Russian Aircraft and the Baltic Air Patrol: RAF Intercept for 4th Time in May

06/03/2019
According to a story published by the UK MoD website on May 31, 2019, the latest intercept was highlighted. The RAF jets scrambled yesterday (Thursday 30 May) to intercept two Russian SU-30 Flanker fighters, two SU-24 Fencer attack aircraft and an AN-12 transport aircraft flying off the north coast of…

Joint Stars 2019

06/03/2019
In an article published on May 30, 2109, the Italian Ministry of Defence highlighted the importance of the Joint Stars 2019 exercise. Defence Minister Elisabetta Trenta today visited Decimomannu (Sardinia) on the occasion of Joint Stars 2019, the Defence most important exercise "Over the last few years Joint Stars exercises have…

Australian Sovereignty and Maritime Security: RADM Goddard Discusses the Role of the Maritime Border Command

05/29/2019
By Robbin Laird During my recent stay in Australia in April 2019, I had the chance to meet with RADM Lee Goddard, Commander of the Maritime Border Command.  His command oversees the operational side of ensuring maritime security for Australia. Because Australia has no land borders, dealing with challenges like…

India Adds a New Attack Submarine: The Vela

05/28/2019
By India Strategic Vela, the fourth Scorpene class submarine being constructed by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited for the Indian Navy, was launched 06 May 2019, by Mrs Veena Ajay Kumar, wife of Dr Ajay Kumar, IAS, Secretary Defence Production, who was the Chief Guest on the occasion. VAdm AK Saxena,…

Amphibiosity Evolves in the Australian Defence Force: The Case of Indo-Pacific Endeavour 2019

05/28/2019
During Bold Alligator 2013, we interviewed an ADF officer about the coming of a new amphibious capability to the ADF. Second Line of Defense learned more about the Aussie transition with an opportunity to discuss the effort with an Aussie Army officer involved in Bold Alligator 2013.  LtCol Bonavita is…

Training for the Kill Web: The Gladiator Building Block

05/27/2019
By Robbin Laird There is a clear recognition that an ability to actually have a kill web force requires the training to actually do it. In the live environment the focus will be upon working the physical pieces of operating air systems with distributed ground and naval capabilities. The challenge…

Global Supply Chain Support: The Osprey Case Study

05/25/2019
Although the Osprey has become a globally deployed aircraft, the supply chain has not. This is crucial as we move forward into an era of regionally specific crises involving peer competitors. It will not just a race to get that Fed Ex delivery from the US through foreign customs, it…