Given the recent appearance in Australia of F-22s and F-35s, it’s timely to revisit some observations on fifth-generation capabilities made by one of Australia’s first F-22 pilots Earlier this year, twelve USAF F-22s deployed from their home base in Alaska to Tindal and Townsville. It was the first 'Enhanced Air Cooperation' activity in Australia involving [...]
General Robert Scales argues that it’s time for the West’s armies to face-up to the full implications of the irresistible rise of robots in warfare “In war, boots on the ground are necessary, but we can do much more to reduce the body count” Robert Scales, 8 March 2017 The Past Retired US Army [...]
Like the RAAF, the Royal Norwegian Air Force is currently undertaking a major modernisation program, including the acquisition of F-35As, P-8s, and the Joint Strike Missile. While the two air forces’ geopolitical circumstances are very different, the similarities of their organisational approach to managing change are noteworthy Dr Robbin Laird recently interviewed the RNoAF’s [...]
When it comes to prioritising jointness, Air Force's history isn't great. Perhaps it's time for the RAAF to appreciate that, for its future combat capabilities to be fully effective, it must change. RAAF helicopters and Australian Army soldiers, Vietnam, c. 1967. Credit: RAAF In Air Force Strategy 2017-2027 Chief of Air Force, [...]
This week marks the 74th anniversary of the Battle of the Bismarck Sea, arguably the most significant action fought by Australians during World War II Between December 1941 and April 1942, Imperial Japanese forces shocked Australians with their victories over the United States at Pearl Harbor and in the Philippines; and over the British [...]