The Japanese F-35 Decision: A Building Block in A New Pacific Strategy

01/08/2012
01/08/2012 - by Robbin Laird The F-35 will be a cornerstone of Japanese defense.  The Japanese know something about technology.  As a leader in technology worldwide, the Japanese decision validates the cutting edge role of the F-35. The F-35 is the first aircraft in history which can see 360 degrees…

Saudi Arms Deal Fortifies US Regional Security Ties

01/08/2012
[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="150" caption=" "][/caption] By Dr. Richard Weitz 01/08/2011 - The U.S. Government’s Conventional Arms Transfer Policy requires that major sales advance U.S. national interests, are consistent with the recipient country’s legitimate security needs, and support U.S. regional security objectives. The sales to Saudi Arabia are widely supported…

China and the North Korean Succession

01/07/2012
By Dr. Richard Weitz 01/07/2011 - The international community has looked to the People’s Republic of China (PRC) to influence the North Korean succession process in ways that help end the protracted dispute over Pyongyang’s nuclear program and other threatening behavior. The PRC is North Korea’s most important foreign diplomatic,…

Turkey Orders Its First F-35s: Another Brick Falls Into Place (Updated)

01/06/2012
01/06/2012 by Robbin Laird Turkey yesterday ordered its first two production F-35s.  Allies and partners continue to show support for the plane, while Inside the Beltway continues to miss the point.  The plane is an essential element for 21st century combat operations and capabilities.  Allies in Asia and the Middle…

The Super Tucano has won the LAS competition: Lingering Questions

01/04/2012
01/04/2012 By Ed Timperlake There is tremendous news for the American/NATO war effort in Afghanistan. With the selection of the Super Tucano, the Afghan Army Air Force can now begin to develop a combat capable air fleet for the Afghan Air Force. Doing so is part of the process of…

The Gulf Coast Aerospace Corridor: Where Manufacturing is Not a Dirty Word

01/03/2012
01/03/2012 - by George Talbot Any region that wants jobs with good wages and a secure future is eager for a piece of the $219 billion U.S. aerospace industry. It’s such an appealing prospect that a group of competing states in the Southeast actually joined forces to back EADS’ bid…

Saudi Arms Deal offers Boeing Military Aviation a Lifeline

01/03/2012
01/03/2012 by Richard Weitz On December 29, the Obama administration announced that the United States and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have finalized the deal to provide advanced F-15SA combat aircraft to the Royal Saudi Air Force.  The sale has gained widespread support within the U.S. defense community and will…

“Democratizing the Battlefield”: The Rover Experience

01/03/2012
01/03/2012: The Second Line of Defense team in looking to the future of defense and key tools for the 21st century believes that the last decade is not prologue to the next.  Many important experiences and con-ops have emerged in the past decade, which provide key elements, which need to…