2017-04-19 By Robbin Laird On April 11, 2017, the Williams Foundation held its latest seminar examining the emergence of a fifth generation force in Australia. This seminar was different in that the impact of the new platforms on air, sea and land transformation was already discussed in detail in earlier…
2017-04-13 By Robbin Laird During my visit to the United Kingdom in March 2017, I had a chance to visit RAF Marham. My host for the visit was Captain Nick Walker of the Royal Navy and we had the opportunity to view the various buildings in progress on the base…
2017-04-11 By Robbin Laird During my latest visit to Australia, I had a chance to discuss the way ahead for the KC-30A with the two senior operators involved with the program and its evolving capability. We met at Amberley Airbase where the KC-30As and C-17s are based. Air Commodore Richard…
2017-04-10 By Robbin Laird During my visit to Amberley Airbase on April 3, 2017, I had a chance to discuss the work of the Air Warfare Center and of new training programs in the Air Combat Group to shape a more effective fighting force. I have talked with Air Commodore…
2017-04-07 By Robbin Laird During my visit to Amberley Airbase in Australia, I had a chance to talk with the 82nd Wing Commander, Group Captain Braz on April 3, 2017. The Wing had been reorganized to include both Super Hornets and Growlers as the RAAF prepares for the fifth generation…
2017-04-07 By Robbin Laird During my visit to Australia in April 2017, I had a chance to continue my discussions with Group Captain Stuart Bellingham, Officer Commanding Number 42 Wing, about the Wedgetail and its continuing evolution. The Wedgetail has demonstrated in the Middle East and in high end warfare…
2017-04-06 By Robbin Laird During my visit to the United Kingdom in March 2017, I had a chance to visit RAF Lossiemouth, RAF Marham and RAF Lakenheath. Here the UK is leading the way in shaping a new infrastructure for a 21st century air combat force and with its operational footprint…
2017-04-04 The RAAF participated in Red Flag 17-1 with the USAF and the RAF. During that exercise, the critical change element was the introduction of the F-35 and its impact on reshaping the air combat space. As one RAF participant put it: “The impact of the F-35 is so immediate that…
