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…
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.…
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…
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,…
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…
02/20/2016: The first group of USAF F22s arrived at RAAF Tindal ahead of the first Enhanced Air Cooperation activity in Australia under the US Force Posture Initiatives. The F22s will be located at RAAF Base Tindal and are the largest and longest rotation of fifth-generation aircraft to visit Australia to date.…
2017-02-17 By Danny Lam North Korea’s rapid progress in fielding a credible land and undersea nuclear arsenal capable of reaching CONUS calls for a prompt, clear and unambiguous response. Multilateral diplomacy and sanctions to date have not slowed or hindered the progress of under a youthful Kim Jong Un looking…
2017-02-16 By Robbin Laird Prior to attending the 2017 Norwegian airpower conference, I had a chance to talk with Keith Eikenes, Director, Department for Security Policy and Operations in the Ministry of Defence of Norway. He has spent many years in Washington and came back to Oslo three years ago.…
