By Alisha Welch Australia’s fifth-generation fighter jet capability continues to grow with the recent acceptance of the 30th F-35A Lightning II from prime contractor Lockheed Martin. Significant work is undertaken before Australia can formally accept each jet, with pre-acceptance testing involving multiple checks on the production line at Lockheed Martin’s…
The RAAF from the initial moment of considering F-35 acquisition has focused on shaping a fifth generation Australian Defence Force. And for such a force to be able to operate, it needs to be integratabtle and expeditionary. That is what was being tested out in the month long "Lightning Storm"…
By Samara Kitchener The Royal Australian Air Force launched its first ever sub-orbital rocket from Australia to the edge of space on the weekend. As part of its High Altitude Program, Air Force is exploring the delivery and employment of game-changing capabilities in the upper atmosphere. The launch was the…
By Robbin Laird I first viewed an CMV-22B in person when attending the Reveal ceremony in Amarillo, Texas held on February 6, 2020. But I am not stranger to the Osprey having seen my first Ospreys at Second Marine Air Wing in 2007. At that time there were four Ospreys…
By Robbin Laird During my visit to MAWTS-1 and to NAWDC, one clear instrument of their enhanced integration in the contested battlespace was rather obvious: The F-35 and its evolution as a global enterprise. With the F-35 coming to the large deck carrier, the strike syllabus has changed. With the…
By Lieutenant Commander Todd Fitzgerald HMA Ships Stuart and Arunta sailed in company with ships from Japan, South Korea and the United States in the Pacific Ocean this week. Commanding Officer Arunta Commander Troy Duggan said he welcomed this opportunity to continue close and effective cooperation with key partners in the region. “RAN remains committed to strengthening…
By Robbin Laird As the USMC focuses on how it can best help the US Navy in the maritime fight, two key questions can be posed: "How is the Marine Corps going to contribute most effectively to the Pacific mission in terms of Sea Control and Sea Denial? “And how…
By Robbin Laird I have argued that the shift from the land wars to the new strategic environment is best described as the shift to full spectrum crisis management. The return to great power competition and to an ability to dominate the high-end fight is the usual description of the…
