2016-11-10 By Richard Weitz Pessimism about Europe’s global power potential was pervasive at the Valdai Conference. Many speakers, from Russia and elsewhere, saw the Continent in current crisis and generation-long decay. In particular, they cited deep dissatisfaction with the bureaucratic, technocratic, and formalistic nature of the institution and its disrespect…
2016-11-09 By Robbin Laird In an historic election, the American people of chosen Donald Trump as there President. To say that there is shock in the media and among the Inside the Beltway folks would be to put it mildly. I remember walking into the Pentagon after Reagan became President…
2016-11-09 With the election of President Trump, a key question is how he will pursue national security and how he will shape American defense capabilities in the period ahead. He has clearly indicated that he does not want to send the US military on ill defined operations with questionable strategic purpose; he…
2016-11-08 By Robbin Laird In April and June 2016, I had a chance to visit RAF Lossiemouth in Scotland and to talk with the base commander, and several officers involved with the combat operations and logistical support for the aircraft operating from the base. As such, the interviews provide a slice…
2016-11-07 By Richard Weitz At this writing, a Russian naval battle group is assembling in the East Mediterranean off Syria’s coast. It includes Russia’s only aircraft carrier, the Admiral Kuznetsov, which is now making its first combat mission following years of repair and modernization. The small carrier carries four Su-33…
2016-11-06 On November 2, 2016, Second Line of Defense visited the Spanish Eurofighter squadron based at Albacete, Air Base in Spain. During the visit our hosts, Captains Antonio Duque Polo and Sergio Martinez Pėrez provided us an overview on Eurofighter, their recent deployment to Lithuania and the support structure on…
2016-11-05 According to an article published on November 4, 2016 by Kenji Thulowei, Public Affairs Office with the 412th Test Wing at Edwards AFB, the wing is in the process of conducting tests on the Norwegian Joint Strike missile which will eventually operate from the F-35. One advantage of the…
2016-11-05 By Robbin Laird © 2016 FrontLine Defence (Vol 13, No 5) During a recent visit to Australia to participate in the Williams Seminar on air-land sea integration, I had the chance to visit with DCNS Australia and get their perspective on the way ahead in building a new class of submarines.…
