By Robbin Laird The UK MoD, the RAF and its industrial partners have been at the cutting edge in finding a path to enhanced combat aircraft availability through the evolution of its approach to performance based logistics. It has been and is a journey, one which started with parts support,…
By Robbin Laird The strategic shift is a crucial one for the liberal democracies. That strategic shift is from a primary focus on counter insurgency and stability operations to operating in a contested environment with high tempo and high intensity combat systems as a primary tool set. It is about managing conflict…
By Robbin Laird In past visits to the UK and to Spain, I have spent time with Eurofighter squadrons and have focused on the upgrade path for the aircraft. I have talked with various fighting forces about Typhoon operating in various allied operations as well to get a sense of…
A key element of building 21st century air systems is building in sustainability as part of the design. 21st century air systems are digital systems, built around software upgradeability. The digital capabilities of the aircraft are a key part of building out a more sustainable combat system. The CH-53K was…
By Robbin Laird During my visit with Murielle Delaporte to RAAF Base Richmond we had a chance to discuss with the new Air Mobility Group (AMG) Commander his perspectives on the way ahead. We focused primarily upon the KC-30A as well as the introduction of the new C-27J into the…
By Robbin Laird During our latest visit to Australia, we had a chance to talk with the Commander of the RAAF’s Combat Support Group, Air Commodore Ken Robinson at his office at RAAF Amberley. With a country of the size of the United States but only about 25 million people…
By Robbin Laird It is clear that as the Russians and Chinese enhance their challenges to the liberal democracies, a key requirement for the liberal democracies will be an ability to mobilize under the threat of contested operations and to provide for resilient capabilities to defend the nation and ensure…
Robbin Laird During a visit to Amberley Airbase, Murielle Delaporte and I had a chance to talk with Group Captain Steve Pesce, Officer Commanding 86 Wing, comprising the RAAF’s C-17, KC-30A, B300, CL604 and B737 fleets. We discussed his perspectives on the future of air tanking, and specifically the next…
