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The ADF Returns from the Middle East: The Challenge for No. 33 Squadron

11/05/2020
The job of packing up a six-year deployment in the Middle East Region has proven a massive test for No. 33 Squadron - in more ways than one. Almost 70 tonnes of equipment needed to be catalogued, prepared and transported when the squadron concluded its deployment of a KC-30A Multi-Role…

What is the Role of Amphibiosity in Australian Defence Strategy?

11/04/2020
By Robbin Laird In my last piece, which addressed the question of the way ahead for the Australian army in the evolving approach of the ADF to Indo-Pacific operations, the question was posed: Will the Australian Army fully embrace amphibiosity? Will they shift from the USMC’s legacy position of amphibious…

RAAF Builds Out New Facilities to Support F-35 Force

11/04/2020
RAAF Base Williamtown is home to the tactical fighter element of the Air Combat Group and the Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) element of Surveillance and Response Group. RAAF Base Williamtown is at the centre of a multimillion-dollar infrastructure modernisation and upgrade program in order to better support the…

The Advanced Hawkeye in the Integratable Airwing: The Perspective of CDR Neil Fletcher

11/03/2020
By Robbin Laird Recently I had a chance to discuss with the CO of VAW 121 about the way ahead with coming of air refuelability for the squadron’s Advanced Hawkeyes. I was able to do so after CDR Neil Fletcher had spent a good part of his early day on…

What is the Role of the Australian Army in Australia’s New Strategy?

11/02/2020
By Robbin Laird The Australian Army faces a significant challenge as it adapts to its role within the ADF and as the ADF refocuses on the Indo-Pacific. A clear consideration is how the Army will address force mobility, basing flexibility, and operate within an integrated air-maritime task force. Several years…

The Next Phase of the F-35 Global Enterprise: USS America Works Integration with Japanese F-35s

11/01/2020
The F-35 fleet emerging in the Pacific is the 21st century version of the US Navy's World War II "big blue blanket." With the Japanese expanding their F-35 fleet and adding the B to its As, training with the USS America is a natural evolution of the collaborative effort. As…