By Robbin Laird During my visit to Germany in February 2019, I had a chance to talk with a number of retired senior Bundeswehr officers and procurement officials. My focus is upon the challenge facing the US and its NATO allies to rebuild their forces to be able to have…
When visiting Berlin over the years, the dramatic change in Germany and in Europe is physically notable, The Potsdamer Platz in Berlin went from being part of the demarcation point between East and West Berlin, and then the breaching point between the two parts of the divided city inn 1989.…
Recently, Andrew Rettman of EuObserver provided an overview on the continuing Russian campaign in and against Ukraine. It is risky to stop near the old grain silo on the road from Mariupol to Marinka, two towns in eastern Ukraine. Donetsk People's Republic (DPR) snipers had targeted the site from the…
By Robbin Laird For the last three years, I have traveled extensively in Northern Europe to discuss the Russian challenge and the return of direct defense. During a visit to Germany in February 2019, I am visiting Germany to discuss with German experts and retired senior German military, their assessments…
In the latest Strategic Insights Report, we address the question of the way ahead with regard to a European Future Combat Air System. As part of the revival of the Franco-German working relationship, the two governments have proposed to shape a future combat air system to replace both the Rafale…
By Robbin Laird A decade ago I was present at the creation of the Osprey nation and did many interviews and visits as the aircraft was stood up and supported in operations. It was such a different aircraft from the CH-46 that the maintainers with whom I met a decade…
According to a story published on the UK Ministry of Defence website on January 28, 2019, the development of a next gen of UK deployable satellite antennas will receive a one million pound investment boost. The ‘wrapped rib’ antenna is lighter, less complex and more cost-competitive than those currently available…
With the usual controversy surrounding Australia National Day, it can be neglected to note the coming of the HMB Endeavour to mark the 250th Anniversary of Captain James Cook to Australia to be held in 2020. According to a press release from the Prime Minister of Australia's office on January…
