AIR AND SPACE POWER

From: Air and Space Power Centre (airforce.gov.au)
AIR POWER – the total strength of a nation’s capability to conduct and influence activities in, through and from the air to achieve its objectives..........Chapter One: The Air Power Manual 7th Edition | Air and Space Power Centre (airforce.gov.au)
Note: AIR AND SPACE POWER: COLLECTIONS | The Runway (airforce.gov.au)
The purpose of this collection is to provide links to recent articles on the web—from both expert and non-expert but credible sources—about air power and topics related to air power. Reading articles from credible news sites about air power might help to do the following:
  • Highlight how non-military writers report on air power developments.
  • Uncover biases or misconceptions in mainstream air power narratives.
  • Shows the potential for understanding or misunderstanding of air power stories or articles.
  • Demonstrate the media's influence on shaping air power perceptions.
  • Offers insight into gaps or inaccuracies in online military air power stories.
5176
Air & Space Power

Lockheed has path to pilot-optional F-35, CEO says

An upgraded fifth generation-plus, pilot-optional F-35 could be built relatively quickly based on the development Lockheed has done for sixth-generational fighter competitions; integrating technologies it had created for its own Next Generation Air Dominance offering.
4 minutes
5130
Air & Space Power

US could bolster war dominance with air-launched attack drone for war superiority

The idea of air-launching Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) drones from other airplanes is being considered by the US military in an effort to reduce the dependence on runways, and bolster its position during combat.
3 minutes
5134
A SU-30MKI from the Indian Air Force departs RAAF Base Darwin during Exercise Pitch Black 24.
Air & Space Power

What air defense lessons can be learned from the India-Pakistan conflict?

At least two Indian aircraft were destroyed during the short conflict—at least one by a Chinese-built J-10 fighter. That represents the first time a modern Chinese plane has downed a modern Western jet.
6 minutes
5021
Technology & Innovation

Chinese pilots defeated by AI in high-intensity, unpredictable air combat simulations

Chinese researchers have claimed to have created an AI system that can counter high-intensity air combat simulations and defeat human pilots in dogfights. The technology focuses on the physical mechanics of the aircraft to make predictions.
5 minutes
4904
Air & Space Power

Turkey Has Big Plans for Its KAAN Air Superiority Fighter

Working with BAE, the Mach 1.8 KAAN fifth-generation stealth fighter should replace F-16’s and fill the gap left after Türkiye was removed from the F-35 program over a missile deal with Russia. Gulf States interested.
6 minutes
Hangar 46 - Logo - minimal
10 February 2025
Air & Space Power

Hangar 46: Close Air Support with The Cove Podcast

Exploring close Air Support, Role Coordination, and Air Power. Featuring insights from Flight Lieutenant Pete and Captain Hogendyk.
4377
Air & Space Power

Russia's MiG-35 Fighter 'Nightmare' Is A Sad Reality

This article asserts that although equipped with advanced radar and capable of carrying a variety of armaments, the MiG-35 is outmatched by the F-35 Lightning II, particularly in engine power and stealth capabilities.
4 minutes
4348
Air & Space Power

Future RAAF air combat capability (1): making the most of the Ghost Bat

This article argues the RAAF’s future air combat capability needs advanced uncrewed systems, particularly the MQ-28 Ghost Bat, to enhance operational flexibility and effectiveness.
12 minutes
4213
Strategic Influence

RAAF’s First Triton Unmanned Aircraft Touches Down On Home Soil

The MQ-4C Triton high altitude, remotely piloted aircraft arrived at RAAF Base Tindal on 16 June.
3 minutes
4157
Strategic Influence

China wants to recruit military pilots from the U.S. and its allies to strengthen Chinese air power, bulletin warns

China aims to gain insights into Western aviation tactics through strategic recruiting.
4 minutes
3876
Air & Space Power

The U.S. Could Soon Lose Air Superiority

Unlike other post-Cold War conflicts, a war with China could find Air Force planes outnumbered.
10 minutes
3849
Military History

Resource Page: RAAF History

Formed in 1912, the Australian Flying Corps (AFC) played a pioneering role in military aviation during World War I. In 1921, it became an independent service the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), a transformation that signified the beginning of a new era. Since then, the RAAF has maintained a crucial role in defending Australia and contributing to international peacekeeping and security efforts.
120 minutes
2883
Air & Space Power

AIR AND SPACE POWER: COLLECTIONS

Extensive reading about air power enables military air force professionals to improve their strategic thinking, stay up-to-date with technological advancements, learn from history, understand policy and doctrine, enhance their professional development, foster critical thinking, manage risks effectively, and promote better interoperability with allies.
90 minutes
3238
Air & Space Power

The US and Chinese air forces are rethinking whether it's possible to control the air

New technology could challenge the current thinking as to whether any nation can gain control of the air—missiles and drones may render such control unattainable.
8 minutes
2918
Air & Space Power

The Role of U.S. Airpower in Defeating ISIS

RAND analysis shows airpower's critical role in defeating ISIS: blunting their momentum, targeting cash reserves, countering VBIED attacks, and the importance of aerial refueling in the air war against ISIS.
45 minutes
2892
Air & Space Power

The Battle of the Bismarck Sea (Air University Press)

The Battle of the Bismarck Sea demonstrated Allied air superiority, disrupting Japanese reinforcement plans and shifting the strategic balance in New Guinea.
20 minutes
2864
Military History

Air Power Saved South Vietnam in 1972, But Couldn't Win the War

This article discusses how airpower, specifically the U.S. Air Force and Navy, played a critical role in saving South Vietnam during the Easter Offensive of 1972.
7 minutes
2686
Strategic Influence

Why Air Superiority Has Been Such A Challenge In Ukraine

Russia has a considerable advantage in the number of fighter jets compared to Ukraine. But numbers do not always equate to a capability advantage.
5 minutes
Archived
2596
Strategic Influence

Australian-designed lethal drone to be unveiled at Avalon Airshow

The air show will showcase emerging defence technologies, including a new Australian-designed lethal drone.
4 minutes
Archived
2448
Technology & Innovation

Towards a sixth-generation air combat capability for the RAAF

Malcolm Davis
6 minutes
Archived
2391
Technology & Innovation

Football-sized device could transform how Air Force collects F-35 data

A US Air Force test and evaluation squadron at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada have begun adding these devices to F-35s across the Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps.
8 minutes
Archived
2436
Technology & Innovation

Eurofighter Typhoon: The Best Non-Stealth Fighter Jet Today?

The 1980s saw the dominant players in European aerospace design collaborate to create a fighter jet capable of matching Soviet models—the result was the Eurofighter Typhoon.
7 minutes
Archived
2226
Strategic Influence

Commentary: How F-35B fighter jets can boost Singapore’s air defence amid upcoming Paya Lebar Air Base move

Air power is an integral part of Singapore's defence strategy, and the acquisition of the F-35B should significantly increase Singapore's air power capability.
8 minutes
Archived
2144
Technology & Innovation

Why NATO Is Falling In Love with the F-35 Stealth Fighter

Eight USAF F-35As and their ground crew have been deployed to Europe as part of NATO’s enhanced air policing mission.
8 minutes
Archived
2111
Strategic Influence

It Only Gets Better: The F-35 Is Becoming More Lethal and Affordable

The cost of the F-35A has fallen to below $80 million each, and continuing improvements, including hardware and software upgrades, an improved engine, a revamped logistics system, new maintenance techniques and enhanced electronic warfare capabilities, make it a formidable aircraft.
7 minutes
Archived
2119
Strategic Influence

Stealth fighters prepare to dogfight over Australian Outback during Pitch Black drills

Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II stealth fighters will join Australian stealth F35A’s in simulated dog fights with regional partners day and night.
8 minutes
Archived
2119
Strategic Influence

Stealth fighters prepare to dogfight over Australian Outback during Pitch Black drills

Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II stealth fighters will join Australian stealth F35A’s in simulated dog fights with regional partners day and night.
8 minutes
Archived
1957
Strategic Influence

NGAD: America’s Next Stealth Fighter Could Break All The Rules

The United States Air Force (USAF) recently announced that the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program is moving into the next stage of development, with the aim of fielding America’s next air superiority fighter by 2030.
20 minutes
Archived
1836
Heavy-lift Drone preparing to drop water, communications and first aid supplies to evacuees on the ground during Exercise GENESIS as part of Autonomous Warrior 2020-4.
Technology & Innovation

UK Tests Heavy-Lift Drones for Frontline Military Operations

The Royal Navy has successfully tested two heavy-lift drones capable of carrying supplies to aircraft carriers to help support the UK’s frontline operations.
2 minutes
Archived
1825
Chief of Air Force, Air Marshal Mel Hupfeld, AO, DSC, addressees attendees at the Air Marshals Symposium at RAAF Base Point Cook, Melbourne.
Strategic Influence

Air force chief says RAAF will be faster, smarter and have longer reach in its next 100 years

In this article, CAF, Air Marshal Hupfeld, notes that the RAAF, for the foreseeable future, will need to be able to operate in an environment of 'constant competition'.
10 minutes
Archived
1790
A United States Air Force B-2 Spirit stealth bomber aircraft from 509th Bomb Wing, taxis at RAAF Base Amberley, Queensland.
Strategic Influence

Super Stealth’ Mission: US B-2 Bomber Flies With Australian F-35 Fighter Jets In A ‘Stern Message’ To China?

While the world is focused on the Russo-Ukraine conflict, the USA is increasing its engagements with Australia, making it clear to China how the USA values its partnership with Australia.
7 minutes
Archived
1676
A Soviet T-72 main battle tank on display at the Australian Armour and Artillery Museum in Cairns.
Military History

They Flew for Franco: German Condor Legion’s Tactical Air Power

This article covers Nazi Germany air operations supporting Franco during the Spanish Civil War (1936–39) and how that involvement helped Nazi Germany prepare for WW2.
19 minutes
Archived
1681
An air-to-air refuelling flight test between Royal Australian Air Force KC-30A Multi-Role Tanker Transport aircraft from No. 33 Squadron and Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF or Koku-Jieitai) Mitsubishi F-2A over Japan.
Military History

The year air power came of age

This article argues the WW1 air campaign over 1917 Flanders (Belgium) changed the nature of aerial warfare as the Allies and Central Powers developed an air support doctrine and new technology.
20 minutes
Archived
1681
An air-to-air refuelling flight test between Royal Australian Air Force KC-30A Multi-Role Tanker Transport aircraft from No. 33 Squadron and Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF or Koku-Jieitai) Mitsubishi F-2A over Japan.
Military History

The year air power came of age

This article argues the WW1 air campaign over 1917 Flanders (Belgium) changed the nature of aerial warfare as the Allies and Central Powers developed an air support doctrine and new technology.
20 minutes
Archived
1653
The catafalque party 'present arms' as the Governor-General of Australia Her Excellency Ms Quentin Bryce looks on
Military History

Air Power Played a Major Part in Winning the War in the West

Allied operations in the Mediterranean Theatre from 1942 on proved the importance of airpower in supporting ground troops.
7 minutes
Archived
1653
The catafalque party 'present arms' as the Governor-General of Australia Her Excellency Ms Quentin Bryce looks on
Military History

Air Power Played a Major Part in Winning the War in the West

Allied operations in the Mediterranean Theatre from 1942 on proved the importance of airpower in supporting ground troops.
7 minutes
Archived
1591
The Dragon from the Military Band of the Chinese People's Liberation Army participates in a full dress rehearsal for the Edinburgh Military Tattoo at the Sydney Football Stadium
Strategic Influence

Reviewing China’s New Stealth Fighters

Satellite imagery is continuing to disclose information about the secret development of Chinese military aircraft.
15 minutes
Archived
1275
A United States Air Force C-5M Galaxy from 22nd Airlift Squadron taxis to the hardstand at RAAF Base Amberley, Queensland.
Military History

Carl Spaatz: An Air Power Strategist

Carl Spaatz was one of America’s foremost strategic air power thinkers; his experiences in WW1 and command appointments in WW2 and beyond ensured that he could effectively apply theory to practice.
35 minutes
Archived
938
A United States Air Force B-2 Spirit from 509th Bomb Wing departs RAAF Base Amberley, Queensland.
Air & Space Power

To spread out against China's missiles, the US Air Force is sending fighters to remote Pacific airfields

The US believes China can launch a missile attack against US bases on Guam; to counter this threat, the US plans to operate fighters from remote pacific airfields.
10 minutes
Archived
922
Royal Australian Air Force Pilots, Wing Commander Dean Bolton (left) and Flight Lieutenant Alice McCabe, in the cockpit of a C-17A Globemaster III as they prepare to land at Fua’amotu International Airport, Tonga.
Air & Space Power

The artificial intelligence ‘backseater’ in future air combat

The US Air Force has revolutionised Air Power by using an AI algorithm as a 'virtual backseater' in a U2 reconnaissance aircraft.
6 minutes
Archived
839
No. 3 Security Forces Squadron Leading Aircraftman Chaddyn Bray undertakes drone training, monitoring the Sky Ranger R70 drone from an airborne Royal Australian Air Force C-130J Hercules.
Air & Space Power

Azerbaijan’s drones owned the battlefield in Nagorno-Karabakh—and showed the future of warfare

Azerbaijan showed that buying relatively low-cost military drones can be an effective way of achieving air superiority.
10 minutes
Archived
16
Lockheed Martin personnel load one of the first inert GBU-31 guided bomb units into an Australian F-35A Joint Strike Fighter.
Air & Space Power

Contested Skies – Our uncertain air superiority future

Balancing ends, ways and means with changes in the air superiority environment to develop three options for future air superiority.
30 minutes
Archived
382
Royal Australian Navy officer Lieutenant Luke Murphy looks out from the starboard bridge wing of HMAS Arunta during their regional presence deployment.
Air & Space Power

Loyal Wingman to take Australia’s air power into the next era

The Loyal Wingman unmanned system is the cutting-edge of future Australian air power.
7 minutes
Archived
80
Boatswain's Mates from HMAS Ballarat take aim at a flare during a night firing exercise with a 12.7mm M2 Heavy Barrel Machine Gun off the western coast of Australia.
Air & Space Power

The Defeat of the Red Baron – Future Air Defence of the Manoeuvre Force

Without a tactical air defence capability it is questionable whether the Army will be able to adequately protect its forces from UAV and low altitude rotary assets.
15 minutes
Archived
1205
The R70 Sky Ranger multi-rotor unmanned aerial system as operated by Number 3 Security Forces Squadron.
Air & Space Power

Air Power and the Maritime Tactical Unmanned Aircraft System

MTUAS contribute to the overall effectiveness of joint air power projection in the maritime domain.
15 minutes
Archived
A Royal Australian Air Force C-27J Spartan from No. 35 Squadron prepares to depart Andersen Air Force Base in Guam during Exercise Cope North 2022.
Leadership

RAF Centre for Air Power Studies Historic Interview - Sir Arthur Harris

Interview with 'Bomber' Harris, commander of Bomber Command during WW2.
595
Royal Australian Navy frigate HMAS Parramatta departs Sydney on a three-month Indo-Pacific regional presence deployment.
Air & Space Power

Study Sea Power to Understand Air Power

Sea power principles developed a century ago might still apply to air power.
5 minutes
A Royal Australian Air Force C-27J Spartan from No. 35 Squadron prepares to depart Andersen Air Force Base in Guam during Exercise Cope North 2022.
Leadership

RAF Centre for Air Power Studies Historic Interview - Sir Arthur Harris

Interview with 'Bomber' Harris, commander of Bomber Command during WW2.