By Robbin Laird Last year, I visited Norway and had a chance to discuss with senior officials their thinking about the way ahead for Norway and North Atlantic defense. The Norwegians are investing significantly in new systems, but just as importantly are re-focused on their total defense concept to ensure…
The Italian Ministry of Defence has recently highlighted their commitment to enhanced cyber defense capabilities. In a story published on the Italian Ministry of Defence website on April 30, 2018, the recent NATO Locked Shield Exercise was the focus of attention. Exercise Locked Shields 2018, the largest and most complex…
Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, hosts the 42nd Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force – MCAS Iwakuni Friendship Day, at MCAS Iwakuni May 5, 2018. Since 1973, MCAS Iwakuni has held a single-day air show designed to foster positive relationships and offer an exciting experience that displays the communal support between…
In this video produced by Lockheed Martin, the CH-53K is viewed at its first overseas appearance, namely at the Berlin Air Show. For a CH-53K archive identifying and discussing the coming of this aircraft to the USMC, see the following: https://defense.info/system-type/rotor-and-tiltrotor-systems/ch-53k/
Between 9 and the 20th of April, a large exercise was held at Leeuwarden Air Base in the Netherlands. The exercise is called Frisian Flag 2018. Participating aircraft from several countries in the world will be airborne twice a day. 04.11.2018 Video by Petty Officer 2nd Class Eric Coffer Regional Media Center…
MEDITERRANEAN SEA (April 14, 2018) U.S. Marines assigned to Battalion Landing Team, 2nd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) maintain mission readiness aboard the San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock USS New York (LPD 21) April 14, 2018. Marines conduct mission rehearsals to maintain a constant state of…
The UK hosted a major European exercise on UK territory which tested ways to enhance collective defense. According to a story in the Daily Mail published on May 3, 2018: British troops have taken part in one of Europe's largest military exercises with nearly 12,000 personnel from across 17 nations…
The Finnish Defence Forces are procuring four new Leopard 2L Armoured Vehicle-Launched Bridges to enhance the mobility of its ground defenses. According to a Finnish Ministry of Defence story published recently: The Finnish Defence Forces' Logistics Command has received a mandate from Minister of Defence Jussi Niinistö to conclude a…