundation Seminar held on October 24, 2019 focused on the requirements of fifth generation manoeuvre. At this session, the focus was upon the changing nature of the regional context for Australia and how the fifth generation force needed to evolve to operate effectively in the…

An Update on Franco German Programs: UAVs, FCAS, Tanks and A400M

11/02/2019
By Pierre Tran Paris - Tough talks between industry and the French and German authorities on development cost are holding up a program launch of a medium-altitude, long-endurance unmanned aerial vehicle, the French procurement chief said. Joel Barre, head of the Direction Générale de l’Armement procurement office, gave Oct. 2…

The Integrated Distributed Force and Maritime Operations

11/02/2019
By Robbin Laird During my most recent visit to Australia in October 2019, I have had the chance to visit the Chief of Navy’s Seapower Conference and to attend the latest Williams Foundation seminar. And along the way have held roundtables at the Australian National University, the RAAF’s Airpower Development…

The Next Phase of Development for Osprey Nation: From Reach to Working Effectively in an Integrated Distributed Force

10/31/2019
By Robbin Laird Recently, I had a chance to visit Naval Air Station Patuxent River and to meet with Col Matthew Kelly, who is in charge of the V-22 Joint Program Office (PMA-275). I first met “Squirt” when he was an F-35B test pilot and indeed was selected as test…

Reflections on Recent Syrian War Developments

10/29/2019
By Richard Weitz With the death of terrorist leader Abu Bakr Al-Baghdadi at the hands of U.S. Special Forces, the so-called Islamic State has lost critical finances, territory, and now leadership. These blows have removed several sources of the Islamic State’s attractiveness, both regionally and globally. Al-Baghdadi had uniquely sinister…

French Naval Group and the Greek Navy: Building out the FDI Frigate

10/27/2019
By Pierre Tran LORIENT, France - The Greek navy chief of staff was foreign guest of honor at the Oct. 24 ceremony of first cutting of steel for the frigate for defense and intervention (FDI), signaling Naval Group’s aim to help close a sale of the new French warship. Admiral…

Defending Australia: The Role of Fifth Generation Manoeuvre Capabilities

10/26/2019
By Robbin Laird At the recently concluded Williams Foundation Seminar held in Canberra, Australia on October 24, 2019, the series launched in 2013 to discuss the nature and impact of fifth generation force capabilities in the defense of Australia and its capabilities to work with core allies continued. At this…