The Norwegian Navy and Shaping Air-Sea Integration for Norwegian Defense

02/24/2017
2017-02-18 By Robbin Laird After the Norwegian Airpower Conference, 2017, I had a chance to talk with the head of the Norwegian Navy, Rear Admiral Lars Saunes. Because this was an airpower conference, the focus on the maritime dimension naturally was primarily focused on air-sea integration in the extended defense…

Reshaping Norwegian Defense: Meeting 21st Century Challenges

02/23/2017
2017-02-23 By Robbin Laird Prior to attending the Norwegian Airpower Conference in Trondheim, I was able to meet with Mr. Øystein BØ, the State Secretary and Deputy Defense Minister at the Norwegian Ministry of Defense to discuss his perspective on the way ahead for Norway and NATO in the Northern…

The Changing Norwegian Strategic Environment: The Perspective of the Norwegian Defense Minister (Updated)

02/23/2017
2017-02-15 By Robbin Laird Norway is in an especially interesting and perhaps precarious situation or put another way is at the crossroads of 21st century history. It is a small country with a very large territory bordering on one of the most active military powers, led by a skillful strategist.…

Why Not Buy Wedgetail and Move Out Beyond AWACS: Coming Terms with a 5th Generation Enabled Force

02/22/2017
2017-02-15 The Aussie Wedgetail has come to Red Flag 2017-1 and has provided advanced C2 and support to a fifth generation enabled air combat force. F-35s, F-22s and advanced legacy aircraft like Typhoons have been supported throughout by the most advanced air battle management system operating today. And it is…

NATO and the Dialogue of the Deaf: Why Will It Be Any Different This Time?

02/22/2017
2017-02-22 By Danny Lam Secretary Mattis delivered an impassioned plea for increased defense spending by NATO allies at the Brussels summit. “If your nations do not want to see America moderate its commitment to this alliance, each of your capitals needs to show support for our common defense,” Mattis made clear. NATO,…

Sec Def Mattis at Munich Security Conference

02/20/2017
02/20/2016: Opening Statement Munich Security Conference Friday February 17, 2017 Good afternoon and thank you Madam Minister. Your words remind me of the legacy now shared on both sides of the Atlantic – a legacy of freedom, of friendship, and a trusted Alliance. With the ingrained respect that two democracies share…