2017-04-07 By Robbin Laird During my visit to Australia in April 2017, I had a chance to continue my discussions with Group Captain Stuart Bellingham, Officer Commanding Number 42 Wing, about the Wedgetail and its continuing evolution. The Wedgetail has demonstrated in the Middle East and in high end warfare…
2017-04-06 By Robbin Laird During my visit to the United Kingdom in March 2017, I had a chance to visit RAF Lossiemouth, RAF Marham and RAF Lakenheath. Here the UK is leading the way in shaping a new infrastructure for a 21st century air combat force and with its operational footprint…
2017-03-17 By Robbin Laird When I interviewed then PACAF Commander, General "Hawk" Carlisle during a visit to Hawaii on my way to Australia, we discussed how the coming of the F-35 would affect US and allied capabilities and approaches. He hammered home the point that it would open a new phase…
2017-03-14 By Robbin Laird Triton is the latest and cutting edge US Navy platform associated with advanced ISR or maritime domain awareness for the fleet. Australia also intends to acquire 7 Tritons and other allies are looking closely as well to possible acquisition. According to the Royal Australian Air Force:…
03/18/2017: In this Pacific Update, leaders gathered at Joint Base Pearl harbor-Hickam for the F-35B Lightning II Symposium with an interview of Brig. Gen. Craig Wills, Director of Strategic Plans, Requirements and Programs, Headquarters Pacific Air Forces, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam. Video by Staff Sgt. Mariko Frazee: 3/17/2017 American Forces Network…
2017-03-17 By Todd Miller Recently Todd Miller of the Second Line of Defense joined the 15th MEU for one of their mission work-ups, specifically “Realistic Urban Training” (RUT). Part II of this series will focus entirely on the RUT. Covert missions by U.S. Navy SEALs or U.S. Army Delta Force…
2017-03-15 According to an MBDA press release dated March 15, 2017, the F-35 successfully conducted its first firings of MBDA’s ASRAAM. The F-35 Lightning II stealth fighter jet has successfully conducted its first firing trials of the MBDA Advanced Short Range Air-to-Air Missile (ASRAAM). The trials are the first time a…
03/07/2017: The first group of USAF F22s arrived at RAAF Tindal ahead of the first Enhanced Air Cooperation activity in Australia under the US Force Posture Initiatives. The F22s are operating from RAAF Base Tindal and are the largest and longest rotation of fifth-generation aircraft to visit Australia to date. The…
