The Coronavirus Crisis: Special Report

04/17/2020
  This special report brings together in one publication our recent pieces published on Second Line of Defense and Defense.info, since the coronavirus crisis became a significant crisis management challenge. We cover a number of topics, indicated in the Table of Contents for the Report: For the PDF version of…

The AH-1Z and Its Evolving Contribution to Marines in the Maritime Fight

04/15/2020
By Robbin Laird My recent discussions with Major Thomas Duff and Mr. Michael Manifor, HQMC Aviation, APW-53, Attack and Utility Helicopter Coordinators, about the Viper maritime attack helicopter provided insights into how this asset is evolving as the MAGTF itself is being reshaped for its broader spectrum missions beyond the…

French Defense Industrial Re-Set as France Prepares to Re-Emerge from the Coronavirus Crisis

04/15/2020
By Pierre Tran Paris – Dassault Aviation has resumed training flights for Indian pilots on the Rafale fighter jet, as the aircraft builder seeks to meet contract requirements despite the deadly spread of coronavirus. “At Merignac, the (conversion training center) activities started on Monday with a daily mission for two…

Platforms, Innovation and Integratability: The Case of the Osprey

04/14/2020
By Robbin Laird In my series focusing on USMC and digital interoperability, the first piece focused on the interaction between platform innovation and integratability. With the evolution of the capabilities of the new combat platforms generated through Marine Corps aviation, the ability of the Marines to operate in an integrated,…

Crises Learning: The Australian Case

04/13/2020
By Michael Shoebridge Australian governments at all levels have learned a lot between the onset of the bushfire season and the first stages of the novel coronavirus pandemic. There’s a clear understanding that national crises require coherent national responses. And that the seams between and among the Commonwealth and the…