The Australian Defence Force Shapes a Way Head: From an Historical Perspective

02/24/2021
By Ed Timperlake Joint By Design, The Evolution of Australian Strategy is a very important new book by Robbin F.Laird. As the author sagely points out in his preface that  “this book although focused on Australia, is not just about Australia.” There is a strategic shift underway as land wars…

The U.S. Navy and the Challenge of Operating Maritime Autonomy Systems

02/21/2021
At times, the advocates for maritime autonomy systems seem like a church. Believers, advocates and true believers expressing anger that the ghost fleet has not yet arrived. But for maritime autonomy systems to become key operating elements within the fleet, they will have to demonstrate their worth and that the…

The Kill Web, Payloads, and the Surface Fleet

02/17/2021
As the U.S. Navy and its joint and coalition partners rework their forces to deliver capability through an integrated but distributed operational force, a key element are the payloads which can be leveraged throughout the modular task forces making up such a force. As Ed Timperlake has argued:  “Payload utility…

The UK Establishes a New Space Command and Names its First Commander

02/17/2021
An article published on November 19, 2020 in the UK Defence Journal highlighted the establishment of a new UK Space Command On 18 November 2020, the UK announced its proposal to establish a new military command dedicated to space, similar to the recent moves taken by allied countries such as…

Working with Allies: The View from Second Fleet

02/15/2021
Recently, we posted a recent piece on Vice Admiral Lewis, head of 2nd Fleet and the Joint Force Commander Norfolk. We highlighted a recent speech by the VADM which underscored that: "We recognize in the Navy and the Joint Force that we have capability gaps that require our attention –…

The Future is Now for Enhanced Integratability: The Perspective of Major General Anders Rex

02/05/2021
By Robbin Laird There is a growing emphasis on what is referred to as “multi-domain” C2 as a key means to be able to operate in the extended battlespace. A new effort to do so is being spearheaded in the United States, which is referred to as Joint All-Domain Command…

Training for the High-End Fight: The Strategic Shift of the 2020’s

02/04/2021
We are pleased to announce our new book, Training for the High-End Fight: The Strategic Shift of the 2020s.  Training for the High-End Fight highlights the essential strategic shift for the U.S. and allied militaries from land wars in the Middle East to the return of great power competition. The…

The Italian Aircraft Carrier Cavour in Route to the United States: Adding F-35 Capabilities to the Fleet

02/01/2021
Our colleagues at the Italian defense journal RID have highlighted the departure of the Cavour for the United States: "The aircraft carrier CAVOUR has left for the United States where it will embark the F-35Bs of the Navy stationed Beaufort and will acquire the certification to operate the aircraft. "The…