Poland and the F-35: First F-35s Land in Poland as Part of Rapid Forge Exercise

08/01/2019
Four U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II aircraft, deployed from the 388th and 419th Fighter Wings, Hill Air Force Base, Utah, landed at Powidz Air Base, Poland, July, 16, 2019. This is the first time that U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II aircraft have landed in Poland. With the arrival…

The UK Launches its Loyal Wingman Program

07/31/2019
In our recent report on Australian and UK defence transformation, we highlighted the opportunity for the two nations to collaborate on a number of efforts, one of which is a remote platform or family of platforms to worked with manned platforms, notably in the Australian case with its loyal wingman…

Alliances and Self-Reliance: The Challenge for Defense Industry

07/31/2019
With the strategic shift, the importance of regional conflict, and of regional allies is enhanced within the overall context of full spectrum crisis management. And with it, the need for enhanced self-reliance of allies as well. But enhanced self-reliance in the context of dealing with global authoritarian challenges for the…

The China Challenge: An Australian Perspective

07/30/2019
By Brendan Sargeant China has always loomed large in Australia’s strategic imagination. It is a major Asian power with vast economic and strategic potential. It has a long history of cultural and political engagement across the Indo Pacific and it borders the Eurasian landmass as well as the Pacific Ocean.…

The F-35 Global Enterprise: Core Partners Training In-Country

07/29/2019
Australia has stood up its own F-35 training facilities for pilots and maintainers. And on July 15, 2019, the first Australian F-35 pilots training in Australia flew their jets for the first time. In an article published on July 26, 2019 and written by Andrew McLaughlin, this event was highlighted…

Shaping a Way Ahead for the Direct Defense of the Liberal Democracies: The Potential Australian Role

07/27/2019
By Robbin Laird Recently, the CSBA released two reports authored by Ross Babbage, the well-known Australian strategist, which focus on 21stcentury warfare and deterrence. These reports draw on a total of 14 case studies prepared by regional experts to argue the need for the liberal democracies to shape a cohesive…

F35s Take Offs During Operation Rapid Forge

07/27/2019
U.S. Air Force F-35A Lighting II, assigned to the 421st Fighter Squadron participates in Operation Rapid Forge. Rapid Forge aircraft are forward deploying to bases in the territory of NATO allies in order to enhance readiness and improve interoperability. SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, RP, GERMANY 07.16.2019 Video by Airman 1st Class…