2015-10-06 By Robbin Laird The F-35 is not only not simply a replacement aircraft, but it is a global aircraft. And with the allies buying around 50% of the aircraft over the next few years, while Washington sorts out its strategy, the innovation driven by the allies will be significant…
2015-10-03 By Robbin Laird As Air Commodore Westwood, the Commander the Surveillance and Response (SRG) put it: “The goal is seamless integration which is always a work in progress, but that is why I think we are a key part of the shaping of an effective Jericho policy.” Clearly, working…
2015-09-23 By Robbin Laird and Ed Timperlake Recently, General “Hawk” Carlisle underscored that the USAF is already engaged in reshaping the force to execute fifth generation warfare. It is important to look at the impact of the F-22 operations on the total force. We do not wish, nor do the…
2015-10-03 Recently, a KC-30A refueled a KC-30A with the new boom system. On 13 August 2015 two KC-30 aircraft from RAAF Amberley conducted a Air to Air refueling training sortie. The Australian Air Force KC-30 aircraft is carrying out an air to air refueling operation using the Airbus Defence and…
2015-09-25 By Richard Weitz When considering China and Russia, new or dramatically enhanced strategic technologies could vitally affect U.S. security during the next 15 years. Under certain conditions, revolutionary improvements in these capabilities could disrupt a strategic balance, but under different circumstances they strengthen stability and deterrence by making military…
10/03/2015: On Sept. 7, the first F-35A assembled outside the US, made its very first flight from Cameri airbase. The aircraft, designated AL-1, is the first of eight aircraft currently being assembled at the Final Assembly and Check Out (FACO) facility at Cameri, in northwestern Italy. During the flight, that lasted about…
2015-09-24 By Robbin Laird The USMC is as integrated a force as exits as a 21st century combat force. They use their KC-130Js in a very flexible role supporting their air-ground-sea combat team. They have seen a major transformation with the coming of the Osprey, whereby they are the paired…
2015-09-25 The Danes are holding a 10-day Arctic exercise to train to support emergency operations. In an article published by the Danish Ministry of Defence on September 9, 2015, details were provided concerning the exercise. The purpose of the exercise is to train the Arctic Command in Nuuk to work…