The world's power structures are undergoing their most profound transformation since the end of the Cold War. From the laboratories developing artificial intelligence to the missile ranges testing hypersonic weapons, a new kind of competition is emerging, one that threatens to make traditional notions of security, diplomacy, and national strength…
A U.S. Air Force C-130J Super Hercules offloads cargo in support of exercise Resolute Force Pacific 2025 at Misawa Air Base, Japan, July 10, 2025. By linking bases across the Indo-Pacific, the exercise validates expeditionary operations and the seamless movement of aircraft, cargo and personnel. MISAWA AB, AOMORI, JAPAN 07.09.2025…
By Robbin Laird In 2021, my book entitled Training for the High-End Fight: The Strategic Shift of the 2020s was published. I am starting a series of article re-engaging on this critical issue in the run up to my visit this Fall to the Italian International Flight Training School where…
A U.S. Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey with Marine Helicopter Squadron 1 prepares to land during landing drills aboard the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7), during 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) Composite Training Unit Exercise while underway in the Atlantic Ocean, June 28, 2025. During…
Australia's ambitious leap into nuclear submarine warfare through the AUKUS partnership represents one of the most significant strategic pivots in the nation's defense history. But a seemingly unrelated infrastructure project in Western Australia may be inadvertently creating a massive security vulnerability at the very heart of this cornerstone defense initiative.…
A change of command ceremony for VRM-40, the "Mighty Bison" squadron, took place on July 31, 2025 at Naval Station Norfolk, where Cmdr. Brett H. Learner relieved Cmdr. Mason B. Fox as commanding officer. The ceremony marked the official transfer of leadership for the squadron, which provides carrier onboard delivery (COD) support using the CMV-22B Osprey.The event was held to…
By Robbin Laird In an interview I did in Norfolk last year with Commander Mason Fox and his team. Fox is the Commander of Fleet Logistics Multi-Mission Squadron (VRM) 40, the “Mighty Bison.” In that interview he underscored a key point which is rarely noted in discussions about the way…
In an era of intensifying major power competition, China's diplomatic engagement with commodity-rich nations has emerged as a cornerstone of its global strategy. The contrasting yet complementary approaches Beijing has adopted toward Brazil under President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Australia under Prime Minister Anthony Albanese reveal a sophisticated…
