By Robbin Laird The strategic shift from counter-insurgency to force-on-force conflict is not only or simply preparing for a major conflict with peer competitors; it is about crisis management and escalation dominance. On the one hand, the military capabilities are being reshaped to operate in such an environment, and there…
After being awarded a United States Coast Guard (USCG) contract award, Insitu’s ScanEagle UAS will be used to provide small UAS ISR services aboard the entire U.S. Coast Guard National Security Cutter fleet. Valued at approximately $117 million, the service contract covers the installation and deployment of small UAS for…
By Robbin Laird During my latest visit to MAWTS-1, I had a chance to focus upon recent developments generated by the latest WTI course. Last year, I had a chance to talk with Col Wellons and LtCol Ryan Schiller, the Aviation Development, Tactics and Evaluation Department Head, about work on…
Marine Aircraft Group 12 forces deployed several F-35B Lightning ll's for a regularly scheduled aviation training relocation at Misawa Air Base, Japan, May 9, 2018. [maxgallery id="117631"] ATR's are designed to increase operational readiness and bilateral interoperability for both U.S. and Japanese forces. AOMORI, JAPAN 05.22.2018 Photo by Lance Cpl. Alexia…
By Richard Weitz Although the results of the summit are still unclear given the vague joint statement and lack of North Korean comments, on the surface it looks like President Trump made major concessions now in order to achieve hoped-for US gains later. The mere fact that the presidential summit…
By Robbin Laird During my visit to MCAS Yuma in early May 2018, I had a chance to talk with several components of MAWTS-1. We recently published the interview with the MAWTS-1 Commanding Officer prior for his departure to his next assignment. Colonel Wellons highlighted the importance of readiness for…
Marines from the ordnance section of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 121, Marine Aircraft Group 12, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, load inert explosives into an F-35B Lightning II as part of a regularly scheduled aircraft training relocation at Misawa Air Base, Japan, May 15, 2018. [maxgallery id="117647"] ATR's are designed to…
RAAF personnel at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona, reach a flying milestone as the Australian F-35As complete their first 1000 sorties. The RAAF F-35A team are working together with the 56th Fighter Wing USAF and Lockheed Martin to develop Australia’s initial F-35A capability. Royal Australian Air Force pilots and maintenance…
