Israel and the CH-53K Decision: Re-Baselining Heavy Lift Helicopters for Strategic Uncertainty

04/20/2021
By Robbin Laird Recently, the IDF selected the CH-53K to replace its legacy CH-53s. In my last article on this subject, I highlighted one key factor in the decision, namely, the importance of having a new aircraft which reduced pilot training and operational load for reserve pilots. As I concluded:…

HMAS Adelaide and the Sydney Harbour Bridge: A Tight Fit

04/20/2021
By Lieutenant Commander Christopher Thornton Families of the crew of HMAS Adelaide were treated to a day on board to thank them for their support during a busy year for the ship’s company. A highlight of the April 9 family day on Sydney Harbour was when the landing helicopter dock – one of…

Next Generation Autonomous Systems: An Australian Perspective

04/13/2021
On April 8, 2021, the Williams Foundation held its latest seminar, one that was originally scheduled for March 2020. It was an in person conference for Australians, but we will be highlight the seminar in a report on the conference as well as providing presentations as well as interviews with…

Shaping a 21st Century U.S. Navy: The Perspective from Second Fleet

04/12/2021
By Robbin Laird and Ed Timperlake The advantage of visiting two startup commands – C2F and Allied JFC Norfolk – under one Vice Admiral is that one can see how the 21st century navy is being shaped.  We started our March visit by meeting with VADM Lewis’s Chief of Staff…

The Marines Work F-35B in Expeditionary Warfare Training

04/11/2021
Multiple F-35B Lightning II's with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 122, Marine Aircraft Group 13, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, conduct vertical landings at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona, April 6, 2021. 3rd MAW and I Marine Expeditionary Force continue to pave the road for the rest of the Marine…

Danish Air Force Receives First F-35: A Key Building Block for Defense Transformation

04/11/2021
On April 7, Denmark's first F-35A, L-001, was delivered to the Royal Danish Air Force. The Kingdom of Denmark commemorated the milestone with members of the Ministry of Defence, Danish Defence, the Danish Defence Acquisition and Logistics Organization, the Royal Danish Air Force, U.S. Military Services, and industry partners at…