By Robbin Laird When I first came to Australia in 2014, I was asked to write a report for the Williams Foundation on their seminar on the evolution of airpower, which focused in a significant way on the coming of fifth generation aircraft and their impact on airpower modernization. From…
By Robbin Laird One of the changes facing the emergence of the kill web force is recognizing that it is already here. The current situation reminds one of Molière’s famous line spoken by his main character in his play on social relations in 18th Century France: “My faith! For more…
By Robbin Laird In a continuing discussion with the digital interoperability team in USMC Aviation’s Headquarters, we focused on the challenge of building beyond specific platform upgradeability to make these platforms selectively interoperable with similarly configured platforms. What the team highlighted was that with a platform by platform approach, one…
By Robbin Laird My recent discussions with Major Thomas Duff and Mr. Michael Manifor, HQMC Aviation, APW-53, Attack and Utility Helicopter Coordinators, about the Viper maritime attack helicopter provided insights into how this asset is evolving as the MAGTF itself is being reshaped for its broader spectrum missions beyond the…
By Robbin Laird In my series focusing on USMC and digital interoperability, the first piece focused on the interaction between platform innovation and integratability. With the evolution of the capabilities of the new combat platforms generated through Marine Corps aviation, the ability of the Marines to operate in an integrated,…
By Robbin Laird As highlighted earlier, USMC aviation is focused on ways to enhance its ability to connect with the MAGTF and to work integrated solutions at the tactical edge. But how to start the process and to shape greater digital interoperability (DI) within the MAGTF? Recently, I had the…
Certainly, one key impact of the Coronavirus crisis has highlighted in the crucial role of connectivity to allow 21st century societies to function even under duress. Stay at home orders would not even be feasible without those "at home" being able to connect over their phone lines and internet connections,…
By Robbin Laird As the first combat force in the world to operate the F-35, the Marines experienced the challenge but also the impacts of what a fifth-generation aircraft can deliver to the battlespace. At the heart of what a four-ship formation of F-35s can deliver is an integrated core…
