German Platform Decisions: Pegasus versus Global 6000 Special Mission Aircraft

08/20/2020
By Robbin Laird As I suggested in the lead article in this series on how to evaluate platform choices in the context of evolving needs and concepts of operations, too often, a simple platform versus platform presentation is made which confuses rather than clarifies what the tactical and strategic implications…

Enhanced Expeditionary Basing Capabilities: CH-53K + TAGRS

08/19/2020
By Robbin Laird Recently, the Marines tested their new forward base refueling system with the CH-53K. The two together provide new capabilities for forward refueling points or for expeditionary basing. According to the Marines: Marines with Marine Wing Support Squadron 371, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, employ a tactical aviation ground…

Russians Produce First Egyptian SU-35s

08/18/2020
By defenceWeb The first three Su-35 fighter jets for Egypt’s air force have been seen flying in Russia, months after it emerged production had started at the Gagarin Aircraft Plant in Komsomolsk-on-Amur. On 22 July, photos emerged of five aircraft in flight, with serials 9210, 9212 and 9214 visible. They…

German Platform Decisions: Selecting an Airborne SIGINT Platform

08/17/2020
By Robbin Laird After Germany retired its specially modified signals intelligence Atlantique maritime patrol aircraft, there was a clear gap in the capabilities of Germany to provide for either national or NATO capabilities in this area. This was done in the immediate post-Cold War environment where the United States and…

Ospreys to the US Navy: CMV-22B to the Amphibious Transport Dock Ship USS York

08/16/2020
An MV-22B Osprey, attached to the Blackjacks of Air Test and Evaluation Squadron Two One (HX-21), is spend working with the amphibious transport dock ship USS New York (LPD 21), July 20, 2020. New York is operating in Atlantic Ocean in support of Naval operations to maintain maritime stability and…

Australian Defence Industry and the F-35 Global Enterprise

08/16/2020
By Sophie Pearse A Melbourne-based Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) component supplier has used a government grant to boost its production. A.W. Bell is leading the way in global defence competitiveness by investing in a ground-breaking system at its Dandenong South casting facility. The company has transformed its casting operation through an “Industry 4.0 Smart Factory”,…

German Platform Decisions: CH-53K versus the Chinook

08/14/2020
By Robbin Laird As I suggested in the lead article in this series on how to evaluate platform choices in the context of evolving needs and concepts of operations, too often, a simple platform versus platform presentation is made which confuses rather than clarifies what the tactical and strategic implications…

Seahawk, Fire Scout and Shaping a Way Ahead for the Kill Web Force

08/13/2020
By Robbin Laird During my visit to Jax Navy and Mayport, I had a chance to meet with the leaders of the Seahawk squadron at Mayport and will highlight those discussions in future articles. But also had the opportunity to talk via teleconference with CDR Gregory Knutson, the CO of the…