During the recent visit of the Polish President and a high-ranking Polish delegation, many key defense issues were discussed with President Trump and his Administration. Among those issues was the potential purchase of the F-35 by Poland. According to an article published on the Polish Ministry of Defence website, this…
By Robbin Laird In 2012, I wrote a piece for Breaking Defense which focused on the Bold Alligator Exercise that year and how the image of change was difficulty to see. The coming of the Osprey was about to totally change amphibious operations, but because it was an amphibious exercise, folks…
The Russians have expanded the perimeter of their defense capabilities in the Arctic and in so doing have raised concerns from the other Arctic powers. This is clearly a core concern for the Nordics and an important input to their defense modernization efforts, nationally and collectively. And certainly, the Nordic…
A P-51 Mustang and an F-35A Lightning II fly in formation during the Twilight Show at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., May 17, 2019. The Twilight Show allowed air and ground crews to practice processes and procedures a day before the Defenders of Liberty Air & Space Show LA, UNITED…
The F-35 Demo Team performed during the Defenders of Liberty Air & Space Show at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., May 18, 2019. [maxgallery id="125435"] The 13-minute performance featured 14 aerobatic maneuvers that fully showcase the capabilities of the F-35. BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, LA, UNITED STATES 05.18.2019 Photo…
The U.S. Air Force will lead exercise Astral Knight 19, scheduled to take place in the beginning on June, primarily taking place at Aviano Air Base, Italy, and other locations in Croatia, Germany, and Slovenia. Astral Knight 2019 is a joint and multinational exercise that will involve airmen, soldiers and…
Captain Andrew "Dojo" Olsen, an F-35 Demonstration Team pilot and commander, performs aerial maneuvers in an F-35A Lightning II before the Defenders of Liberty Air & Space Show. BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, LA, UN 05.17.2019 Video by Senior Airman Stuart Bright 2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs
By Robbin Laird I would argue that the US and its allies are not so much facing a great power competition. I would refer to it as a global contest between 21st century authoritarian powers and the liberal democracies. And on each side of the competition there is significant cross learning…
