The Evolving Role of Australian Ground Forces in Australia’s Deterrent Strategy

09/19/2018
By Robbin Laird Australia is building an integrated force and working to extend the reach and range of that force. This is a core effort for the Royal Australian Navy and the Royal Australian Air Force and clearly focused on dealing with challenges in the Indo-Pacific region. But what is…

The Second Nuclear Age and Deterrent Options for Australia

09/17/2018
By Robbin Laird The Williams Foundation seminar held on August 23, 2018 on independent strike was operating within the background of the overhanging issue, or the elephant in the room, of the second nuclear age. The question of what deterrence looks like with the rise of new nuclear powers and…

The Role of the Submarine in the Australian Deterrent Strategy

09/16/2018
By Robbin Laird The Williams Foundation seminar on August 23, 2018 focused on the evolving role of independent strike within the evolving Australian deterrent strategy. Currently, the Australian submarine force provides the longest-range stealth strike platform within the ADF.  Although it posseses modest force of six Collins class submarines, the…

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…