By Robbin Laird The first time I met Vice Admiral (Retired) Tim Barrett was at the 2016 Williams Foundation Seminar in which he addressed the evolving role of the Australian Navy in the transformation of the Australian Defence Force. He provided a keynote presentation to the August 2016 Seminar on…
As the Japanese focus on strengthening the perimeter of their defenses of Japan, new systems are being procured and modifications to platforms being made. The purchase of Ospreys and F-35s both As and Bs, along with the modification of Japanese helicopter landing ships are entailed as Japan looks to its…
By Robbin Laird On March 12, 2020 I had a chance to visit HMAS Sterling and to visit the HMAS Rankin, one of the Collins class submarines homeported at HMAS Sterling on Garden Island. When I informed a senior U.S. Navy Admiral that I was going to visit the Royal…
A NATO anti-submarine warfare exercise began off the coast of Italy in late February 2020. Dynamic Manta (DYMAN20) involves ships, submarines, aircraft and personnel from nine NATO countries. The aim of the exercise is to provide all participants with complex and challenging warfare training, to enhance their interoperability and proficiency…
While the USAF is still waiting for its new tanker, the RAAF has been using the original tanker downselected by the USAF 12 years ago. In the slideshow, the KC-30A is seen operating in this year's Cope North exericse. In a story published on February 29, 2008. the award of…
Arctic Edge 2020 has concluded. Units from multiple services along with international partners practice survival skills and test combat capabilities in extreme conditions in exercise ARCTIC EDGE 20 Feb. 26 - March 6 2020 across Alaska. Approximately 1,000 U.S. military personnel participated in the multi-service exercise along with members of…
By Robbin Laird At the upcoming Williams Foundation Seminar to be held on March 26, 2020, the role of autonomous systems in the evolution of the combat force is the focus of attention. Clearly, a key aspect of this evolution will be the role of maritime remotes within the maritime…
Since 2013 the Sir Richard Williams Foundation seminars have focused on building an integrated fifth generation force. Recent seminars have evolved from the acquisition of new platforms to the process of shaping and better understanding the environment in which the integrated force will prepare and operate. Moreover, they have highlighted…
