Scalability for a Maritime Autonomous System: Flexibility in Operations

03/21/2021
By Robbin Laird If one can develop a common maritime autonomy capability across a fleet of craft of different sizes, there is a clear advantage in terms of flexibility in operations. This flexibility comes from an ability to mix and match craft, operate larger craft as mother ships for smaller…

Replacing Canada’s Air Tanking Fleet

03/21/2021
The defence and space divisions of Airbus and Boeing are expected to go head-to-head as the Royal Canadian Air Force moves ahead with plans to replace its ageing fleet of CC-150 Polaris aircraft which have been fulfilling multiple roles, including executive transport as well as air-to-air refuelling platforms. They’ll be responding to an Invitation to Qualify…

Monitoring the Military Threat to Japan

03/19/2021
Periodically, the Japanese Ministry of Defence publishes updates on the threat envelope for Japan. This month, the MOD published three briefings, one each for China, Russia and North Korea. Notably, all three of these are nuclear powers, which means that the alliance with the United States needs to deliver credible…

Shaping a Way Ahead for 2nd Fleet (C2F): The Perspective of Its Vice Commander

03/19/2021
During our visit to C2F in March 2021, we had an opportunity to discuss the standup of the command in 2018 and its evolution since then. One clearly important fact cannot be missed when visiting VADM Lewis, the CO of C2F. In his frugal office space, one finds his office…

BABELFISH 7: The RAF Rapid Capabilities Office in Action

03/19/2021
In a Royal Air Force article focused on the RAF Rapid Capabilities office, the way ahead for the office and the RAF was highlighted. Under the banner of BABELFISH 7, the RAF’s Rapid Capabilities Office has demonstrated new technologies which offer a step-change in near real time, secure, information distribution.…

UK-led Joint Expeditionary Force Works with Baltic Nations

03/18/2021
A UK Ministry of Defence story published on March 11, 2021, highlights the role of the UK-led JEF. Frigates HMS Lancaster and Westminster, tanker RFA Tiderace and vessels from all three Baltic states – Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia – have joined forces for a concerted demonstration of Britain’s commitment to…

C2 for a Distributed Maritime Force: A Key Building Block for 21st Century Defense

03/17/2021
By Robbin Laird and Ed Timperlake It is clear that C2 is a key element for shaping the way ahead for maritime operations. The U.S. Navy highlights the importance of distributed maritime operations as it reworks its way ahead with regard to 21st century deterrence and warfighting. As Navy Vice…