By Robbin Laird It is clear that as the Russians and Chinese enhance their challenges to the liberal democracies, a key requirement for the liberal democracies will be an ability to mobilize under the threat of contested operations and to provide for resilient capabilities to defend the nation and ensure…
By Robbin Laird During my most recent visit to Australia, I had a chance to discuss the way ahead for the newly established Air Warfare Centre with its dynamic director, Air Commodore Joe “Vinny” Iervasi. The Air Warfare Centre was launched as part of the Plan Jericho initiative at the…
By Robbin Laird and Ed Timperlake We have been working the challenge of the transition from the land wars to contested operations with peer competitors for several years. Now it appears this is becoming a challenge more visible Inside the Bletway. For example, the Navy League is holding its Sea-Air-Space…
By Murielle Delaporte Afghanistan and operations in the Middle East against jihadist terror groups mark the rebirth of the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) as probably the most modern and innovative air force among US allies and partners. The Aussies deployed a new force package during their most recent Middle…
Robbin Laird During a visit to Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Base Williamtown in March 2018, Murielle Delaporte and I had the chance to talk with the new commander of the Air Combat Group, Air Commodore Kitcher. RAAF Williamtown is undergoing significant infrastructure modernization as it prepares for the F-35A…
Robbin Laird During a visit to Amberley Airbase, Murielle Delaporte and I had a chance to talk with Group Captain Steve Pesce, Officer Commanding 86 Wing, comprising the RAAF’s C-17, KC-30A, B300, CL604 and B737 fleets. We discussed his perspectives on the future of air tanking, and specifically the next…
Interview with Paul Bracken In February, the U.S. Department of Defense released the 2018 Nuclear Posture Review, a report that outlines the state of the nation’s arsenal of nuclear weapons and the threats it faces from other nuclear powers, as well as recommending policies and strategies for the future of the…
By Robbin Laird During my visit with Murielle Delaporte to RAAF Williamtown in mid-March 2018, we had a chance to meet with Air Commodore (AIRCDRE) Craig Heap the Commander of the RAAF’s Surveillance and Response Group (SRG). I have had a chance twice before to talk with AIRCDRE Heap as…
