2015-10-21 By Robbin Laird During my visit to Eurofighter in Munich, Paul Smith explained the thrust of modernization of Eurofighter and the approach highlighted by Italian test pilot, Major Raffaele Beltrame. In this interview, Lars Joergensen explains the underlying approach to modernization. The Second Line of Defense team first met…
10/26/2015: An Osprey lands on HNLMS JOHAN DE WITT during exercise Trident Juncture 2015. Credit: Natochannel.:10/22/13 This was prepared for during training earlier this year. The speed and range of the Osprey is a key combat enabler. It also provides significant reach and range to connect US and allied warships into…
2015-10-26 by Robbin Laird and Ed Timperlake The Russian intervention in Syria is a strategic turning point in the Middle East. The intervention alters the conflict and affects the alliances playing out in a fluid and dynamic situation. To get beyond the Inside the Beltway discussions, and get a sense…
2015-10-12 By Robbin Laird On September 29, 2015, I had a chance to meet with and to discuss with Lt. General Preziosa, his perspectives on the evolution of 21st century airpower. This is the third time I have had the opportunity to meet with the Italian Chief of Staff, and…
2015-10-25 By Robbin Laird and Ed Timperlake There is understandable concern about Russia stepping up its involvement in Syria. The Russians have taken ownership of Assad and his regime. Now it has evolved way beyond merely word posturing, there is an immediate need for the U.S. and Allies to engage with both strategic…
2015-10-24 The Spanish are key participants in the Southern tier focus of the large scale NATO exercise Trident Juncture 2015. The Spanish joined NATO in the 1980s which was a major historical shift and one which contributed to the ending of the Cold War. Members of the Second Line of…
2015-10-24 According to the latest Japanese MoD budget request, both national and coalition capabilities need to be ramped up to deal with threats in the region. Japan will build up its defense capabilities while focusing on the further enhancement of joint functions in order to seamlessly and dynamically fulfill its…
2015-10-24 Australia is an important member of the F-35 global enterprise. In an interview done during a visit to Australia in early 2014, Philippe Odouard, the CEO of Quickstep, underscored how he saw the program and the participation of his company in the program. We see the program as the…
