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…
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…
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…
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.…
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…
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…
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…
