The Way Ahead in Shipbuilding: The Perspective of Admiral (Retired) Nils Wang

10/16/2018
By Robbin Laird During my current visit to Denmark, I have a chance to meet with Admiral (Retired) Nils Wang, a dialogue partner for several years in my visits to the country. He has provided the readers of Second Line of Defense with many key insights not only with regard…

Danish Company, Risk Intelligence, Receives US Navy Contract for Enhanced MDA

09/28/2018
Risk Intelligence has been a partner with Second Line of Defense since the beginning of the existence of our website.  The CEO Hans Tino Hansen has provided strategic insights in supporting our work in Denmark and the Nordics, where SLD has placed considerable focus of attention over the years. He…

South Africa to Benefit from post-Brexit UK Defence Strategy?

09/25/2018
Jonathan Katzellenbogen The UK says it is making a renewed effort to build defence partnerships with South Africa. This comes after a lull in defence cooperation between the two countries in the wake of the delivery of equipment in the early 2000s, when BAE Systems supplied the Hawk and, together…

A South African Perspective on Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI)

09/21/2018
By Guy Martin Saudi Arabia’s military industry is open for business – and hoping to secure South African ventures before the end of this year. Set up in May last year as part of Crown Prince Muhammed bin Salman’s 2030 project to reform and modernise the kingdom, Saudi Arabian 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…

The RAF and Typhoons in Arab Air Forces

09/19/2018
The Saudis have been key customers for the UK with regard to Typhoon and have invested in upgrades common to their two fleets as well as benefited from British experience with maintaining the aircraft. With the agreement concluded earlier this year to buy an additional 48 Typhoons, the Saudis have…