In the early hours of June 13, 2025, Israel launched the most significant military operation against Iran since the Iran-Iraq War, with the F-35I "Adir" stealth fighter playing a pivotal role in what Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dubbed "Operation Rising Lion." The operation represents a watershed moment in Middle…
By Robbin Laird On May 28, 2025, Michael Shoebridge, Director of Strategic Analysis Australia, and I travelled to Melbourne, Australia to visit C2 Robotics which is described on its website as follows: “C2 Robotics specialises in the rapid development of cutting edge robotics and autonomous systems for Defence applications across…
By Robbin Laird The era of autonomous maritime operations has quietly arrived, moving beyond experimental trials to become operational reality. A recent conversation with Robert Dane, CEO of OCIUS, underscores how autonomous vessels are fundamentally changing naval operations—and why traditional naval thinking must evolve to harness their potential. OCIUS's journey…
President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva's return to power has marked a significant shift in Brazil's international positioning, but beneath the surface of diplomatic pragmatism lies a web of contradictions that reveal the complex realities of contemporary geopolitics. Brazil's ambitious multi-currency bond strategy, designed to diversify away from dollar dependence,…
By Robbin Laird On June 3, 2025, I had a chance to meet with Air Vice-Marshal Glen Braz, Air Commander Australia, to follow up on his participation in the Sir Richard Williams Foundation seminar held on May 23, 2025. What I specifically wanted to talk with him about is the…
Recently, DVIDS. provided a story which highlights how reworking maintenance regimes can enhance the readiness of the MV-22. Frankly, this is a core theme which needs to be addressed across the ready force: how can we rework organaiatoxal and structural arrangements to enhance the readiness of the "fight tonight" force?…
President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva's diplomatic visits to Russia and China in May have sparked intense debate in Brazil, with major newspapers condemning his attendance at Moscow's Victory Day parade while largely supporting the economic outcomes of his Beijing trip. The Brazilian leader's presence at Russia's May 9 Victory…
By Robbin Laird I had the opportunity to meet with Lt. General Simon Stuart, Chief of the Australian Army in. his office on 19 May 2025. We discussed a specific aspect of the way ahead for the Australian Army, namely its role in Australian littoral operations. In an era where…
