Comment
EW in Offensive Air OperationsJanuary 2012
EW systems in offensive air operations have been used since WWII, but it was not until Vietnam that they were deployed extensively in operations, and then in the USAF, not the RAAF. EW systems are essential in offensive air operations. In addition to the USAF and USN, the RAF, Russian and other Air Forces have employed EW systems for many years. With the available nano technology, EW systems are becoming more capable, smaller in size and are fitted to many electronic attack aircraft, eg, the USN E/A-18G, the EW version of the Super Hornet. Although mostly podded systems are deployed currently, integrated suites are being developed for the E/A-18G and F-35 aircraft. Read more about EW systems and their use ...
Man-portable Air Defence Systems (Manpads)November 2011
The threat of man-portable air defence systems, small IR heat-seeking missiles, has resurfaced and may well rear its ugly head in the near future. The catalyst for this danger is the revolutionary war in Libya. Read more...
NATO Campaign in Libya and Air PowerNovember 2011
Western politicians and military leaders need to understand very clearly that the defeat of the Gaddafi regime in Libya represents a major achievement for advanced air power. NATO’s campaign deserves careful study. Al Stephens discusses the core capabilities that achieved the outcome.
Landing Helicopter Dock - Big Ships, Big ChallengeOctober 2011
In 2014-2015, the Royal Australian Navy plans to commission two LHDs (Landing Helicopter Dock). They will be the biggest warships the RAN has ever operated. Their size and the capabilities they will bring to the ADF, and the implications inherent in their deployment, mean that they will also bring very big challenges. Read why.....
Future Air Combat and 5th Generation FightersSeptember 2011
5th generation fighters incorporate significant technological advantages over previous 4th generation fighters,eg, F/A-18. The onboard combat systems on the new generation fighters automatically present the pilot with the optimum solution to the current situation. The pilot doesn't make the decision - the system does. Revolutionary! Read more...
The Next Defence White PaperAugust 2011
With the changing strategic circumstances, a new Defence White Paper should be a priority - read why ...
Strategic Air PowerJuly 2011
The effective use of air power is without doubt the most important strategy that any country can employ in a campaign. In Australia's position in the world, it is a strategy that is critical in seizing the initiative with a small, but technologically superior, force. Alan Stephens discusses USAF Colonel John Warden's success in 'Instant Thunder' in Iraq in 1991.
Australia's Alliance Pre-occupationJune 2011
The respected International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) recently described Australia's defence policy as one 'preoccupied with alliance management'. This is concerning: alliances are a means of defence policy, not an end in themselves. Read Chris McInnes' paper on the topic.
The No-Fly Zone in LibyaMay 2011
The NATO-led no-fly zone over Libya attained air supremacy within days, with minimal allied and civilian casualties. As long as NATO's political will remains resolute, air operations will ensure that Gaddafi can not win in his attempts to remain in power. Al Stephens discusses the operation.
Intelligence, Surveillance and ReconnaissanceMarch 2011
Australia’s 2009 Defence White Paper lists ISR as an area that requires ‘particular attention to secure our unique strategic interests’. But what exactly does the government think needs ‘particular attention’? Is it referring to the collection and processing of information, exclusive of deeper analysis; or a broader definition of ISR that incorporates traditional ‘intelligence’ functions?
Read the paper by SQNLDR Chris McInnes
Flankers, Friends and OpportunitiesFebruary 2011
Indonesia has announced their intention to acquire 180 Sukhoi Su-30 strike/fighters. How will this decision affect Australia and the SE Asian region? Alan Stephens discusses the implications for Australia.
The Professionals Cast Their Vote December 2010
The Israeli Government has announced its intention to acquire twenty F-35 Joint Strike Fighters, with an option for another 75 certain to be exercised in due course
Read Al Stephens' comments
Future Naval Aviation Combat SystemNovember 2009
Future Naval Aviation Combat System, examines Defence Project Air 9000 Phase 8, replacement of the S70B Seahawk in current service and the cancelled Seasprite project
Project Air 9000 Phase 8 (20 KB PDF)
US Defence ExportsOctober 2009
The implications for Australia on US Defence Export Policy
US Defence Export Policy (39 KB PDF)
COIN DelusionSeptember 2009
An article by Richard Aboulafia, Vice President Analysis, Teal Group Corporation, on a depressingly familiar theme in history that COIN was the future, and then being surprised by the emergence of a far more serious power.
