Reshaping Operational and Training Approaches: Airpower Led Combat Innovation

05/22/2016
2016-05-19 By Robbin Laird We have argued throughout the discussion of fifth generation aircraft that the transition was about the re-norming of airpower. It was about reshaping airpower as airpower leads a broader transformation of US and allied combat forces to prevail in 21t century environments and to meet 21st…

Leveraging the RAF Marham and RAF Lakenheath Strategic Opportunity: The USAF and the RAF Shape 21st Operational Capabilities

05/20/2016
2016-05-18 With the RAF and the USAF setting up four squadrons of aircraft between them at two nearby RAF bases, there is a clear opportunity to shape a common sustainment solution. And the impact of so doing could be significant on the North Sea neighbors, namely, the Danes the Norwegians…

Shaping a Way Ahead for the F-35 in UK Defence: The Perspective of Air Commodore Harvey Smyth

05/15/2016
2016-05-12 By Robbin Laird During my visit to the United Kingdom in May 2016, I had a chance to meet with Air Commodore Harvey Smyth and members of the RAF Lightning Force team. Air Commodore Smyth was the Tornado Force commander and has been involved with the F-35 program throughout…

The European Air Group and Typhoon Integration: Shaping a Way Ahead for More Effective Operational Impacts

05/15/2016
2016-05-12 By Robbin Laird I returned to the European Air Group on April 27, 2016 to participate in their latest working group session of 4th/5th generation aircraft integration. Here the continued focus is upon how the coming of the F-35 is part of the reshaping of European airpower and enabling…

The NATO Joint Air Power Competence Center Examines 5th Generation Enabled Air Power: Air Warfare in a Networked Environment

05/15/2016
2016-05-13 by Robbin Laird During a visit to the Joint Airpower Competence Center of NATO located in Dusseldorf, Germany, specifically in Kalkar, Germany, I had a chance to discuss their important study on the evolution of air warfare capabilities in a networked environment. The Joint Air Power Competence Center or…

The European Air Group Works 4th and 5th Generation Air Combat Integration

05/14/2016
2016-05-14 Recently, the European Air Group held a working group which continued their work on 4th and 5th generation integration which is viewed as crucial with 5th generation aircraft here now. The 2016 two-day 4th 5th Generation Integration Information Forum was held at the home of the EAG, RAF High…