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VMFA-121 Operating from the USS Wasp

09/25/2018
A detachment of F-35B Lightning II's with Fighter Attack Squadron 121 (VMFA-121) arrived aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1) March 5, marking the first time the aircraft has deployed aboard a U.S. Navy ship and with a Marine Expeditionary Unit in the Indo-Asian-Pacific. The F-35B, assigned under…

The ADF and the Way Ahead for an Australian Deterrent Strategy

09/24/2018
In this report, the major presentations and discussions at the Williams Foundation seminar on the imperative for an independent strike deterrent held on August 23, 2018 in Canberra, Australia are highlighted along with interviews conducted before, during and after the seminar as well. The focus is upon shaping an effective…

USMC Sustainment Training

09/24/2018
OAHU - U.S. Marines with Bravo Company, Battalion Landing Team 3/1, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), conduct Sustainment Training Exercise, July 20, 2018, Hawaii.  This training allowed Marines and Sailors to sustain skills developed during a comprehensive six-month pre deployment training cycle, and included planning and executing ship-to-shore operations, company-sized…

Leveraging Mobile Security: How To Shape a Way Ahead for a 5th Generation Military

09/23/2018
By Robbin Laird In my discussions at Penten, I learned of a very innovative approach to providing for the security for mobile systems.  They have developed an approach which allows the user to connect with a variety of security systems through a very innovative USB device which allows a mobile…

The Potential for Remotely Piloted Aircraft for the Australian Defense Force

09/23/2018
By Robbin Laird As Australia looks to expand its sovereign options, expanding the reach of its reconnaissance-strike enterprise is a key tool set to do so. As presenters suggested at the Williams Foundation conference, it was less a question of reaching and striking deep into potential adversaries’ territory and more…

The UK Goes on the Cyber Offensive

09/21/2018
An offensive cyber-force to combat hostile states, terrorist groups and domestic gangs will be set up by the Ministry of Defence and GCHQ, The Timesunderstands. The £250 million unit will comprise about 2,000 digital warriors, with experts recruited from the military, security services and industry. It will quadruple the number…

Space Tracking and Dealing with Space Debris: The Role of Two Innovative Smaller Companies

09/21/2018
By Robbin Laird When I was in Australia, I had a chance to meet with the Australian company EOS which has very innovative laser tracking technologies which provide for Australia and her allies a key space tracking capability. This technology has evolved to the point that not only can they…

A South African Perspective on Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI)

09/21/2018
By Guy Martin Saudi Arabia’s military industry is open for business – and hoping to secure South African ventures before the end of this year. Set up in May last year as part of Crown Prince Muhammed bin Salman’s 2030 project to reform and modernise the kingdom, Saudi Arabian Military…