The Evolving Role of the Fighter in the Integratable Air Wing: The View from TOPGUN

05/10/2020
With the developing relationship between sensors and shooters in the maritime kill web, what is the evolving role of the fighter? I had a chance to talk about these changes with the CO of TOPGUN, CDR Tim Myers. We started by discussing how he would compare and contrast his experience…

Artificial Intelligence Enabled Airborne Search and Rescue

05/07/2020
By Ms Samara Kitchener Airborne search and rescue is an expensive and demanding task, but what if there was a better way? AI-Search, Defence’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) prototype to transform airborne search and rescue, is now in its second phase of development. The prototype is a collaboration between the Royal…

WestPac Exercise Tests ACE Approach: Highlights USAF Role in Maritime Operations

05/06/2020
The USAF led a joint exercise in January 2020 focused on WestPac. The exercise had the stated purpose of distributing airpower throughout the operational area and working integratability to shape the desired combat effect. But not overtly noted in the official statements was the growing concern and focus which the…

Shaping A Way Ahead for the Hawkeye/ Stingray Cluster in the Integratable Carrier Air Wing

05/06/2020
By Robbin Laird In my discussions earlier this year in San Diego with Vice Admiral Miller, we focused on the dynamics of change within and beyond the carrier air wing. In that discussion, what was highlighted was a way to look at the shift from a legacy approach to the…

Wedgetail at 10

05/06/2020
By Bettina Mears Important Defence industry partnerships and a culture of excellence have been key to the operational effectiveness of Air Force’s highly advanced airborne early warning and control capability – the E-7A Wedgetail – now celebrating 10 years since its introduction into RAAF service. Air Force operates six E-7A…

The Maritime Patrol Enterprise: Shaping a Kill Web Future

05/05/2020
By Robbin Laird I have had a chance to visit with Rear Admiral Garvin and his team in Norfolk last Fall and earlier this year. We discussed the evolving approach to theater ASW in those discussions along with the evolving approach to training and shaping an effective distributed maritime force.…

The New Build Australian Attack Submarine: Putting It Into Context

05/05/2020
By Robbin Laird Recently, I finished a study of the new build offshore patrol vessel and the shaping of a new template for shipbuilding in Australia. This is the first of three new build ships for the Australian Navy and for the Australian Defence Force. Next is the ASW frigate…

The Evolving Role of Rotary Wing Platforms in the Integratable Carrier Air Wing

05/01/2020
By Robbin Laird During my last meeting with Vice Admiral Miller in San Diego, we discussed the way ahead with regard to the air wing as it become integrated into a wider kill web concepts of operations. In that conversation, we highlighted the shift as one from building an integrated…