According to a press release by the Norwegian Ministry of Defence on October 16, 2020, Norway is increasing its defense spending to strengthen its defense capability and military readiness. A challenging strategic environment constantly reminds us that cannot take our freedom and security for granted. The Government will continue to…
By Robbin Laird In this September 23, 2020 story published by 3rd Marie Aircraft Wing, the historic deployment of USMC F-35Bs onboard the UK’s largest warship ever built by the UK was highlighted. PORTSMOUTH, England — Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 211 embarked 10 F-35B Lightning II Joint Strike Fighters onboard…
On October 7, 2020, the Japanese Ministry of Defence issued a joint press release which highlighted the EU-Japan joint naval exercise. According to that statement: On 5-6 October, the EU and Japan carried out a joint naval exercise in the Gulf of Aden off the coast of Somalia. The exercise…
By Kenneth Maxwell Calouste Gulbenkian set the rules for the division of the oil spoils in the Middle East in the aftermath of the collapse of the Ottoman Empire. He did so under the “red line” self-denying agreement of 1928 between the major oil companies (including the America companies of…
By Lieutenant Commander Todd Fitzgerald HMA Ships Stuart and Arunta sailed in company with ships from Japan, South Korea and the United States in the Pacific Ocean this week. Commanding Officer Arunta Commander Troy Duggan said he welcomed this opportunity to continue close and effective cooperation with key partners in…
By Pierre Tran Paris -The Greek prime minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, said on Sept. 13, 2020 that a planned acquisition of 18 Rafale fighter jets from France would comprise six new and 12 second-hand units, with the first delivery due next year. “It consists of six new aircraft and 12 which…
U.S. Air Force Capt. Kristin “Beo” Wolfe, F-35 Demonstration Team commander and pilot, performed at the 2020 Tri-City Water Follies air show Sept. 5, 2020, Kennewick, Wash. The F-35 Demo Team headlined the event alongside the F-16 Viper Demonstration Team and the A-10 Warthog Demonstration Team. (U.S. Air Force photo…
By Robbin Laird As I suggested in the lead article in this series on how to evaluate platform choices in the context of evolving needs and concepts of operations, too often, a simple platform versus platform presentation is made which confuses rather than clarifies what the tactical and strategic implications…
