By Robbin Laird During my current visit to Australia, I had an opportunity to continue my discussions with Air Vice Marshal (Retired) John Blackburn with regard to the challenges facing Australian energy security. Increasingly, there is a perception that Australia needs to create an energy reserve or buffer with regard…
According to a story published on the UK MoD website on April 5, 2019, a Royal Navy vessel conducting United Nations sanctions enforcement against North Korea has successfully tracked an illegal transfer at sea. Working alongside Japanese partners, HMS MONTROSE spotted a North Korean ship in the East China Sea,…
By Robbin Laird The Russian takeover of Crimea signaled an end to the optimistic post-Cold War era. As Putin continued to ramp up challenges, the West gradually began to focus on the return of direct defence. Protecting critical infrastructure from cyber attack is, in many ways, surpassing other forms of…
If ever one wanted proof that disruption of advanced networks is a challenge and a problem, look no further than the recent disruptions of air traffic in the UK and beyond from a reported drone sighting near the airport and the follow on events. Just today, the UK MoD has…
By Robbin Laird When I was in Australia, I had a chance to meet with the Australian company EOS which has very innovative laser tracking technologies which provide for Australia and her allies a key space tracking capability. This technology has evolved to the point that not only can they…
By Robbin Laird When visiting Australia, a key point of entry into the security and defense modernization process is the way the Aussies are reshaping their defense industrial base. They are a country the size of the United States with a population of just under 30 million people, with an…
One of NATO’s naval groups visited Trondheim on Friday (10 August 2018), and from there it will go on to search for sea mines dating back to World War II. The operation will make the waters safer for fishermen and shipping in the area. Standing NATO Mine Counter Measures Group…
The security of Australia’s maritime borders will be significantly strengthened with another major military investment. The Turnbull Government will invest $1.4 billion and acquire the first of six MQ-4C Triton remotely piloted aircraft through a cooperative program with the United States Navy. The Triton will complement the surveillance role of…
