2013-10-11 By Robbin Laird When discussing the “shift” in U.S. policy towards the Pacific with Europeans, one is usually treated to a strategic analysis of the shift. The U.S. is seen as shifting from Europe and moving its interests to dealing with China and the Pacific. And the U.S. must…
10/10/2013: An F-15K Slam Eagle from the Republic of Korea Air Force approaches a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker from Kadena Air Base, Japan, for mid-air refueling during RED FLAG-Alaska 13-3 Aug. 21, 2013. The F-15K is equipped with state-of-the-art mission equipment to conduct air-to-ground, air-to-air and air-to-sea missions. [slidepress…
2013-10-09 By Robbin Laird Over the years, I have worked often on the practical side of European defense. When dealing with the last decade before the collapse of the Soviet Union, a key theme was the challenge of dealing with Euro Missiles. Then the collapse of the Warsaw Pact posed…
2013-10-07 By Robbin Laird India is a key country in shaping 21st century strategy for the U.S. and Europe. India is important in and of itself, but also as a counterpart to the rise of China as an authoritarian global power. As the world’s largest democracy, India is in many…
2013-10-06 By Gulshan Luthra The recent Indo-US summit between Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh and Mr Brack Obama seems to have spurred the subdued ties between the two countries. There is progress on two strategic aspects, nuclear as well as defense. Washington has supported India’s desire to join four nuclear and…
2013-10-05 By Air Marshal (Retd) AK Trikha In the next decade or so the Indian Air Force (IAF) would gradually shed its legacy fighters (MiG- 21 being the archetypical example). Replacements will consist of vastly superior fourth plus generation aircraft. With anticipated induction of up to 270 Su-30 MKI, 126 MMRCA…
2013-10-04 In addition to building a Final Assembly Line similar to the one in Italy, Japanese firms are building parts for the global supply chain. According to an October 3, 2013, UPI story: The Japanese government has confirmed three domestic companies will manufacture parts for Lockheed Martin's F-35 Lightning II…
2013-10-04 By Guy Martin Boeing has announced that it will end production of the C-17 Globemaster III strategic airlifter in 2015, leaving thirteen examples available for sale to future customers. If all thirteen unassigned aircraft are sold, additional production would only be entertained if financially viable. Boeing on September 18,…
