We will have a chance to interview Air Marshal Davies next month when in Canberra for the latest Williams Foundation Seminar. Air Marshal Davies opened the airshow, an airshow which featured the announcement of the loyal wingman program, with his perspective on the key role of industry and partnering with…
By Robbin Laird The build up of the Russian missile arsenal, short, medium and long range, with clear violations of INF limitations are designed less to create a so-called anti-access and area denial capability than an arsenal designed to make the recovery of classic conventional deterrence seem beyond reach in…
By Richard Weitz Much of this month’s Munich Security Conference saw a reaffirmation of anti-Trumpism nostalgia. This culminated in the poignant silence in the hall that followed Vice President Mike Pence’s passing along President Donald Trump’s greeting to the delegates. But the European speakers did rally behind one good idea…
By Robbin Laird One can be forgiven if in looking at Macron’s France you focus on his emphasis on Europe and the prioritization of the next phase of European integration. Yet at the same time, one is witnessing within France the very forces, which are undermining the capability to do…
We have written a number of pieces looking at the impact of Brexit on European defense and will continue to do so. We believe the impact is significant in many way from a negative perspective, but provides significant openings as well if military and political leaders in Europe focus on…
By Robbin Laird During my visit to Germany in February 2019, I had a chance to talk with a number of retired senior Bundeswehr officers and procurement officials. My focus is upon the challenge facing the US and its NATO allies to rebuild their forces to be able to have…
By Robbin Laird For the last three years, I have traveled extensively in Northern Europe to discuss the Russian challenge and the return of direct defense. During a visit to Germany in February 2019, I am visiting Germany to discuss with German experts and retired senior German military, their assessments…
In the latest Strategic Insights Report, we address the question of the way ahead with regard to a European Future Combat Air System. As part of the revival of the Franco-German working relationship, the two governments have proposed to shape a future combat air system to replace both the Rafale…
