2017-02-26 In our latest Special Report we look at Norwegian defense modernization and its imapcts. With the modernization of Russian forces and with the skillful use of those forces to pursue specific and targeted objectives by Putin, Norway faces the challenge of crafting a national defense strategy for the 21st…
2017-03-02 By Robbin Laird The F-35 is entering into operations precisely as the second nuclear age becomes a key strategic reality. A new plane and a new age have arrived at about the same time. It is the strategic context which drives the operational demands upon the aircraft and its…
2017-03-05 HMAS Arunta operates as part of the multi-national Combined Maritime Forces, predominately tasked to support Combined Task Force 150 for counter-terrorism and maritime security operations. Arunta is deployed on Operation MANITOU, supporting international efforts to promote maritime security, stability and prosperity in the Middle East region (MER). Arunta is on…
2017-02-24 By Robbin Laird During the Norwegian Airpower Conference held at Trondheim in early February 2017, I had a chance to discuss with the new Chief the Royal Norwegian Air Force, Major General Tonje Skinnarland, and Brigadier General Jan Ove Rygg, chief of the National Air Operations Center (NAOC) their…
2017-02-25 Second Line of Defense has visited several RAF bases over the past few years. Last year, we produced a report on one of those bases, RAF Lossiemouth, which is to receive P-8s as well as to operate Typhoons. New operational capabilities will require significant upgrades to the base to execute their missions.…
2017-03-03 By Richard Weitz President Donald Trump’s February 23 interview with Reuters has understandably garnered much attention. Among other matters, he advocated a tougher U.S. stance on nuclear nonproliferation, nuclear weapons, and other security issues. Regarding nonproliferation, Trump reiterated his opposition to the 2014 Iran nuclear pact and maintained that…
2017-03-02 The Patrouille Acrobatique de France also known as the Patrouille de France or PAF, is the precision aerobatic demonstration team of the French Air Force. Originating in 1931, it is the world's oldest and one of the most skilled demonstration teams. Pilots currently fly the Dassault/Dornier Alpha Jet. According to a press release by the French Air Force…
03/01/2017: According to a story on the Australian Ministry of Defence website published on February 24, 2017, the Australian Navy is hosting a multinational training exercise which features its new amphibious ship. [maxgallery id="94617"] More than 17 ships and aircraft are descending on the Western Australian coast for one of the…
