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Expert Analysis In-depth thinking by our highly experienced network of military scholars and practitioners. ​ ​ Oct 7 7 min read Defence Industry in Australia: Building Strategic Depth and Resilience in Support of the Ready Force - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird, Defence Industry in Australia: Building Strategic Depth and Resilience in Support of the Ready Force, 7 October 2024... Oct 7 5 min read Enabling and Defending the National Information Society: The Space Dimension - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird, Enabling and Defending the National Information Society: The Space Dimension, 7 October 2024 Link to article... Oct 7 4 min read Shaping a Way Ahead for Airpower in a Contested Region: The Perspective of Air Vice Marshal Glen Braz - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird, Shaping a Way Ahead for Airpower in a Contested Region: The Perspective of Air Vice Marshal Glen Braz, 7 October 2024... Oct 5 4 min read The Challenge of Shaping the Way Ahead for the Ready Force and Preparing for Future Threats - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird, The Challenge of Shaping the Way Ahead for the Ready Force and Preparing for Future Threats, 5 October 2024 Link to... Oct 4 5 min read How Does the Ready Force Deal with a Rapidly Changing Operational Environment? - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird, How Does the Ready Force Deal with a Rapidly Changing Operational Environment? 4 October 2024 Link to article... Oct 3 6 min read The Chief of the Australian Army Explains How They are Dealing with the Simultaneous Challenges of the Three R’s - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird, The Chief of the Australian Army Explains How They are Dealing with the Simultaneous Challenges of the Three R’s, 3... Oct 2 11 min read Building Combat Mass: An Air Force Perspective - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird, Building Combat Mass: An Air Force Perspective, 2 October 2024 Link to article (Defense.info) The panel on combat mass... Oct 1 12 min read The Force in Being to Protect the Nation: It's More than the ADF’s Role - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird, The Force in Being to Protect the Nation: Its More than the ADF’s Role, 1 October 2024 Link to article (Defense.info)... Sep 30 7 min read Building Combat Mass: A Navy Perspective - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird, Building Combat Mass: A Navy Perspective, 30 September 2024 Link to article (Defense.info) When you are a medium-sized... Sep 29 5 min read The Challenge for Defence Readiness: The Impact of Politics - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird, The Challenge for Defence Readiness: The Impact of Politics, 29 September 2024 Link to article (Defense.info) If one is... Sep 28 7 min read The Perspective of Australia’s AUKUS Partners on Shaping the Way Ahead for Airpower - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird, The Perspective of Australia’s AUKUS Partners on Shaping the Way Ahead for Airpower , 28 September 2024 Link to article... Sep 27 6 min read The September 26, 2024 Sir Richard Williams Foundation Seminar: An Initial Take - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird, The September 26, 2024 Sir Richard Williams Foundation Seminar: An Initial Take, 27 September 2024 Link to article... Sep 26 2 min read Conference Proceedings: Enhancing and Accelerating the Integrated Force: An Operational Perspective Dr Robbin Laird Final Report: Enhancing and Accelerating the Integrated Force: An Operational Perspective - will be released in October... Sep 7 4 min read Shaping a Way Ahead for Airpower in a Contested Region: The Perspective of Air Vice Marshal Glen Braz - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird, Shaping a Way Ahead for Airpower in a Contested Region: The Perspective of Air Vice Marshal Glen Braz, 7 October 2024... Jul 26 1 min read Military personnel and bases left exposed to missile threats The Foundation’s Chair, Air Marshal (Retd) Geoff Brown AO, who is also the former Chief of Air Force, was quoted in the public media this... May 17 2 min read Conference Proceedings: The Multi-Domain Requirements of an Australian Maritime Strategy Dr Robbin Laird Final Report: The Multi-Domain Requirements of an Australian Maritime Strategy 11 April 2024 More articles from Dr Laird... May 16 6 min read The Strategic Shift in Australian Defence Requires a Shift in the Approach for Australian Defence Industry - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird, The Strategic Shift in Australian Defence Requires a Shift in the Approach for Australian Defence Industry, 16 May 2024... May 14 3 min read A Focused Force: Autonomous Systems and a Distributed ISR Enterprise - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird, A Focused Force: Autonomous Systems and a Distributed ISR Enterprise, 14 May 2024 Link to article (Defense.info) As the... May 9 4 min read Australia’s New Defence Strategy: Reshaping the ADF into a Focused Force - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird, Australia’s New Defence Strategy: Reshaping the ADF into a Focused Force, 9 May 2024 Link to article (Defense.info) The... May 9 9 min read Layered ISR and a Focused Force - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird, Layered ISR and a Focused Force, 9 May 2024 Link to article (Defense.info) If you want to shape an effective focused... May 7 4 min read Shaping C2 for the ADF and Coalition Forces: The Perspective of Air Vice Marshal Mike Kitcher - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird, Shaping C2 for the ADF and Coalition Forces: The Perspective of Air Vice Marshal Mike Kitcher, 7 May 2024 Link to... May 6 6 min read RPAs, Autonomous Systems and How to Strengthen the ADF in the Next 3-5 Years - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird, RPAs, Autonomous Systems and How to Strengthen the ADF in the Next 3-5 Years, 6 May 2024 Link to article (Defense.info)... May 5 8 min read Cognitive and Information War and the “Gray Zone” - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird, Cognitive and Information War and the “Gray Zone”, 5 May 2024 Link to article (Defense.info) An aspect of modern... May 4 4 min read How to Enhance Space’s Contribution to Australian Multi-Domain Operations in Support of Maritime Operations - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird, How to Enhance Space’s Contribution to Australian Multi-Domain Operations in Support of Maritime Operations, 4 May 2024... May 2 4 min read How to Build a Focused Force for Australia’s Extant Strategic Environment? - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird, How to Build a Focused Force for Australia’s Extant Strategic Environment?, 2 May 2024 Link to article (Defense.info)... Apr 30 5 min read Logistics and Sustainment for an Evolving Defence of Australia Strategy - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird, Logistics and Sustainment for an Evolving Defence of Australia Strategy, 30 April 2024 Link to article (Defense.info)... Apr 29 15 min read Multi-Domain Operations in Australia’s Maritime Strategy: The Army, Navy, and Air Force Orient Their Efforts - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird, Multi-Domain Operations in Australia’s Maritime Strategy: The Army, Navy, and Air Force Orient Their Efforts, 29 April... Apr 26 7 min read Aligning Airpower Capabilities with Australia’s Maritime Strategy - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird, Aligning Airpower Capabilities with Australia’s Maritime Strategy, 26 April 2024 Link to article (Defense.info) At the... Apr 24 4 min read Conceptualizing Australia’s Maritime Strategy and Shaping a Government Approach - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird, Conceptualizing Australia’s Maritime Strategy and Shaping a Government Approach, 24 April 2024 Link to article... Apr 23 6 min read Shaping Space for Autonomous Systems in the Operating Force: The Case of the Loyal Wingman - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird, Shaping Space for Autonomous Systems in the Operating Force: The Case of the Loyal Wingman, 23 April 2024 Link to... Apr 21 7 min read Air Power in Australia’s Maritime Strategy - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird, Air Power in Australia’s Maritime Strategy, 21 April 2024 Link to article (Defense.info) This was the title of the... Apr 21 4 min read Mike Pezzullo on the Strategic Shift For Australian Defence - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird, Mike Pezzullo on the Strategic Shift For Australian Defence, 21 April 2024 Link to article (Defense.info) Australia as... Apr 20 6 min read Shaping a Way Ahead for Australian Maritime Strategy - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird, Shaping a Way Ahead for Australian Maritime Strategy, 20 April 2024 Link to article (Defense.info) The Williams... Apr 16 5 min read Multi-Domain Operations in the Maritime Domain: The Significance of Digital Interoperability - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird, Multi-Domain Operations in the Maritime Domain: The Significance of Digital Interoperability, 16 April 2024 Link to... Apr 16 4 min read What does a 21st century defence strategy look like for Australia in a multi-polar authoritarian world? - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird, What does a 21st century defence strategy look like for Australia in a multi-polar authoritarian world?, 16 April 2024... Apr 15 4 min read The Future is Now for the ADF: Shaping Space for Maritime Autonomous Systems - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird, The Future is Now for the ADF: Shaping Space for Maritime Autonomous Systems, 15 April 2024 Link to article... Apr 14 4 min read Working the Sustainability Piece in Australian Defence: The Case of Munitions - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird, Working the Sustainability Piece in Australian Defence: The Case of Munitions, 10 April 2024 Link to article... Apr 14 5 min read Multi-Domain Requirements of an Australian Maritime Strategy - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird, Multi-Domain Requirements of an Australian Maritime Strategy: The April 2024 Sir Richard Williams Foundation Seminar, ... Apr 14 4 min read Managing Trade-Offs in Force Structure Development - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird, Managing Trade-Offs in Force Structure Development, 13 April 2024 Link to article (Defense.info) When a nation is... Dec 13, 2023 7 min read Thinking CAP: air superiority and Australia’s defence by Chris McInnes Chris McInnes, Thinking CAP: air superiority and Australia’s defence, 10 December 2023 A misunderstanding of air power is distorting... Oct 8, 2023 1 min read Conference: Final Report - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird, Final Report, 8 Oct 2023 Oct 1, 2023 4 min read The DSR and the Australian Strike Enterprise - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird, The DSR and the Australian Strike Enterprise 30 Sep 2023 Link to article (Defense.info) We need to start first with... Oct 1, 2023 2 min read Considering the Nature of Strike and Its Role in Deterrence Strategy - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird, Considering the Nature of Strike and Its Role in Deterrence Strategy, 1 Oct 2023 Link to article (Defense.info) At the... Sep 29, 2023 11 min read Summary Outcomes: Conference September 2023 - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird, The Sir Richard Williams Foundation Seminar September 2023: The Enterprise Requirements of an Australian Multi-Domain... Sep 28, 2023 1 min read Conference Proceedings: The Enterprise Requirements of an Australian Multi-Domain Strike Capability The Enterprise Requirements of an Australian Multi-Domain Strike Capability National Gallery of Australia, 27 September 2023 Dr Robbin... May 11, 2023 6 min read The Role of Maritime Autonomous Systems - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird, The Role of Maritime Autonomous Systems: Mission Thread Capabilities to Meet the Needs of Modern Warfare, 11 May 2023... May 9, 2023 4 min read Rethinking Sustainable Defence Forces: A Discussion with Dr. Alan Dupont - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird, Rethinking Sustainable Defence Forces: A Discussion with Dr. Alan Dupont, 9 May 2023 Link to article (Defense.info) In... Apr 20, 2023 1 min read Conference Final Report: Sharpening the Edge of Australia’s National Deterrence Capability Final Report: Sharpening the Edge of Australia’s National Deterrence Capability National Gallery of Australia 30 March 2023 Final Report... Apr 18, 2023 3 min read Deterrence in Shaping Australia’s Path in the Global Transition - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird, Deterrence in Shaping Australia’s Path in the Global Transition, 18 April 2023 Link to article (Defense.info) As global... Apr 17, 2023 3 min read The Role of Geography in the Direct Defence of Australia - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird, The Role of Geography in the Direct Defence of Australia, 17 April 2023 Link to article (Defense.info) As Australia...

The Central Blue The Central Blue has been paused and all TCB articles are presented here for archival purposes only. ​ In late 2023, the Sir Richard Williams Foundation shifted focus its focus on its website content and engagement. The Central Blue, initially set up by Dr Alan Stephens and executed by the volunteer editorial team, has been very successful in filling a gap to provide a forum to encourage ideas and discussion from our future leaders. A number of other forums now effectively provide this service, including the Air and Space Power Centre . For this reason, the Board took the decision to pause The Central Blue and focus on releasing targeted pieces of expert analysis. We encourage prospective authors to engage with the Air and Space Power Centre in considering and publishing your insights, ideas & analysis. Informed discussion and debate about force design issues affecting Australia - presented by emerging thought-leaders in the field. ​ The Central Blue is a forum designed to promote informed discussion and debate about air power issues affecting Australia. Our scope is broad, covering topics from tactical integration to strategic theory; and from historical lessons to future capabilities. Mar 12, 2023 5 min read Finding your voice - writing, ranting and risk There’s rarely been a more critical time to debate the Defence of Australia and its interests than now. And as more speculative details... Mar 5, 2023 11 min read Revolutions in Military Affairs? Evolve Your Thinking Are we thinking about military innovations in the wrong way? GPCAPT David Hood certainly thinks so. In this piece, he tackles the notion... Feb 19, 2023 2 min read Announcing the 2022 Dr Alan Stephens Air Power Literary Prize winner A core objective of The Williams Foundation is to encourage informed discussion and debate on future air power capability. Accordingly,... Dec 18, 2022 5 min read Summer spruce-up: The blue brain edition It’s difficult to believe this is our last post for 2022, but with Christmas a week out, the team at The Central Blue is getting ready to... Dec 11, 2022 4 min read The Linebacker II air campaign anniversary and the Ukraine war This December marks 50 years since the ‘maximum effort’ Operation Linebacker II air campaign that forced the North Vietnamese regime back... Oct 23, 2022 5 min read Does the RAAF need seaplanes? The last time the RAAF operated seaplanes was 1950, but is there an argument to bring back some sort of modern amphibious seaplane?... Oct 16, 2022 8 min read Resilient communications in contested environments What does manoeuvre in the cyber domain look like? And how is it critical for future warfighting concepts? In this address by TCB’s own... Oct 12, 2022 1 min read Conference: Enhancing the Lethality and Survivability of the Integrated Force Enhancing the Lethality and Survivability of the Integrated Force National Gallery of Australia 28 September 2022 Final Report Dr Robbin... Oct 2, 2022 6 min read What does it take for Defence tech innovation to succeed? This year has seen three Defence Innovation Hub (DIH) Uncrewed Aerial System (UAS) innovation successes become open source. These... Sep 25, 2022 6 min read AVM Donald Bennett: Australia’s Greatest Military Leader? Air Vice-Marshal Don Bennett arguably is Australia’s greatest wartime leader, yet very few Australians have heard of him. He particularly... Sep 11, 2022 2 min read Combat Call | #FightReady: What is your recommendation for the Defence Strategic review? On 3 August 2022, the Government announced an independently-led review that will consider Defence's force posture and force structure.... Aug 21, 2022 8 min read At the Dawn of Airpower #BookReview #BookReview: “Why all this fuss about airplanes for the Army? I thought we already had one!” In this piece, Carl Rhodes reviews the new... Aug 14, 2022 5 min read The case for a National UAS Strategy Is it time the Australian Government devised a National UAS Strategy that intertwines keeping the ADF at the forefront of everchanging... Jul 31, 2022 5 min read Smart but Not Smart Enough – When Having an Engineering Degree Doesn’t Cut It This week, FLTLT Joshua Vicino asks the question – how can Defence maximise the brain power of its people with engineering degrees in a... Jul 24, 2022 3 min read #FutureChiefs – Future Air Force Technology Chief? This week we return to one of our core writing themes for this year - #FutureChiefs. In this instalment, TCB editor Luke Webb explores a... May 29, 2022 5 min read From ‘fail-safe’ to ‘safe-to-fail’ Is it possible to reconceptualise the value of failure to the RAAF and its operational effectiveness? In this new #FailureWins post,... May 1, 2022 7 min read Book Review: How to Lead a Quest - and reframing the conversation of failure Through this book review in support of our #FailureWins series, TCB editor Luke Webb explores Dr. Jason Fox’s book on How to Lead a Quest... Apr 24, 2022 5 min read #FailureWins: Is success or failure a scale? Is a culture where acceptance of failure is normalised one that will have a positive impact on ADF capability? Robert Vine argues that in... Apr 3, 2022 2 min read #FutureChiefs: Could AI fill the role of CAF? In this instalment of #FutureChiefs, Keirin Joyce (@keirinjoyce) questions if AI could fill the role of CAF - or is a hybrid affair the... Mar 19, 2022 6 min read How can we improve the RAAF’s Officer Training System? Building a capacity for junior leaders to ask deep questions and possess a greater integrated view of Air Force specialisations is... Mar 6, 2022 2 min read #FutureChiefs: Future CAF – why blue? The Royal Australian Air Force is the principle air and space force of Australia, and yet each branch exclusively conducts its own air... Feb 27, 2022 5 min read Flying Camelot: the F-15, the F-16, and the Weaponization of Fighter Pilot Nostalgia [Book Review] Chris McInnes takes a look at Flying Camelot: the F-15, the F-16, and the Weaponization of the Fighter Pilot Nostalgia by Michael W.... Feb 16, 2022 3 min read Remembering Brendan Sargeant: Australia’s Premier Strategist By Robbin Laird FEATURED STORY Remembering Brendan Sargeant: Australia's Premier Strategist | Defense.info This is a piece I never wanted... Feb 6, 2022 3 min read #FailureWins - Call for submissions: Innovation, iteration, and lessons learned Failure carries a stigma. In mature cultures gripped by the Curse of Efficiency, failure is bad. Very bad. The learning derived from... Jan 30, 2022 8 min read Airpower, baby! How Air Force can unlock latent workforce capability It’s no secret that people are the principal capability that keeps any organisation functioning and competitive. Ben Gray looks at Air... Jan 23, 2022 13 min read A 'Scorched-Earth Orbit Policy' emerges from Indifference to Space Debris from ASAT missions With the Air Force’s Space Command going live this year, it’s worth kicking off 2022 with a timely piece by Air Force Reservist SQNLDR... Dec 23, 2021 3 min read 2021: A Central Blue year review As 2021 draws to a close, it seems a perfect time for TCB editors to reflect upon another big year. This year's focus on autonomous... Dec 12, 2021 6 min read Bringing the Thunder – All Domain Command & Control in the Next Fight Since WW2, effective airpower integration into land forces has been a recurring theme. But as Western air superiority faces a new era of... Dec 5, 2021 8 min read Logistics in War: Enablers to Aviators In this multi-faceted #AirForce2121 piece, SQNLDR Kylie Melville reflects on what logistics will look like over the next 100 years.... Dec 4, 2021 2 min read Meet the new The Central Blue Editorial Interns! The Central Blue recently sought expressions of interest from passionate and dedicated Junior Officers, Enlisted and Australian Public... Dec 2, 2021 6 min read Commentary on Likely Increase in JSF Engine Costs to Increase - Part 2 Air power discourse is The Central Blue’s core focus. In this two-part series, Gary Waters provides an in depth commentary on likely... Nov 28, 2021 4 min read Commentary on Likely Increase in JSF Engine Costs to Increase - Part 1 Air power discourse is The Central Blue’s core focus. In this two-part series, Gary Waters provides an in depth commentary on likely... Nov 21, 2021 1 min read Call for Submissions: #FutureChiefs With senior leadership movements on the horizon within Air Force, we’re turning our attention to thinking about the role of its primary... Nov 21, 2021 2 min read 2021 Announcement: The Dr Alan Stephens Air Power Literary Prize winner In 2021, the Royal Australian Air Force celebrated 100 years of service - a monumental achievement celebrated all around Australia. The... Nov 7, 2021 7 min read Australia’s ‘Loyal Wingman’ Disrupts Designs for Aircraft and Air Missions with Autonomy and AI The first test flight of the ‘Loyal Wingman’ marks an important step for Australia’s first designed and built military aircraft in over... Oct 24, 2021 5 min read What will the RAAF look like in 2121? The 20th century saw some of the greatest and fastest technological advancements. With ever quickening advances, what wonders will the... Oct 17, 2021 5 min read The Case for a Universal Multi-Domain Shipping Container Logistics is the backbone to any operation for every Service where fast, efficient transport is vital to success. Logistic Officer... Oct 10, 2021 5 min read Automation: A Blind Reliance? Automation is finding its way into more aspects of Air Force technologies. These processes are able to significantly speed up manual... Oct 3, 2021 4 min read What is a MQ-9 Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems Sensor Operator? The Royal Australian Air Force, under Project AIR 7003 Phase 1, is looking to gain a competitive advantage within the region with its... Sep 26, 2021 6 min read Going Pro—The Profession of Arms and the Enlisted Aviator What does it truly mean to ‘go pro’? Warrant Officer David Turnbull dives into the concept of being a professional within Air Force and... Sep 19, 2021 6 min read Assuring 2121 - Ben Luther In this latest instalment of our #AirForce2121 series, we move from the sci-fi-esque notion of future AI-enabled capabilities and turn to... Sep 4, 2021 8 min read Human-Machine Teaming: “Hal and iKnow, a Smarter Working Team” This week Squadron Leader Michael Spencer uses science fiction to theorise on the struggles, and solutions, that a future force may... Aug 29, 2021 5 min read #BookReview: Airpower in the war against ISIS – Benjamin S. Lambeth This week, SQNLDR Jenna Higgins reviews Benjamin S. Lambeth's book released this year by the US Naval Institute chronicling Operational... Aug 25, 2021 2 min read EOIs Open: Join the Central Blue team The Central Blue editorial team is seeking Expressions of Interest to join the team. Who are we? The Central Blue is an online forum... Aug 22, 2021 6 min read Fighting for Time: Conflict in the 22nd Century This week GPCAPT Phil Arms offers a prospective glimpse into the ‘New Generation Force’ of the 2100s in the latest instalment of our... Aug 15, 2021 7 min read Why long-wave infrared threatens fighter stealth and survivability This week, The Central Blue welcomes ADFA graduate Jack Ryan as he examines the implications of emerging Infrared sensors. While IR... Aug 8, 2021 4 min read Kobayashi Maru: Decision survivability & finding ways around the impossible - Chris McInnes We welcome back multiple-time contributor Chris McInnes as he takes inspiration from Star Trek to advocate for decision-makers who can... Jul 25, 2021 6 min read #AirForce2121: Air Force’s Strategic Culture as a Force for Continuity We welcome back our editorial colleague WGCDR Ulas Yildirim as he asks a provocative #AirForce2121 question: is Air Force on a path to... Jul 18, 2021 7 min read The autonomy advantage: Is the ADF missing an opportunity? - WGCDR Keirin Joyce In April this year, The Sir Richard Williams Foundation's return-from-COVID seminar Next Generation Autonomous Systems (NGAS) offered a... Jul 11, 2021 7 min read Space law and military operations 101 – Dr Dale Stephens and Jenna Higgins Despite its futuristic feel, the first space war has already been fought, and by some decades. In 1991, in fact – the Gulf War[1]. While... 1 2 3 4 5

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Operations & Central Blue Team Supporting the Foundation are a highly dedicated and professional team of business managers, editors and social media managers. The volunteer Central Blue editors are highly experienced and passionate Air Force officers. Under their stewardship The Central Blue has grown into a high quality forum for serving members and interested thought leaders to present their ideas. Catherine Scott Business and Events Manager Catherine's professional background began in Information Management/Librarianship. During her career, Catherine has worked in a range of professional positions including General Manager for the Institute For Regional Security, Senior Reference Librarian at the State Library of NSW, policy research in the Australian Government, and project management roles in website and events management. ​ Current voluntary positions include President of Gift of Life Inc. She is also on DonateLife's Community Engagement Group and Eye and Tissue Advisory Committee. ​ Catherine holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree, a Graduate Diploma in Information Management, Librarianship and a Master of Business Administration Luke Webb Social Media Adviser Luke is an aerospace engineer, obtaining his degree with First Class Honours in 2006 at RMIT University, and is now engaged in a range of consulting, education & not-for-profit endeavours. Luke has worked for the Civil Aviation Safety Authority in airworthiness engineering and safety promotion roles and is also working part-time towards a PhD looking at complex service program management in the aircraft sustainment and support space, including a major case study on the Hawk Lead-In-Fighter. ​ He has maintained a ‘dual-track’ technical/strategic affairs interest through his involvement in the Institute for Regional Security’s Future Strategic Leaders Program, including as one of the founders of the Institute's innovative ideas forum, Next , running the first event back in 2013. He was also one of the editors of The Central Blue. Luke is the Secretary of the Royal Aeronautical Society Australia Division and Chair of the Society’s Melbourne Branch. He also has a number of education engagements, including as a casual academic at RMIT in the fields of project management, aviation quality systems and airworthiness.

Governance The Sir Richard Williams Foundation is an independent research organisation whose purpose is to promote the development and effective implementation of national security and defence policies as they impact on Australia’s ability to generate air power appropriate to its unique geopolitical environment and values. Constitution The Sir Richards Williams Foundation Inc is incorporated in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT). Download pdf ​ Annual General Meeting The 2022 Annual General Meeting of the Sir Richard Williams Foundation was held online using Microsoft Teams on 26 October 2022. Download pdf of the Draft Minutes ​ Annual Reports For an overview of the Foundation’s activities and outcomes for 2022-2023 Download pdf ​

Knowledge Network Our work is independent, but we don't work alone. We engage with a number of global thinktanks, specialised media and service organisations to promote our research and to contribute to the intellectual life of those in our knowledge network. We invite you to examine and follow their work. ​ ​ Air Power Development Centre The Air Power Development Centre provides practical and effective analysis and advice on the strategic development of air and space power to the Chief of Air Force, the Royal Australian Air Force and its partners. The Williams Foundation has an extensive relationship with the Centre and we collaborate across several fronts, including the Air Power Scholars Scheme . ​ International media partner Second Line of Defense & Defense.info is made up of globally based analysts and strategists who work closely together in thinking through the nature of the evolving strategic environment and provides regular interviews with key participants in evolving military capabilities based on global reporting. Second Line of Defense & Defense.info have a special partnership with the Williams Foundation, and has generated a regular set of special reports highlighting the various seminars over the past few years held in Canberra and which have highlighted the military transformation process. An archive of special reports by Dr Robbin Laird, Williams Foundation Fellow, can be viewed on their website here . ​ ​ Forums & Blogs Grounded Curiosity The Cove Defence Entrepreneurs Forum – Australia (DEF-Aus ), as well as the original US DEF and DEF-UK . Air Power Development Centre Logistics in War Over the Horizon – Multi-Domain Operations & Strategies (OTH-MDOS ) The Dead Prussian The Angry Staff Officer The Army Leader War on the Rocks Junior Tactician The Strategy Bridge Balloons to Drones Military Writers Guild Defence in Depth Wavell Room Small Wars Journal ​ Companion organisations and publications Air Power Development Centre Australian Army Australia Defence Association Australian Strategic Policy Institute Defence Force Welfare Association Department of Defence Institute For Regional Security Royal Australian Air Force RAAF Association National Council Royal Australian Navy RSL National US Air Force Magazine ​ ​

Research Fellows The Williams Foundation brings together experts academia and military from all over the world who provide the highest quality research, policy recommendations, and analysis on a full range of public policy issues. We thank them for their support of the Foundation and their contribution to our goals. Air Vice Marshal John Blackburn AO (Retd) John retired from the Royal Australian Air Force in 2008 as the Deputy Chief of the Air Force following a career as an F/A-18 fighter pilot, test pilot and strategic planner. His senior posts included Commander of the Integrated Area Defence System located in Malaysia, commanding a multinational headquarters established to effect the Five Power Defence Arrangements, and Head of Strategic Policy in the Defence Headquarters. In his RAAF Reserve role, he supported the Chief of Air Force in the design of Plan Jericho in 2014, and served as the team mentor until December 2015, before supporting the VCDF Staffs on Plan Aurora. John is now a consultant in the fields of Defence and National Security and the Chair of the Institute for integrated Economic Research - Australia. His pro-bono roles have included being the Chairman of the Kokoda Foundation Board (now the Institute For Regional Security (IFRS)), and the Deputy Chairman of the Williams Foundation Board. He is currently a Fellow of the Williams Foundation, the IFRS and the Australian Institute of Energy. He has written and spoken on Energy Security, Economic Security, Integrated Air and Missile Defence, the 5th Gen Air Force, Cyber Security, Space Policy, Defence Logistics, Defence White Papers and Fuel Security. He holds a Masters of Arts and a Master of Defence Studies. Dr Robbin Laird A long-time analyst of global defense issues, Dr Laird has worked in the U.S. government and several think tanks, including the Center for Naval Analysis and the Institute for Defense Analysis. He is a Columbia University alumni, where he taught and worked for several years at the Research Institute of International Change, a think tank founded by Dr. Brzezinski. He is a frequent op-ed contributor to the defense press, and has written several books on international security issues. ​ Dr Laird has taught at Columbia University, Queens College, Princeton University and Johns Hopkins University. He has received various academic research grants as well from various foundations, including the Thyssen Foundation, the United States Institute for Peace, etc. ​ Dr Laird has worked for many elements of the U.S. government and with think tanks such as The Center for Defense Analysis and the Institute for Defense Analysis. He is a member of the Board of Contributors of Breaking Defense and publishes there on a regular basis. He is a regular contributor to Front Line Defence as well. ​ He is a frequent visitor to Australia where he works with The Williams Foundation in supporting their seminars on the transformation of the Australian Defence Force. ​ He is also based in Paris, France where he regularly travels throughout Europe and conducts interviews and talks with leading policy makers in the region. Dr Alan Stephens OAM Alan Stephens is a visiting fellow at UNSW Canberra and a fellow of the Sir Richard Williams Foundation. Previously he has been a senior lecturer at UNSW Canberra, an advisor in Federal Parliament on foreign affairs and defence, the official RAAF historian, and an RAAF pilot. ​ Dr Stephens has lectured and published extensively, and his work has been translated into more than twenty languages. He was awarded the OAM in 2008 for his contribution to Australian air power history and strategy. John Conway John is the owner and Managing Director of Felix, an independent company providing specialist capability development and operational analysis services to Defence since 2017. He is the Publisher of the Australian Defence Business Review (ADBR), an independent platform established to enable communication across Defence, industry, academia, and Government. He was previously a business development and strategy executive with Raytheon Australia specialising in air combat integration, electronic warfare, advanced weapons systems, test and training ranges, and integrated air and missile defence. John retired from the Royal Air Force as a Group Captain in 2010 having served 24 years in a number flying, staff and senior command roles. His operational experience on F4 Phantom and Tornado F3 aircraft included Cold War Europe, the South Atlantic, the Balkans, and the Middle East. He commanded the United Kingdom’s largest Permanent Joint Operating Base at RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus between 2005 and 2008 enabling the airbridge into Iraq and Afghanistan, and supporting strategic ISR operations in the eastern Mediterranean. He attended the United States Marine Corps Weapons and Tactics Instructor Course and the Australian Advanced Command and Staff Course.

Air Power Scholars The Air Power Scholars program is a cooperative endeavour between the Sir Richard Williams Foundation and the Air and Space Power Centre . It aims to develop a small group of Air Force Officers with the intellectual skills, theoretical knowledge and practical experience to engage credibly in the global air and space power dialogue. PhD candidates are supported by the Air and Space Power Centre and the Williams Foundation. The Williams foundation supports scholars financially with up to $20,000 per PhD candidate over the course of their research. ​ In December 2019, GPCAPT Jarrod Pendlebury was the first to complete his PhD with the support of the program. The PhD is titled The Dawn Horizon: Constructing an Air Force Identity During Initial Officer Training in Australia, The United States and The United Kingdom . Williams Board members extend their congratulations to GPCAPT Pendlebury. Sir Richard Williams Foundation Scholars Completed PhDs GPCAPT Jarrod Pendlebury The Dawn Horizon: Constructing an Air Force Identity During Initial Officer Training in Australia, The United States and The United Kingdom . ​ Completion December 2019, University of Sydney Abstract: Many of the arguments supporting diversity in the military focus on the instrumental benefits available to an organisation that embraces difference. Viewed through this lens, there is a risk of diversity becoming another ‘to do,’ and prioritised according to available resources. Arguing for diversity primarily from the perspective of a capability-based argument also fails to challenge the tension between a military’s combat effectiveness, and its adherence to the values and laws of the state it protects. This thesis seeks to reframe the diversity debate by arguing that a diverse military reflective of the demography of society is a fundamental requirement in a Western liberal democracy. AIRCDRE Steve Edgeley Creating A Potent Joint Force: The Practical Evolution of Inter-Service Cooperation Completion December 2021, University of Sydney Abstract: That recent changes in the operational environment have required the RAAF to focus on the application of joint effects, this change in operational focus has led to cultural and organisational changes that make it an imperative to embrace jointness. Current Scholars Squadron Leader Andrew Lloyd A Contemporary Study of Aerial Delivery in the Australian Context Expected completion date: 2025 Abstract: A first principles approach to investigate the ADF use of Aerial Delivery Equipment (ADE) has not previously been conducted. Aerial Delivery is a potent capability that is underutilised due to logistical complexities and a lack of defined mission assuredness. In particular, the use of Aerial Delivery methods involving parachutes can be cumbersome and may be unnecessarily complex after considering technical and safety risks. High cost precision airdrop capabilities have had extensive research and their emergence has yielded an expansive literature basis. Conventional airdrop using parachutes is also a well-established research area. There is, however, an opportunity to explore alternate means of Aerial Delivery to achieve the same or similar end states. To date, adopted methods to dissipate energy are limited to the use of cardboard Energy Dissipating Material (EDM). This product is optimised for a particular rate of descent and limited research exists to inform alternative methods of energy dissipation or non-parachute systems to retard the rate of descent. Planned to undertake Williams Foundations Sponsored dedicated study period at ASPC in 2023. Squadron Leader Sally-Ann Knox A new psychology of military leadership Expected completion date: December 2023, University of Queensland Abstract: Elucidating the processes by which catastrophic consequences of military operational errors are reduced and avoided, primarily by exploring the group’s ability to internalise highly reliable behaviour as part of a shared social identity that is cultivated and embedded by purposeful, military-specific identity leadership. ​ Completed Williams Foundation Sponsored dedicated study period at ASPC in 2021 Squadron Leader Kate Yaxley Behaviour shaping and influence of cognitive swarming systems Expected completion date: 2022/23 depending university assessment timelines Abstract: An example of a naturally occurring swarm is a flock of sheep. Together, sheep work together to achieve the goal of survival, relying on high visual and aural acuity to avoid potential risks. By introducing an external agent perceived as a threat, such as a sheepdog or drone, the presence of the external agent induces behaviour changes and influences towards a known goal to the external agent, yet unknown to the flock of sheep. The influence applied by the external agent is a result of triggering a predation risk response, whereby the flock responds to the presence of the dog with behaviours that ensure survival. The purpose of this research is to more accurately reflect the behaviour shaping and influence of cognitive swarms in a simulation environment. Such agent-based models have the potential to support machine education curriculums for autonomous system development. ​ Completed Williams Foundation Sponsored dedicated study period at ASPC in 2021 AIRCDRE Jason Begley Soft Options for a Hard Issue University of New South Wales Abstract: Assess the degree to which Air Force effectively projects soft power and whether there are viable opportunities for it to improve. MORE EXPERT ANALYSIS GPCAPT Trav Hallen The Swedish Profile: The Evolution of the Swedish Air Force in Response to Swedish Cold War Strategic Policy Expected completion date: December 2030, Deakin University/Swedish Defence University Abstract: The Swedish Air Force was the cornerstone of Sweden’s security during the Cold War. The ability to defend Swedish airspace and deny the ability of both NATO and the Warsaw Pact to operate in it was assessed as critical to the credibility of Sweden’s strategy of non-alignment. Between 1945 and 1992, the Swedish Air Force adapted to shifts in Swedish strategic policy. This included the closer integration with Sweden’s aviation industry, the fielding of innovative aircraft designs optimised for Swedish conditions, and the development of new tactics and procedures. By the end of the Cold War, Sweden had one of the most advanced and tactically innovative air forces in Europe. This research explores how this evolution unfolded and identifies the factors that enabled a small, neutral country become a world leading air power nation. Program background Photo: Department of Defence The Chief of Air Force, Air Marshal Leo Davies, AO, CSC launched the five year pilot Air Power Scholar program as part of the 2016 Air Power Conference in Canberra. ​ The Williams Foundation awards a scholarship of up to $20,000 each year of the program to the candidate undertaking the full-time study. This payment assists scholars with expenses associated with their academic program and will contribute to consultancy fees for a program mentor. ​ This five year pilot program will support the five selected Air Force officers to undertake PhD studies. The agreement with the Air Force enables the Foundation to formally support scholars in their further education and strengthen the level of debate on military aviation issues.

Membership Gain members-only access and pricing to our programs & events to maximise your value. Membership of Williams Foundation is tremendous value. It allows me to stay in touch with the latest thoughts on air power and a network of fascinating people from the Services, government, industry and academia. I highly recommend membership for anyone interested in air power, defence and national security. - C. Huet Individual Membership $100 per annum (includes GST) Join Now Package includes: Attendance at up to 4 x Lunches (non transferrable) Attendance at up to 2 x Conferences (non transferrable) Engagement - A vote at our AGM, notices of upcoming events and updates through member newsletters ​ Please note - Places are limited and offered on a first-in basis until the event is at capacity. Tickets are not transferrable. Annual Corporate Membership - Premium $8,000 per annum (plus GST) Join Now Package includes: Complimentary attendance for up to 5 individuals at 4 x member lunches Complimentary attendance at up to 5 individuals at 2 x conferences Complimentary attendance for 1 x at the annual sponsor and supporters dinner Company logo on the Williams website for one year 6 nominated individual members receive a vote at our AGM, notices of upcoming events and updates through member newsletters A nominated bundle coordinator to manage the membership and attendance Places at events are transferable within the organisation ​ Please note - Annual corporate memberships have first priority however places are limited and offered on a first -in basis until the event is at capacity. Annual Corporate Membership - SMEs $3,000 per annum (plus GST) Join Now Package includes: Attendance up to for 5 individuals at 4 x Lunches Attendance up to for 5 individuals at 2 x Conferences Each nominated individual member receives a vote at our AGM, notices of upcoming events and updates through member newsletters Bundled membership for 6 individuals A nominated bundle coordinator to manage the membership and attendance Company logo on the Williams website for one year Discounted sponsorship of a nominated lunch ​ Please note - Places at lunches and conferences are not reserved automatically however notice is provided and places can be reserved in advance. Places are limited and offered on a first-in basis until the event is at capacity. Member Benefits In-Detail ​ Errol McCormack Member Lunches The Williams Foundation hosts 4 member lunches annually in Canberra. Keynote speakers include senior military, public officials and industry presenting on a range of current, operational and strategic topics Frequency: ​ Attendees: ​ Cost to members: ​ Venue: ​ Registration Details: Quarterly Members and invited VIP guests Complimentary Boathouse By the Lake, Canberra Essential - places are limited and registrations are on a first in basis with a maximum of 5 places per organisation. Conferences The Williams Foundation hosts 2 x one-day conferences per year. Since 2013 the Sir Richard Williams Foundation seminars have focused on building an integrated fifth generation force. Recent seminars have evolved from the acquisition of new platforms to the process of shaping and better understanding the environment in which that integrated force will prepare and operate. Highlighted have been the challenges of making the strategic shift from counterinsurgency operations in Iraq and Afghanistan to higher tempo and higher intensity Joint operations involving peer competitors. ​ Within this context, the next seminars will further develop the ideas associated with an increasingly sophisticated approach to Joint warfighting and power projection as we face increasing pressure to maintain influence and a capability edge in the region. The Williams Foundation will continue to look at the evolution of the Australian Defence Force from the perspective of the sovereign lens and setting the conditions for future success. Frequency: ​ Attendees: ​ Cost to members: ​ Venue: ​ Registration Details: Biannually Defence personnel, members, sponsors & invited VIP guests Complimentary for members and Defence personnel National Gallery of Australia Essential - places are limited and registrations are on a first in basis Annual Sponsors and Supporters Dinner Held annually the Sponsors and Supporters VIP Dinner is a small dinner with senior leaders. Invitations are sent to senior military and Defence leaders, industry and politicians. Frequency: ​ Attendees: ​ ​ Cost to members: ​ Venue: ​ ​ Annually 1 x place each for Corporate Partners, Sponsors and Premium Annual Corporate Members. ​ Invited VIP guests include senior military and Defence personnel and politicians Complimentary Varies

Corporate Partners & Sponsorship The Foundation would like to thank the following sponsors for their continuing support. Platinum Corporate Partners Gold Corporate Partners Bronze Corporate Partner Conference Sponsors and Annual Corporate Members Annual Corporate Members Supporters In-Kind The Foundation is an independently funded, not-for-profit institution. The Board invites sponsorship from organisations or individuals wishing to contribute constructively to a forward-looking Australian defence policy. Sponsors will be acknowledged in the Foundation's publications and media releases.

Privacy Statement The Sir Richard Williams Foundation respects your privacy. Protecting your personal information is important to us. ​ At the Foundation we only collect information which is necessary to administer your membership or event participation. Information we collect is used to ensure that your status as a member or contact is recorded, to send regular mail-outs/emails, and to keep you up to date with the various activities provided by The Foundation including seminars, workshops and other Williams activities. Membership details are strictly confidential. We do not make them available to any outside organisation or allow any person except the foundation's management team to have access. Any membership forms will be destroyed after seven years in accordance with the requirements of the Australian Taxation Office. As a member or contact of the Foundation you can see the information held about you through your membership/contact profile. If you require further information on the personal details that the Williams Foundation has and how it is managed, please email info@williamsfoundation.org.au or write to the Williams Foundation PO Box 5214, KINGSTON ACT 2604 If you would like more information about the Privacy Act, you can contact the Federal Privacy Commissioner’s hotline service on 1300 363 992 or visit the Privacy Commissioner’s website at www.privacy.gov.au ​ ​

About Us Who are we? ​ The Sir Richard Williams Foundation is an independent research organisation whose purpose is to promote the development and effective implementation of national security and defence policies as they impact on Australia’s ability to generate air power appropriate to its unique geopolitical environment and values. The Foundation aims to strengthen Australia’s national security by advocating the need for forward-looking policies which take full advantage of the potential for air power to shape and influence regional security; and by promoting constructive debate regarding the implementation of such policies. ​ Our origins and early development After years of discussion, in 2008 a group of retired Air Force officers decided that there was a need for an organisation to support development of Air Force. Possible solutions covered the range from “CAF Grey Beards Advisory Committee” to “Independent Think Tank”. After several formal and informal exploratory meetings, the decision was taken to form a RAAF Association Think Tank to be called the Sir Richard Williams Foundation. The first formal meeting of the Foundation was conducted on 14 October 2008 at the Air Power Development Center with Dr Alan Stephens as Chair. During the meeting Dr Stephens suggested, and the Committee agreed, that AIRMSHL Errol McCormack AO (Retd) take the Chair. Through 2009 the Committee developed the structure required to support the Foundation and decided that product of the Foundation would be “Papers” on topical issues. Workshops were to be used to support development of the papers. “Workshops” soon developed into “Seminars” as a means of gaining company sponsorship. The first seminar, ISR, was held at ADC on 19 April 2011. At a meeting on 14 December 2010 the Committee decided that the Foundation should be independent from the RAAF Association. Thus, on 03 December 2012 the Sir Richard Williams Foundation Incorporated was registered in the ACT as a charity. ​ Since then the Foundation has continued to develop and expand in scope and range of activities. The Foundation is now recognised in the Department of Defence as an influential component of operational development of air power in the ADF. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Our founder Air Marshal Errol McCormack AO (Retd) Errol McCormack joined the RAAF as an aircrew cadet in March 1962 after completing an apprenticeship as a fitter and turner. ​ On graduation he was assigned fast jet and completed tours in South East Asia (Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Borneo) on the F-86 Sabre, Vietnam on the Canberra bomber, US on the F-111A and US on the RF-4C Reconnaissance Phantom. ​ As a senior officer he completed two tours in Operational Requirements, two tours at staff college (RAAF and Joint), one tour in Operational/Air Command and two tours in diplomatic posts (Air Attache Washington and Commander IADS, Malaysia/Singapore). ​ He has commanded at squadron, wing and Air Force levels. Errol McCormack retired from the RAAF as Chief of Air Force in May 2001. Since then he has sat on local company boards and consulted for many local and foreign companies dealing with Defence. In Oct19 he divested himself of all commercial commitments and now conducts pro bono activities only. Who is Sir Richard Williams? Sir Richard Williams The Foundation is named after Sir Richard Williams. In World War I Sir Richard Williams was the Australian Army's outstanding air combat commander. In 1921 he became the first chief of the newly-formed Royal Australian Air Force. Williams is widely acknowledged as Australia's pre-eminent military airman. ​ For more about Sir Richard Williams, Brian Weston and Alan Stephens, wrote a three part series of articles in 2019 published in On Target - a regular column in the Australian Defence Business Review . ​ Brian Weston 'On Target: Who was Richard Williams? ' in Australian Defence Business Review, March-April 2019 p. 82 ​ Brian Weston 'On Target: The Birth of an Australian Air Force – Part 2 ' in Australian Defence Business Review, May-June 2019 p 82 ​ Dr Alan Stephens 'On Target: Richard Williams and the Defence of Australia ' July-August 2019 This column written for the ADBR July-August 2019 an edition that was not published ​ ​ Image Acknowledgement - This photo of Sir Richard Williams was donated to the Williams Foundation from the Wall family private collection. The photo can be found on the front cover of Sir Richard Williams'autobiography 'These are the Facts' , published by The Australian War Memorial and the Australian Government Publishing Service, 1977