Warfighting | The Runway

WARFIGHTING (Generic Overview)

Warfighting embodies the conduct of warfare to achieve national objectives through military force, based on Clausewitz's principle that war is politics by other means. Clausewitz's Definition of War
It necessitates government-directed use of force in alignment with strategic political goals.
Success in warfighting hinges on the strategic objectives it aims to accomplish, underlining the importance of political context.
The development and utilisation of military capabilities are crucial for operational effectiveness across various environments.
Military strategy and operations are designed to impose one’s will on the adversary, securing political ends.
Capability Enhancement: Continual development of military capabilities is crucial for maintaining operational effectiveness and readiness.
Operational Effectiveness: The essence of capability is to achieve desired effects in specific environments and sustain them as needed.
Strategic Impact of Capabilities: Military capabilities are foundational to executing operations that align with and achieve strategic objectives.

Air & Space Power

Australia commits to buying secretive AIM-260 JATM missiles, first non-US user

Australia will become the first export customer for the AIM-260 JATM, purchasing up to 450 missiles, while also advancing sovereign missile capability through a successful domestically developed solid rocket motor flight test.

Artificial Intelligence

How a former Marine is rewriting the future of battlefield AI

The technical leader is transforming data workflows to deliver AI capabilities to frontline troops, using smaller edge-computing nodes and streamlined data processes. The approach, already supporting operations like Epic Fury, aims to accelerate battlefield decision-making.

Air & Space Power

Japanese F-35As in first-ever deployment to Pitch Black

Six aircraft and 250 personnel practised air defence, tactical attack and dispersed refuelling at RAAF Base Tindal. Large-force scenarios also qualified pilots as mission commanders while strengthening trilateral combat integration with Australia and the US.

Military History

From the ANI Archives: The Surface Warship as Force Multiplier

Australia’s maritime security requires balanced fleets able to control sea lanes, sustain joint operations and project graduated force. Historical cases show capability breadth, adequate numbers and the rule of three are essential to resilience.

HMAS Brisbane fires a Tomahawk

Military Management

Missiles worth $40 million a shot rack up America's Iran war costs

The conflict highlights a growing sustainability problem — sophisticated weapons can provide effective protection, but limited stocks, high costs and lengthy production times constrain future options. "Qualitative edge will always allow us to win" is a fallacy.

Military Management

Everyone is learning the wrong lessons from Ukraine’s drone war

The war has demonstrated that military advantage comes not from the best drone, but from an adaptive innovation ecosystem that integrates technology, human judgment, industry, doctrine, and battlefield feedback to continuously improve capabilities.

Military History

The Octane Revolution: How Jimmy Doolittle Catalyzed a Wartime Industry

High-octane aviation fuel was a decisive, often overlooked, Allied advantage in World War II. Its development aided victory in the Battle of Britain and created the industrial foundation for America’s post-war automotive and petrochemical prosperity.

Artificial Intelligence

Chinese military researchers tap US AI models to train defence systems

The researchers are using outputs from OpenAI and Anthropic models to train domestic AI systems via distillation, accelerating defence applications such as surveillance, cyber warfare, targeting and autonomous operations. Happening despite US technology restrictions.

Air & Space Power

Airpower opened Iran’s skies. Why hasn’t it reopened Hormuz?

The article argues that Operation Epic Fury exposed a weakness in traditional airpower: achieving air superiority and destroying Iranian assets has not stopped low-cost drones and missiles from disrupting Strait of Hormuz shipping.

Strategic Influence

China pushes harder in South China Sea – as global attention drifts away

The expanding its presence in disputed South China Sea waters, challenges the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea as the primary framework for maritime governance, and raises concerns about the rules-based international order.

Technology & Innovation

It is time to reconsider the costs of new energetics

The author asserts the Pentagon should assess advanced energetic materials like CL-20 by their system-wide benefits—not just upfront costs. Greater range and lethality could reduce munition use, platform losses and overall military spending.

Military History

The Importance of the Invasion of Sicily

Operation Husky captured Sicily, toppled Mussolini, and enabled the invasion of Italy; but Allied command failures allowed more than 100,000 Axis troops to escape. The campaign highlights enduring lessons about coalition coordination and joint planning.

Technology & Innovation

Jet and helicopter drones, pilot helmet touted as advances in use of ‘loyal wingman’ in combat

Aviation operations are evolving through autonomous aircraft, combat drones and next-generation pilot interfaces, enabling future air forces to increase combat mass, enhance situational awareness and reduce personnel risk during operations in contested environments.

Air & Space Power

New Sikorsky system lets BETA cargo aircraft fly dangerous supply missions

Autonomous flight technology is being integrated into hybrid VTOL logistics aircraft to enhance uncrewed resupply operations in contested environments, improving operational resilience, reducing risk to personnel and accelerating the adoption of autonomous military aviation.

Communication & Cognition

Total War on Taipei: China Explores Elevating Cognitive Effects into Its Vision of Warfare

China’s military researchers proposed a Taiwan war concept combining blockade, precision strikes, and cognitive warfare to rapidly incapacitate Taipei, break public will, and force surrender, reflecting China’s broader “national total war” strategy.

Air & Space Power

Lockheed Martin’s Morfius X-Rotor built to fry 50 enemy drones in one flight

The prototype reusable ground-launched high-power microwave counter-drone system is designed for low-cost, one-to-many engagements. It aims to attack swarms while reducing reliance on expensive interceptors. Built to be recovered, it utilises any command-and-control system.

Before a Cyber Force, Fix Cyber Governance

The author argues the Pentagon should prioritise establishing clear cyber governance and accountability before creating a Cyber Force, as force-generation problems stem from fragmented ownership of cyberspace rather than the absence of a dedicated service.

Technology & Innovation

In first, US uses sea drones in combat in Iran strikes: CENTCOM

The un-crewed surface vessels—Corsair Sea drones—struck an Iranian submarine and ship maintenance facility at the Bandar Abbas Naval Base, degrading maritime attack capabilities and highlighting the growing operational role of naval drones.

Air & Space Power

From S-500 to THAAD: These are seven of the world’s most advanced air defense systems

Modern integrated air defence systems provide layered protection against aircraft, ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, drones and emerging hypersonic threats, with leading global systems optimised for different operational roles, rather than a single universal capability.

SWARMS Sea Robotics unmanned vehicles

Artificial Intelligence

Ukraine Shows AI Changing How Coalitions Fight

AI is reshaping how partners coordinate and share information—improving speed and precision while exposing gaps in integration, trust, and data management across complex, multi-team environments. Shared data improves coordination between dispersed teams and systems.

F/A-18 Hornet Middle East.

Strategic Influence

Bookshelf: Iran’s Grand Strategy

Regime survival is the highest priority. The long-term approach reflects careful balancing of risk, influence, and survival—using indirect methods and regional partnerships to extend reach while avoiding pressures that could threaten internal stability.

HMAS Adelaide sails into a rain cloud

Artificial Intelligence

When War Reaches the Cloud, AI Becomes a Target

As conflict extends into digital infrastructure, artificial intelligence systems become vulnerable targets—raising risks to services, trust, and decision-making that societies increasingly rely on every day. Adversaries may manipulate training data to influence outcomes.

Technology & Innovation

China’s new navigation edge

China is moving beyond satellite navigation. It is testing biological and magnetic alternatives. Western systems still rely on satellites. This gap weakens crisis stability, erodes advantage, and could shape outcomes if signal denial becomes routine.

Technology & Innovation

Move to non-GPS navigation

Quantum navigation offers precise positioning without satellites. It works underwater and underground. Trials show promise, but ruggedisation remains key—success would reduce disruption risks, protect critical systems, and strengthen resilience where signals fail or are denied.

Technology & Innovation

Analysis of new naval attack method

Ukraine struck a submarine in harbour using an unmanned underwater drone. The attack shows how ports and fixed assets are exposed. Innovation now shapes maritime risk and rewards those who adapt faster.

Strategic Influence

A “new normal”: Tracking the rise of global conflict

Global violence is becoming more frequent and less restrained. States and armed groups are normalising harm to civilians. Data shows protest, insurgency, and conflict spreading—challenging assumptions about stability.

Strategic Influence

Ukraine launches attacks on Russia's shadow fleet in foreign waters

Ukraine is targeting oil tankers linked to Russia’s shadow fleet beyond its waters. The strikes aim to cut war funding, expose sanction gaps, and highlight rising risks to shipping, energy supply, and undersea infrastructure.

Strategic Influence

Why North Korea is modernising its conventional arsenal

North Korea is rebuilding its conventional forces using Russian funding and battlefield lessons. This shift widens regional risk, adds non-nuclear pressure options, and points to faster arms competition shaped by modern warfare experience.

Military History

Why Hitler declared war on the United States

Hitler seized Pearl Harbor as the moment to formalise a long-planned clash with the United States. Japan’s entry promised naval weight and distraction—so Berlin rushed to declare war first and widen the conflict fast.

Technology & Innovation

A drone ‘war is more silent and more deadly’ — and America is behind

Drone warfare now shapes daily survival and battlefield outcomes. Cheap, adaptable systems dominate. Forces that fail to match speed, scale, and electronic resilience risk being outpaced in any high-intensity conflict shaped by constant aerial threat.

Technology & Innovation

Threat of large trans-Pacific drones

Very long-range uncrewed underwater platforms could erode distance as a shield. China’s progress suggests new options to threaten distant ports and sea lanes. This shifts assumptions about reach, deterrence, and how maritime security must be planned.

Military History

Bookshelf: War lessons from Robert McNamara

McNamara’s (US Secretary of Defense 1961-68) experience in Vietnam highlights the need for clear exit strategies, understanding local conditions, and weighing public opinion. Misplaced loyalty, faith in numbers, and delayed honesty can lock leaders into failing choices.

Military Management

The Hidden Cost of a Missile: Why the Headlines Get Cost Wrong

Cost-per-effect analysis must account for the full operational, sustainment, and production costs of a capability, not just the headline price of individual munitions. True effectiveness considers both tactical outcomes and scalability under wartime conditions.

Air & Space Power

RAAF ambitions: Ghost Bat successor, big missiles and more

New air combat systems, anti-ship, long-range and hypersonic weapons and, a future aircraft planned. Long-range operations at 1,900 to 3,700 km a priority. F-35’s planned until about 2065 and a future training aircraft may have combat capability.

U.S. Air Force F-22A Raptors assigned to the 27th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron along with Royal Australian Air Force F-35A Lightning IIs from No 75 Squadron and a KC-30A Multi Role Tanker Transport aircraft from No 33 Squadron, demonstrate a show of force by conducting an elephant walk at RAAF Base Tindal, Australia,

Air & Space Power

US F-35 drops inert nuclear bomb to show future atomic strike mission capability

The F-35 successfully completed B61-12 nuclear bomb flight tests at Tonopah, Utah, validating reliability and extending weapon life by 20 years. This milestone confirms the F-35 as the only fifth-gen fighter certified for nuclear missions.

Strategic Influence

The Coming Wave: Chinese Doctrine on the Tabletop?

The wargame The Coming Wave reveals China’s precision warfare approach, combining joint firepower and information dominance. U.S. forces using mission command and decentralised control could disrupt and outpace Chinese operational planning.

Air & Space Power

Attack Helicopters Must Hunt the Hunters

American attack helicopters risk being sidelined without the ability to suppress enemy air defences independently. Low-altitude tactics, terrain masking, standoff weapons, and electronic warfare could enable deep strikes in contested airspace.

Air & Space Power

The key to winning a Pacific war: cheap cruise missiles

Mass produced, low-cost ground-launched cruise missiles and attack drones could decisively shape a Taiwan Strait war. Scalable, concealable, and lethal enough to wear down enemy fleets and disrupt logistics, they could provide a resilient defence strategy.

Army snipers, The Royal Australian Regiment

Strategic Influence

Using local advantage: how small forces can overcome insurmountable odds

Small, strategically mobile forces—when guided by patience, audacity, and mastery of local terrain—can offset numerical disadvantage and achieve stalemate as a viable pathway to success. Concentration of force remains a timeless principle.

First shots in future fights will be fired in cyberspace, leaders warn

Future conflicts may begin with homeland cyber-attacks. The US Army advocates AI-enabled mission command, data-centric operations, integrated cyber-electronic-warfare training, and division-level experimentation to achieve decision dominance and operational resilience.

Air & Space Power

US Army’s first hypersonic battery to be fully equipped by December

The U.S. Army’s first hypersonic weapon battery, Dark Eagle, will be fully armed by December 2025, marking a major milestone in America’s race with China and Russia to field operational long-range hypersonic strike capability.

Javelin FGM-148 anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) during the Direct Fire Support Weapons Basic Course at Mount Bundey Training Area, Darwin. Image has been digitally altered - composite image.

Military Management

How Long-Range Weapons Could Upend Modern Warfare

Emerging technologies are extending weapon reach, while cost and availability limit scale—blurring traditional lines between offense and defence and forcing combatants to balance precision with affordability. Affordable mass emphasises quantity over extreme range.

Silkworm Chinese anti-ship missile, RAN Clearance Diving Museum

Strategic Influence

Ukraine’s lesson for Taiwan: build big, cheap and numerous cruise missiles

The US $500,000 Flamingos use re-purposed, older jet engines and basic guidance systems and could reshape Ukraine’s deep strike campaign targeting air bases, oil refineries etc. Taiwan would need rapid-scale production and political will.

Technology & Innovation

Military Gaming to Stay Ahead, But Not the Kind You Think

Modern warfare requires fast decisions, teamwork, and system expertise. Advanced digital gaming—via simulations, VR, and adapted commercial games—builds these skills, helping U.S. troops prepare for complex, multi-domain operations and retain training dominance.

A Philippine Army M113A2 armoured personnel carrier conducts a live firing serial at Fort Magsaysay in the Philippines during Exercise ALON 25.

Strategic Influence

I spent five days observing a joint military exercise between Australia and the Philippines. Here’s what I learned.

The Joint training provided practical experience in cyber, logistics, law, and operations across multiple domains, while highlighting sensitivities around sovereignty and the need for respectful cooperation. Required over 27 flights using six C-17s.

MQ-28A Ghost Bat aircraft in front of a hangar.

Air & Space Power

First flight tests begin for Air Force’s drone wingmen

Rapid testing of US collaborative combat aircraft (CCA) highlights a new approach to acquisition—prioritising speed, competition, and adaptability to deliver scalable un-crewed systems. 1000-plus CCAs planned for strikes, reconnaissance, electronic warfare and decoys.

Strategic Influence

Warriors v soldiers – what does a modern military really need?

The article argues that modern militaries risk shaping the mindset of their service members in dangerous ways by describing them as ‘warriors’, suggesting the term can lead to a culture that embraces and celebrates war.

Strategic Influence

The key lessons Australia needs to learn from the Ukraine war

This article argues that while the Ukraine conflict offers insights into future warfare, Australia appears hesitant about applying its lessons.

Military History

The World War II destroyer escort that fought like a battleship

The Battle of Leyte Gulf (1944) was the largest naval engagement in history, involving four major engagements over four days. The U.S. destroyer escort Roberts fought valiantly against heavy Japanese cruisers, despite eventually being sunk.

Technology & Innovation

The M2 Bradley Fighting Vehicle Could Be Replaced by a 'Robot'

The XM-30 featuring artificial intelligence, autonomous capabilities and optional crewing is being developed by the US Army but faces budget constraints. Active protection systems may counter drones and missiles. The Bradley still performs well in Ukraine.

Military History

Australian Forward Air Controllers Fought Hard in the Vietnam War

RAAF pilots flew critical forward air control missions—marking targets, guiding airstrikes, and supporting troops under fire in high-risk operations. Missions required high situational awareness and precision and, coordination with ground troops and attack aircraft

Air & Space Power

The Mighty USS Nimitz Aircraft Carrier Is Nearing Retirement

Commissioned in the 1970’s, she is due to be replaced this year by the Ford Class. Nimitz can carry up to 90 aircraft and uses a cutting-edge GPS-enabled aircraft carrier landing system for F-35 aircraft.

Air & Space Power

Fearing US ‘hostility,’ Russia could ‘escalate early’ in a space conflict: RAND

This new study warns of challenges maintaining peace in space due to Russia's inflated fears of a US first strike and increasing risk tolerance; and that US officials must be prepared for contingencies.

Military History

“Black Week”: The Darkest Days for the US Army Air Forces

The 1943 bombing campaign against Germany exposed flaws in US air power doctrine, as bombers suffered heavy losses without proper fighter escort. This highlighted the need for improved tactics and demonstrated Germany’s strong aerial defences.

Air & Space Power

Sink an Aircraft Carrier? 5 Reasons It Might Be Close to Impossible

Aircraft carriers remain unmatched in military power—highly mobile, well-defended, and technologically advanced, making them nearly impossible to sink by conventional means.

Strategic Influence

Another US Strike in Yemen But Little Evidence Military Operations Are Deterring Houthis

The Pentagon has provided more details on its latest strike against Houthi targets in Yemen, but the goal of making the Red Sea safe for merchant ships still seems out of reach.

Strategic Influence

Ukraine Dragon Drones Are Now Burning Russian Tanks at 4000 Degrees

This article examines Ukraine’s new ‘dragon drones’, equipped with thermite, which are striking Russian targets with devastating precision.

Strategic Influence

US Deploys THAAD Battery, Troops to Israel Amid Rising Tensions with Iran

The US will deploy a THAAD missile defense system and support troops to Israel, reinforcing air defences amid escalating regional tensions involving Iran and its allies.

Strategic Influence

Ukraine Goes After Russia's North Korean Arms Stockpiles

Ukraine has reportedly struck a Russian depot housing ammunition made by North Korea—one of Moscow's key allies and arms suppliers.

Strategic Influence

Iran’s leaders have everything to lose in a direct war with Israel. Why take such a massive risk?

Fighting Israel is very much a pillar of Iranian state identity; and if Iran doesn’t act on this principle, there’s a serious risk of undermining its own legitimacy.

Military History

10 Roman Military Innovations You Should Know About

Explores ten Roman military innovations that transformed ancient warfare—highlighting weaponry, medical advancements, and battlefield tactics crucial to their enduring success.

Strategic Influence

The Hidden Significance of China’s Aircraft Carrier Passage Near Japan’s Yonaguni Island

This signals China's intent to challenge Japan's defence posture, reinforce claims in the East China Sea, and test regional response readiness.

Air & Space Power

Russian Su-35 aircraft shown 'headbutting' a US F-16 fighter jet at close range off Alaska

"Headbutting" is an aggressive manoeuvre where one aircraft flies dangerously close to another, forcing it to alter course or risk collision, often used for intimidation or deterrence.

Strategic Influence

Lessons from Black Sea and Red Sea

The US Navy's goal of 80% combat readiness is ambitious—critical for rapid deployment, but it will demand strong emphasis on personnel training, resource allocation, and streamlined logistics.

Strategic Influence

Russia’s Ukraine Casualty Crisis: Nearly 10,000 Troops Lost in One Week of Fighting

This article examines the war in Ukraine as it approaches its third anniversary, and the Russian casualties that are mounting at a staggering rate.

Military History

Air Power in the Falklands Conflict: An Operational Insight

Book Review: This book provides a detailed operational analysis of air power in the Falklands Conflict, challenging popular narratives and highlighting critical lessons in military planning and execution.

Strategic Influence

F-35: The Fighter Jet Every Air Force on Earth Now Wants

This article examines the ever-increasing interest in the F-35 Lightning II, with Romania set to purchase 32 jets, making it the third Eastern European NATO member to operate the jet.

Strategic Influence

Experts react: What’s behind the Hezbollah beeper and walkie-talkie explosions

In this article, three Atlantic Council experts discuss recent events in Lebanon when beepers and walkie-talkies used by Hezbollah exploded in a coordinated manner on successive days.

Military History

The Great Marianas Turkey Shoot: 19-20 June 1944

The "Great Marianas Turkey Shoot" secured U.S. naval air dominance by devastating Japan’s carrier-based aircraft—shifting the balance of power in the Pacific permanently.

Strategic Influence

China's J-11B Fighter Is a 'Clear and Present Danger' Thanks to Russia

China's J-11B fighter—based on the Russian Su-27—highlights advancements in reverse engineering and homegrown tech, showcasing upgraded weapons systems and avionics that enhance its combat capability.

Technology & Innovation

What Australia can learn from Ukraine’s long-range strike weapons

Australia’s 2024 National Defence Strategy emphasises developing long-range strike capabilities. Ukraine’s effective mix of high-end and indigenous weapons could be a model.

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.

Technology & Innovation

Dark Eagle: Army's Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon Looks Epic

The Dark Eagle hypersonic weapon's range and speed offer significant strategic advantages, reshaping conventional deterrence and counter-strike capabilities, underscoring the importance of advancing long-range strike options in modern defence planning.

Strategic Influence

Ukraine War: Kursk Offensive Has Taken the War Into Russia and Put Putin on the Back Foot – For Now

Ukraine's unexpected advance into Russia's Kursk region highlights strategic ingenuity, utilizing surprise and coordination to challenge Russian forces. This move could pressure Russia diplomatically, but the long-term impact remains uncertain.

Strategic Influence

Deterrence and alliance power: Why the AUKUS submarines matter and how they can be delivered

This comprehensive article outlines why nuclear submarines are a key component of the Defence Strategic Review.

Strategic Influence

Is Ukraine’s raid into Russia a ‘crossing the Delaware’ moment?

This article examines Ukraine’s audacious raid into Russia’s Kursk Province which captured enemy soldiers, destroyed equipment, and discomforted the Kremlin. Could this strategic success help turn the tide of this war like George Washington’s Delaware crossing did in 1776?

Strategic Influence

Explained: The B-21 Raider Stealth Bomber Has Just 1 Mission

This article examines the critical role the new B-21 Raider stealth bomber is expected to play in deterring Chinese aggression. The plane’s capabilities give it the potential to penetrate advanced air defence systems, and carry both nuclear and conventional weapons.

Air & Space Power

Warship Destroyed: A U.S. Navy F/A-18F Super Hornet Fired a 'Stealth Munition'

The article details a US Navy F/A-18F Super Hornet's successful mission in destroying a warship, highlighting technological advancements and strategic impacts on naval warfare, offering insights for enhancing Australia's defence strategy.

Strategic Influence

Networked Sniper Pod Will Let 4th-Generation Fighters Create ‘Kill Webs’ With F-35s

This article examines the roll-out of Lockheed Martin’s newest version of its sniper targeting pod, providing added networking capabilities designed to create a secure link between non-stealthy 4th-generation fighters, and stealthy 5th-generation fighters.

Strategic Influence

Putin the Desperate: Russia Is Losing Tanks Now at an 'Unsustainable' Rate

This article examines Russia’s unsustainable loss of tanks in its war against Ukraine, and highlights Russia’s desperation in redeploying its Cold War-era T-62 tanks which are struggling with the weight of additional armour needed to fight a modern war.

Strategic Influence

EA-18G Growler Scored Its First Air-To-Air Kill

This article examines a US Navy EA-18G electronic warfare jet that claimed the platform’s first air-to-air kill, illustrating the combat effectiveness of the aircraft’s AIM-120 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM).

Strategic Influence

South Korea to deploy 'StarWars' laser weapons targeting North Korean drones

This article offers a detailed look at South Korea's deployment of laser weapons to counter North Korean drones, highlighting the strategic implications for regional defense and the technological advancements in South Korea's military capabilities.

Strategic Influence

F-16s to be ‘flying in the skies of Ukraine this summer,’ US says

This article offers a detailed look at the strategic implications of the U.S. supplying Ukraine with F-16s, highlighting the potential enhancement of Ukraine's defence capabilities and the associated challenges and risks.

Technology & Innovation

Defeating deadly sea mines

The article addresses the ongoing threat of sea mines and the use of unmanned systems to combat them. It provides a defence focus on modern mine countermeasures, highlighting their significance for maintaining naval security.

Military History

Korean War, 1950-53 AUSTRALIAN WAR MEMORIAL (AWM)

This article examines Australia's involvement in the Korean War from 1950-1953, detailing the contributions of the Royal Australian Navy, Air Force, and Army. It highlights key battles, strategic decisions, and the broader impact on Australia's military history and international relations.

Strategic Influence

Enabling Logistics in Contested Environments

Emerging technologies are revolutionising logistics in contested environments, focusing on resilient, adaptive systems to ensure supply chain continuity. Understanding these advancements is vital for military professionals to enhance operational effectiveness and maintain supply lines under adversarial conditions.

Technology & Innovation

This tech startup is putting drones in soldiers’ backpacks

China is beating America in combat drone innovation; and a US business is trying to change that.

Strategic Influence

Is China at War in the South China Sea?

While China’s conduct in the South China Sea is short of open warfare, it is indisputably warlike.

Military History

What went wrong at Gallipoli?

A 1907 study showing Allied navies attacking Constantinople forcing Turkey out of the war was unfeasible but, ignored in 1915.

Strategic Influence

Momentum 'Clearly' Building for NATO Troops in Ukraine

After more than two years of full-scale war in Ukraine, the French-led push for deeper involvement is making headway.

Technology & Innovation

Inside BlueHalo’s quest to make the Pentagon’s laser weapon dreams a reality

The US military is now officially using laser weapons in combat zones.

Air & Space Power

The Age of the F-15 Fighter is Now Completely Over

Analysis of the F-15's retirement highlighting technological evolution and future replacements.

Technology & Innovation

How an Air Force F-22 Raptor Stealth Fighter Flew Under Iran's F-4 Undetected

After surveying the F-4’s weapons load, the US pilot then alerted the Iranians to his presence.

Strategic Influence

A Whole Bunch of F-22s Are Flocking to This Tiny Island on China's Doorstep

The U.S. has positioned F-22 Raptors close to China, enhancing rapid response capabilities and regional air superiority.

Air & Space Power

The Space Force Is About to Play Space Wars in Earth Orbit

Two contracted companies will partner with Space Force to carry-out a realistic threat response exercise.

Air & Space Power

The U.S. Navy Should Make Every Warship Into an 'Aircraft Carrier'

Integrating aviation across the U.S. surface fleet could cut costs and boost combat effectiveness.

Military History

1942: Navajo Code Talkers

During WWII, Navajo Code Talkers created an unbreakable code, providing vital communication for U.S. Marines in the Pacific theatre.

Air & Space Power

NGAD: The 6th Generation Air Force Fighter Is a Tragic Mistake

NGAD warplane development considered by some experts to be outdated and impractical.

Military History

The Only Time a Battleship Sunk an Aircraft Carrier

Escorted, but lacking radar and airborne scouting, HMS Glorious was caught completely off-guard.

Air & Space Power

Dark Eagle: The Army Wants a Mach 5 Hypersonic Missile That Can Strike from 1,725 Miles Away

The U.S. Army and Navy unite efforts in the development of the Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon (LRHW) "Dark Eagle" to maintain competitiveness.ly.

Strategic Influence

5,000 Iranian AK-47s seized from smugglers are now going to Ukraine

Weapons intercepted by US and allies en route to Iranian-backed Houthi militias in Yemen.

Strategic Influence

The Age of the M1 Abrams Tank Is Coming to an End

Conflict in the Ukraine has shown that drones and other inexpensive anti-tank systems can disable/destroy expensive tanks

Military History

The Evolution of Aerial Warfare in WWII: From the Battle of Britain to the Bombing of Germany

Strategic bombing evolved as both the Axis and Allies adjusted their tactics and technology.

Strategic Influence

The Oldest Ships and Submarines in the US Navy

USS Blue Ridge, active since 1970, is the oldest commissioned warship.

Air & Space Power

High maintenance 'prima donna' F-16 jets will be hard work for Ukraine, former US Marine pilot says

F-16s, being "sensitive" and "highly engineered," contrast with Ukraine's rugged, Soviet-era MiG jets.

Technology & Innovation

US Navy warships have the tools to fend off exploding drones like those wrecking a Russian fleet, but it's a dangerous and evolving threat

Naval drones test Western navies' readiness for changing asymmetrical warfare.

Strategic Influence

The U.S. Navy's Nightmare: The Aircraft Carrier's Days Are Numbered

US Navy should focus less on aircraft carriers, and more on submarines.

Air & Space Power

India approves full development of fifth-generation fighter

Work on the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) twin-engine stealth fighter will now press ahead.

Strategic Influence

NATO JAS 39 Gripen Fighters Already Giving Russia's Air Force Problems

The Swedish Air Force has taken part in a NATO air mission, intercepting Russian aircraft.

Air & Space Power

Ukraine’s Drones Are Hunting Down Russia’s Best Fighter-Bombers At Their Base Deep Inside Russia

The Ukrainian military has moved to targeting Russian aircraft on the ground.

Air & Space Power

US Air Force special ops forces are turning big cargo planes into bombers with a new weapon

Air Mobility Command (AMC) has been test-dropping pallets of cruise missiles from cargo planes like the C-17 and MC-130J.

Technology & Innovation

101st Airborne first Army unit to field Next Generation Squad Weapons

The new weaponry includes the XM7 rifle, the XM250 automatic rifle, and the XM157 fire control advanced optic.

Strategic Influence

The meaning of Sweden’s NATO accession

The decision to join NATO was largely influenced by Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

Air & Space Power

Air Force’s first Grey Wolf patrol helicopter arrives at Malmstrom

The US Air Force's MH-139, begins operations to secure land-based nuclear missiles, replacing the 54 year old UH-1N Huey design.

Military History

Guns That Contributed to American Victory in WWII

WWII transformed the US firearms industry, leading to the production of iconic weapons crucial to victory.

Air & Space Power

U.S. Air Force Boosts Pacific Presence With Hot-Pit Refueling Expansion

This method significantly reduces ground time for military aircraft, by refuelling them with engines running.

Air & Space Power

Nordic nations move to link air forces into 250-strong aircraft fleet

The initiative takes place against the backdrop of persisting security tensions, provoked by Russia’s war against Ukraine.

Technology & Innovation

Defence to trial drone-killing lasers that use advanced 'directed energy' technology

The Australian Defence Force is trialling a Melbourne company's directed energy (DE) laser technology.

Air & Space Power

F-35I Adir: Israel Has A 'Custom' F-35 No Nation Can Match

The aircraft stands as a pivotal asset in Israel’s defence arsenal and is tailored for the nation's unique security requirements.

Air & Space Power

The F-35 Is Now the World’s First Stealth Fighter Certified to Carry a Nuke

F-35As now dual-capable for conventional and nuclear warfare.

Technology & Innovation

The classroom is a battle lab: Using professional military education to usher in a new era of algorithmic warfare

The Marine Corps University is turning classrooms into battle labs for experimentation and innovation with AI/ML in warfare.

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.

Air & Space Power

Here’s how the Air Force’s new task forces will reshape deployments

USAF will launch three new air task forces this year to help provide a more predictable deployment cycle for airmen.

Air & Space Power

Every Plane and Helicopter The US Military Is Buying

The main competitive advantage the United States has over the rest of the world, militarily, is its Air Force.

Strategic Influence

Developing effective deterrence—from the war fighters’ perspective

US Military: Allies must formulate clear response to counter China in Indo-Pacific.

Strategic Influence

NATO Will Be Drawn Into War With Russia if Ukraine Loses: Lloyd Austin

U.S. Defense Secretary predicts more Putin aggression if Ukraine falls.

Strategic Influence

Singapore to buy eight F-35 jets, raise defense budget

The F-35A’s will supplement orders for 12 vertical take-off F35B’s due by 2030.

Technology & Innovation

China and Russia are outpacing the US and its allies in military technology development, Australian defense official warns

Australia's Deputy Secretary of Strategy, Policy, and Industry warns of China's aggression in the Indo-Pacific, urging US-Australia collaboration.

Strategic Influence

Caught on Camera: A Ballistic Missile’s Wrath Wreaks Havoc

Russian strikes target Ukrainian HIMARS and Patriot air defence launchers, impacting military and air defence capabilities.

Strategic Influence

Medium Aircraft Carriers: The Warship the U.S. Navy Needs to Build?

The concept of Medium Aircraft Carriers was set aside due to the superior operational capabilities of the larger carriers.

Strategic Influence

The Russian Military Has Bigger Problems In Ukraine Than Lost Tanks

Russian military's loss of 3,700+ officers severely impacts operations and strategy.

Strategic Influence

The Age of the Aircraft Carrier Is Over

The US needs to strategically pivot towards submarines and more agile surface ships, alongside investment in hypersonic and space weapons.

Strategic Influence

Can Europe Arm Itself?

EU Commission President Von der Leyen proposes unified military boost, citing uncertain Russian intentions.

Strategic Influence

Su-34s Are Russia’s Best Precision Bombers. Which Is Why Ukraine Is Shooting Them Down—As Fast As It Can.

The Su-34s are vital to Russia’s war effort—and the loss of so many is a big problem for the Kremlin.

Technology & Innovation

Northrop ‘combat edge’ software connects troops without cloud

The software enables troops to receive, share, and tailor data without reliance on distant cloud servers.

Military History

Casablanca-Class: The U.S. Navy Built 50 'Baby' Aircraft Carriers in a Just 1 Year

The small mass-produced escort carriers transformed WW2 naval warfare, demonstrating the value of simple, numerous platforms in wartime.

Air & Space Power

Space Force Tech: Weapons and Equipment Beyond Earth's Atmosphere

Space Force doesn’t yet engage in space battles, but does possess a significant amount of technology to protect the US.

Strategic Influence

Poland signs $2.5 billion deal for US air-defense software hub

It is set to acquire the Integrated Battle Command System, or IBCS, to synchronize the nation’s air-and missile-defence weapons.

Strategic Influence

Trailblazers: IDF’s engineers transform the North

Israeli Reservists engineer hundreds of new access routes in northern Israel.

Military Management

Exhausted Ukraine struggles to find new men for front line

Ukraine's struggles offer an object lesson in managing personnel during conflict.

Strategic Influence

NATO Is Spending Billions To Become an Even Bigger Military Powerhouse

18 NATO members should reach the 2% defence spending target, with a combined investment of $380 billion in 2024.

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.

Technology & Innovation

New thermal scope lets snipers see bullets in flight without tracers

The ThermoSight HISS-HD enables long-range engagement while preserving stealth.

Military History

Resource Page: Australian Forces WW2 Battles

An overview of World War II battles where Australian forces made significant contributions, emphasizing their roles and achievements.

Strategic Influence

Ukraine’s Ex-American M-1 Abrams Tanks Are In Action

Ukraine received 31 of the 69-ton, four-person M-1A1 Situational Awareness tanks.

Strategic Influence

How Russia and Ukraine's Losses Compare

Two years into Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the human cost of 24 months of warfare is staggering.

Technology & Innovation

The U.S. Navy's New Constellation-Class Are Packed with Firepower

Anti-submarine vessels feature advanced radar, combat systems, guns, and vertical launch systems.

Strategic Influence

Japan's 'Big Whale' submarines add another weapon to bottle up China's navy

Their advanced capabilities and stealth make them prime candidates for ambushes on Chinese warships.

Strategic Influence

The Navy gets bigger under the fleet review. But is it enough?

The Royal Australian Navy is poised to expand its firepower over the next decade, in line with the 2023 Defence Strategic Review.

Air & Space Power

Odin’s Eye to expand EU space-based, missile-warning system

It focuses on identifying and monitoring ballistic, hypersonic, and anti-satellite weapons.

Strategic Influence

The government has unveiled its Navy of the future. Will it solve our current problems – or just create new ones?

Australia's naval challenges include aging fleets, rising project costs, and crew shortages, leading to a strategic review.

Air & Space Power

Robot wingmen vs. China: What a think tank’s wargame revealed about a key USAF concept

The Mitchell Institute's wargame emphasizes affordable drones, preferring cost-effective Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCAs) for efficiency.

Strategic Influence

Overcoming A Clausewitz-Centric Mindset In Nontraditional Wars – Analysis

Clausewitz's paradigm, focused on state-on-state conflict, is limited in addressing the complexities of modern insurgencies.

Strategic Influence

Multi-domain combat units and preparing Australia for an era of ‘archipelagic denial’

The Defence Strategic Review gave the Australian Army several force structure priorities, including ‘littoral manoeuvre capability by sea, land and air’.

The 13 Most Cunning and Ruthless Military Leaders of All Time

The leadership tactics of 13 shrewd strategists remain admired and studied today, despite the passage of time.

Strategic Influence

The Future of Missile Defense

We are headed into an advanced precision strike regime with improved accuracies for weapons of longer ranges.

Technology & Innovation

Military technology is outpacing our diplomatic capacity

Space robotics is a military-use technology that is developing faster than diplomatic efforts to contain the dangers.

Strategic Influence

Amid Red Sea clashes, Navy leaders ask: Where are our ship lasers?

Despite their successes, US Navy ships are fighting without a potential key asset: the long-planned and ever-elusive laser.

Artificial Intelligence

Technologies like artificial intelligence are changing our understanding of war

AI won't replace humans in combat but will change perceptions and strategies in warfare.

Strategic Influence

USS Jimmy Carter Is the U.S. Navy's Remarkable Seawolf-Class Spy Submarine

Over the past decade or so, underwater cables, infrastructure and other networks have grown exponentially.

Strategic Influence

Air Force preps for mega overhaul with an eye toward China

The service is expected to announce major changes to its air wings and command structure, very soon.

Technology & Innovation

The fate of Army Special Operations Forces

As well as peer to peer conflicts, the US Army must continue to maintain special operations forces for irregular warfare.

Strategic Influence

Resource Page: Russo-Ukraine Conflict

Provides links to articles and books about the 2022 Russo-Ukraine Conflict.

Strategic Influence

WARFIGHTING—Military Topics…. The Oxford Very Short Introduction Series (VSI)

Oxford's Very Short Introductions offer brief insights into military topics, making them accessible for all interested in warfare and strategy.

Resource Page: List of WW2 battles New Guinea & SW Pacific—1941 – 45.

How the allies countered the Japanese invasion of the territory of PNG, leading to eventual Japanese defeat.

Air & Space Power

Australia to focus R&D on asymmetric warfighting, chief scientist says

The Defence Strategic Review (DSR) is changing the way Australia’s defence and innovation ecosystems interact.

Technology & Innovation

Ukraine war inspires weapons that crack battle tanks at weakest point

The new weapons counter tanks by targeting their top vulnerabilities and deploy drones to shower infantry with metal fragments.

Military History

MILITARY HISTORY: INDEX of PAGES AND COLLECTIONS ON THE RAAF RUNWAY

LINKS TO: The RAAF Runway Content related to the Study of Military History

Strategic Influence

Israel's Gaza Assault Lays Ground for Lebanon Clash

As Israel seeks victory in Gaza, military lessons learned there may prove useful in any renewed conflict with Hezbollah.

Communication & Cognition

Preliminary Lessons in Conventional Warfighting from Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine: February–July 2022

Lessons to be learned are the importance of close air support, good communication and logistics, unity of command, high-quality junior leadership and effective and efficient training.

Australian Defence Force Cyber Gap Program participants compete in a 'capture the flag' cyber skills challenge in Canberra from 24 to 30 May 2021..

How cyberspace has become the new battleground in modern day warfare

Bolstering cybersecurity has become more critical than ever in the 21st century; battles are now being fought digitally and with missiles as nations wage war in new and complex arenas.

Military History

Pearl Harbour: The Day of Infamy, 7 December 1941

The attack on Pearl Harbour by Japan and the declaration of war against the USA by Nazi Germany brought America into WW2; which four years later resulted in the unconditional surrender of both Japan and Germany.

Military History

Tobruk: 8 facts about the WW2 confrontation in North Africa

German propaganda’s use of the term 'Rats of Tobruk’ hardened the resolve of Tobruk’s Australian and British defenders.

HMAS Warramunga conducts maritime manoeuvres with warships from India and Japan in during Exercise MALABAR 2021.

Strategic Influence

Warfighting at Sea: What Has Changed Since the Falklands War of 1982

The lessons of the Falklands War are still relevant for informing modern military strategies.

Royal Australian Navy sailor Able Seaman Boatswain's Mate Bradley Hocking prepares to fire an F89 Minimi on the gun directional platform of HMAS Arunta during Exercise Milan 2022.

Strategic Influence

The Rise of the Present Unconventional Character of Warfare

Western preoccupation with conventional warfare leaves a vacuum for unconventional measures to take hold where only a whole-of-government response will prevail.

Royal Australian Navy frigate HMAS Arunta sails in company with Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force destroyer JS Yuudachi (rear) and United States Navy destroyer USS Momsen (centre) while conducting trilateral naval exercises through the South China Sea.

Strategic Influence

Enhancing Forward Defense: The Role of Allies and Partners in the Indo-Pacific

The US needs to engage in new ways with its Indo-Pacific Allies to maintain regional stability.