The Integrated Force and Deterrence: The Perspective of Air Marshal Davies

09/16/2018
By Robbin Laird In my interview with the head of the Air Warfare Centre, Air Commodore “Joe” Iervasi, prior to the August 23, 2018 Williams Foundation Seminar on independent strike, he raised the key question of the relationship between the ADF building an integrated force and the broader considerations of…

The Perspective of RAF Air Marshal S.D. Atha: Putting a British Perspective in the Evolving Aussie Strategic Context

09/15/2018
By Robbin Laird During my time in Canberra during August 2018, one key point of conversation was the question of the impact of the evolution of Europe on Australian policies, and policy flexibility. The uncertainty hanging over Europe with regard to Brexit and the UK’s role in Europe, plus the…

The Weapons Revolution: A Look at the Strategic Context of Weapons Modernization

09/14/2018
By Robbin Laird On August 23, 2018, the Williams Foundation in Canberra, Australia held its latest seminar on military modernization.  This seminar focused on the evolution of joint strike and the importance for Australia to develop an independent deterrent. One of the key elements of discussion was the evolving nature…

The Williams Foundation Seminar on Independent Strike: An Overview

09/14/2018
By Robbin Laird On August 23, 2018, the Williams Foundation held its latest seminar, this one on independent strike. The seminar represents a next phase of examination of the way ahead for the ADF. Over the past five years, the seminars have focused on the introduction of the F-35 and the…

The Second Nuclear Age and the Return of the Nuclear Issue for Australia

09/13/2018
We have focused for some time on the question of the return of the nuclear issue for US and allied defense. Our colleague, Paul Bracken, has forcefully focused on this issue in his work on the second nuclear age, and his work has certainly underscored the forceful return of the…

F-35 2.0 and Changing the Defense Eco-System

09/13/2018
By Robbin Laird We have argued for more than a decade that leveraging fifth generation aircraft allowed for the re-norming of airpower. With the evolution of the F-35 and with the buy of the aircraft by several key allies, those allies are starting to introduce the aircraft into their forces,…

Finnish Air Force in Air-to-Air Refueling Training with USAF

09/06/2018
Karelia Air Command conducts Air-to-Air Refueling (AAR) training for F/A-18 pilots in cooperation with the 100th Air Refueling Wing, United States Air Forces in Europe (USAFE), from 11 to 13 September. In total 8-14 F/A-18 Hornet multi-role fighters from Karelia, Lapland and Satakunta Air Commands will participate in the training.…

Reshaping the Australian Air Force Cadets Program: A Key Element of 21st Century Defense Infrastructure

09/04/2018
By Robbin Laird When one thinks of defense infrastructure, a key element is the people in the force and the infrastructure, manufacturing, science, technology, and engineering that support it. But clearly, having a dedicated committed and capable pool of recruits both into the support structure and the force is absolute…