International Fighter Conference, 2018: The Challenge of Operating Over the Spectrum of Warfare

10/03/2018
The next International Fighter Conference will be held in Berlin, Germany.From November 13-15 2018. Given how important airpower was to the deterrence of the Soviets and the history as well of what airpower did to preserve Germany freedom in a divided Berlin, this is logical place to debate the way…

The Indian-Russian Arms Relationship: Managing the Challenge for US-Indian Relations

10/02/2018
By Richard Weitz India was de facto part of the recent U.S. decision to impose sanctions on the Chinese Defense Ministry’s Equipment Development Department, and its director, for their purchasing of advanced Russian weapons. Section 231 of the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act(CAATSA) of 2017 mandates penalties for entities…

Aussie-French Sub Deal Hits Turbulent Waters

09/28/2018
By Robbin Laird I first reported that the Aussie-Sub deal was facing significant negotiating challenges last month.  I discovered this when focusing on Collins class and its sustainment and modernization efforts and then discussed the dynamics since 2016 of the new sub contract. In discussions in Australia, I learned that…

USMC Conducts First F-35 Combat Operations from a Seabase

09/28/2018
No media team has followed the birthing and growth of the F-35B more than the Second Line of Defense team. We started with the standup at Eglin AFB. We followed the efforts at Yuma and the departure of the first combat ready squadron to Japan and their initial use in…

Danish Company, Risk Intelligence, Receives US Navy Contract for Enhanced MDA

09/28/2018
Risk Intelligence has been a partner with Second Line of Defense since the beginning of the existence of our website.  The CEO Hans Tino Hansen has provided strategic insights in supporting our work in Denmark and the Nordics, where SLD has placed considerable focus of attention over the years. He…

Australian Perspectives on Deterrence in the 21st Century: A New Report on Shaping a Way Ahead for the Australian Defence Force

09/25/2018
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 generation of new…