By Robbin Laird The current transition in the PRC is unprecedented in modern times in Asia. A major lynchpin of the global economy and an ascendant power in Asia will face significant political uncertainty in an authoritarian power structure. The rules will be scripted as part of the power struggle;…
14:51 GMT, May 2, 2012 GKN Aerospace at Filton, UK, has commenced production of precision machined titanium structures for BAE Systems, a principal subcontractor to Lockheed Martin, for the F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter aircraft (JSF). The Filton site will work in partnership with the GKN Aerospace sister operation…
By Mike Hellon What are you up to, Washington? I know that America is burning through cash faster than we can print it. I know that Congress wants to make major cuts to an assortment of programs. And, I know that our economy is slowly growing. Fortunately, for Arizona and America,…
The F-35 represents a new approach to the development, production, system and sustainment of a fleet of combat aircraft. Additionally, the F-35 takes an innovative approach to collaborative upgrades over the airframe and global fleet’s life cycle. Too often an understanding of the basic aircraft rolling out of production right…
Recently, we posted a piece looking at the impact of the new large container cargo ships on US ports and facilities. https://www.sldinfo.com/the-emergence-of-very-large-cargo-ships-another-contribution-to-“gapsmanship”/ [caption id="attachment_38383" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="The Fabioloa is only half full for this test of the port and demonstrates the challenges facing the USCG and the ports. "][/caption] And…
by Robbin Laird President Sarkozy was defeated in a close election on Sunday in France. This second round of the voting occurred after the right fractured in voting for Sarko and Le Pen in the first round, a first round in which Le Pen (this time the daughter) did very…
The latest issue of Strategic Insights deals with a number of key maritime security issues. The mix of non-state and state conflicts is a key element of the evolving strategic challenge. In the first article, recent activities of Al Qaeda are the subject of attention. Al Qaeda in the Islamic…
2012-05-2012 By Raj I’m currently deployed to Afghanistan in my role as a reserve pilot in the USAF. Here follows a short update: I’ve been at Bagram Air Base, just north of Kabul, for the past three weeks and will remain here through the middle of February. I’m flying missions…
