Industry 4.0: The Case of the F-35

11/19/2018
By Robbin Laird Because the F-35 has been built from the outset on a digital thread production approach and foundation, the program can incorporate, and contribute to a broader set of industrial transformations, known as Industry 4.0. In other words, the F-35 can produce an innovative combat aircraft but it…

China, South Africa and Military Logistics

11/15/2018
By Kabelo Tsogang A delegation from the People’s Republic of China (PRC) Central Military Commission Logistics Support division, steered by its Deputy Chief of Administrative Office, Senior Colonel Huang Dongping, have visited the South African Department of Defence Logistics Division in Pretoria and Cape Town to finalise hosting the first military…

The Next Phase of Global Transit: Leveraging the Northern Passage

09/20/2018
Interestingly, a combination of a Danish transport company, Chinese shipbuilding and Russian clients have put together the next phase of global transit.  A Maersk ship has left Asia bound for Russia through the Northern Passage. "A brand new ice-strengthened containership is heading straight into the annals of maritime history. As…

UK MoD’s Shropshire Military Support Hub

09/15/2018
The UK MoD opened up a new military support hub last year to support UK force operations. A recent article on the UK MoD website highlighted the development. Defence Minister Stuart Andrew visited the £83 million Defence Fulfilment Centre (DFC) after touring the armoury and current logistic facilities on-site at…

Reshaping Royal Australian Asset Availability: The Case of the Collins Class Submarine

09/05/2018
By Robbin Laird It would be hard to find a key combat asset for the Australian Defence Force, which has received more criticism over the years than the Collins class submarine. Yet while the past is behind us, the narrative has clearly changed. The Royal Australian Navy working with its…

Working the Logistics Con-Ops as the CH-53K Enters the Force

08/31/2018
By Robbin Laird The heavy lift transition from CH-53E to CH-53K is one of the last modernization efforts of Marine Corps Aviation set in motion when Lt. General Trautman was Deputy Commandant of Aviation. Although this essential capability is last replacing the readiness challenged 30-year-old CH-53E, it is leveraging lessons…

Moving Forward with the Automated Tanker Boom: The RAAF and Airbus Defence and Space Take the Next Step

07/25/2018
By Robbin Laird The RAAF was the launch customer for the A330MRTT. And the Aussies have been from the beginning key drivers of innovation working with Airbus Defence and Space in evolving the capabilities of the global tanker. Part of Tanker 2.0 is providing new capabilities for the combat fleet…

C-130H Hercules Formation Flight over Sydney

07/21/2018
Formed on 15 July 1943, at RAAF Base Laverton, Victoria, No. 37 Squadron has provided medium tactical airlift for the Australian Defence Force across the globe. Since 1966, the Squadron has operated from RAAF Base Richmond, New South Wales, predominantly flying different models of the C-130 Hercules transport aircraft. No.…