By Robbin Laird During a visit to Bodø Airbase on April 25, 2018, I had a chance to discuss Norwegian Air Force training with the Finns and the Swedes as they expand their cooperation to provide for enhanced regional defense. Major Trond Ertsgaard, Senior Operational Planner and fighter pilot from…
It is clear that with the strategic shift from the primacy of counter insurgency missions to operations in a contested environment, significant changes can be expected from the ground maneuver forces. For the Marines, changes are induced as well by the air combat capabilities already in the Corps and being…
Between 9 and the 20th of April, a large exercise was held at Leeuwarden Air Base in the Netherlands. The exercise is called Frisian Flag 2018. Participating aircraft from several countries in the world will be airborne twice a day. 04.11.2018 Video by Petty Officer 2nd Class Eric Coffer Regional Media Center…
The UK hosted a major European exercise on UK territory which tested ways to enhance collective defense. According to a story in the Daily Mail published on May 3, 2018: British troops have taken part in one of Europe's largest military exercises with nearly 12,000 personnel from across 17 nations…
The Royal Netherlands Navy joint support ship HNLMS Karel Doorman is a very versatile ship. In the featured video (in Dutch) a boarding role for the ship is highlighted in providing for security at sea. In 2015, we discussed the ship and its role in an interview with the ship's…
By Robbin Laird The RAAF has been in the throes of significant modernization over the last decade as the C-17, KC-30A, Super Hornet and the Wedgetail have come together to shape an integrated and effective power projection force. The next wave of change is spearheaded by the F-35. But the…
By Murielle Delaporte Being ready for the next battles and imagining new forms of combat beyond Maginot lines require to “bring tomorrow’s topics to the table ,“ and especially the tables where national political decision-makers meet. For General Mercier, one of ACT’s main missions is indeed to raise the Western…
By Robbin Laird During my recent visit to Australia, with a clear focus on supporting the Williams Foundation effort to look at strategic transition facing the allied militaries, I had a chance to continue my discussions with Vice Admiral Tim Barrett, Chief of the Royal Australian Navy. The Vice Admiral…
