By Robbin Laird The IDF recently selected the CH-53K to replace its legacy heavy lift assets, namely, the CH-53D. It is clear that the IDF is buying the CH-53K for many of the same reasons which USMC is doing so but the IDF has been especially focused on three key…
The pathway for the U.S. Navy to integrate unmanned surface vessels into its fleet operations is for these vehicles to be able to effectively and efficiently support real-world tasks that fit into maritime concepts of operations, rather than being disruptive technology to mission operations and undercutting combat capability. in an…
By Robbin Laird Recently, the IDF selected the CH-53K to replace its legacy CH-53s. In my last article on this subject, I highlighted one key factor in the decision, namely, the importance of having a new aircraft which reduced pilot training and operational load for reserve pilots. As I concluded:…
By Lieutenant Commander Christopher Thornton Families of the crew of HMAS Adelaide were treated to a day on board to thank them for their support during a busy year for the ship’s company. A highlight of the April 9 family day on Sydney Harbour was when the landing helicopter dock – one of…
The build out of the re-established Second Fleet and the standup of Allied Joint Forces Command combined with the key efforts of the Nordic allies is a reshaping North Atlantic defense. In our book on The Return of Direct Defense in Europe, we focused upon the key role which key…
The Italians have been key players in the F-35 program. They build the aircraft in Italy and their Air Force is buying both the A and B models. In an interview conducted during a visit to Rome in 2013, the then head of the Italian Air Force, Lt General Preziosa,…
By Robbin Laird Recently, the Department of the Navy released, on March 16, 2021, its unmanned systems campaign framework. As Admiral Gilday, Chief of Navy Operations, commented in his forward to the document: As the Navy adapts to an increasingly complex security environment, it is imperative that we understand what…
The role of an empowered sea base in support of U.S. Middle East operations was recently demonstrated by the USN-USMC team operating off the USS Makin Island. According to a recent USMC story, "15th MEU supports Operation Inherent Resolve from Makin Island ARG." The Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group and…
