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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 month on investing in integrated air and missile defence. In an article in The Australian, Brown warns that Australian military personnel and key bases remain highly vulnerable to missile attacks, highlighting that they will be vulnerable for at least another decade under the prevailing circumstances. Alongside former Chief of Army Peter Leahy, he underscores the need to prioritise funding for essential air and missile defence systems. Despite a recent acquisition of armed drones, critical gaps in missile defence persist, potentially requiring U.S. intervention to safeguard strategic bases. "At the moment, the Americans will probably bring their own [missiles for shared Top End base defence], I suspect," Brown noted. The article also features insights from other experts who stress the critical need for a "layered air and missile defence capability" and advocate for a significant budget realignment to address these vulnerabilities. Read the full article by Ben Packham for more details.

Dr Robbin Laird, Mike Pezzullo on the Strategic Shift For Australian Defence, 21 April 2024 Link to article (Defense.info) Australia as do all liberal democratic societies face significant limits on what they spend or what they can mobilize for defence. But with the changing strategic situation in which power is diffused globally, multi-polar authoritarian movements and states are aggressively pursuing their diversified agenda, and the global “rules-based order” is not only contested but in increasing disarray, how best to shape a way ahead for Australia? A key consideration for such a strategy is to engage the society in the defence of Australia, rather than relying on the ADF to be the sole segment of society responsible for defence. It is also a case that government officials and strategists acting as high priests discerning what force structure one needs in the future cannot enable the society and the economy to handle the shock of accelerating global disorder. Recently, at the Williams Foundation Seminar held on April 11, 2024, former Australian Secretary of Home Affairs, Mike Pezzullo, suggested a way ahead. Pezzullo focused on Australian efforts to become capable of significant strides in sustainability and organizing its ready and reserve forces for a defence of Australia which would allow the island continent to become a strategic operational reserve for its Indo-Pacific allies, with the United States being central but not the only ally engaged in such an operational approach. This is what he underscored at the seminar about considering the impact of armed conflict across the region upon Australia: It is probable that we would face at a minimum, cyber-attacks on critical infrastructure and essential services. Cognitive warfare would be employed using technology enabled propaganda and disinformation, which will be aimed at degrading Australia’s national will. We could not rule out the possibility of more direct action also being taken. From the perspective of the United States, I would consider Australia as the vital southern bastion in any such war in relation to a number of publicly declared intelligence, surveillance, communications and space activities in support of potential U.S. operations in the South China Sea, in the South Pacific, and in the Indian Ocean, and as a haven as required for the dispersal of U.S. forces and as a logistics maintenance and sustainment support base. If I were an American, I would also have an expectation that Australia would carry the bulk of the burden in its home theater, without unduly calling on U.S. assistance, especially where we’re stretched U.S. forces to be engaged simultaneously in combat operations in Europe, the Middle East, as well as in the Indo Pacific, if war was come to pass. This means that defence of the Australian theatre would be a higher priority for our defence planning than sending our forces forward, except for perhaps some on a limited scale. And as our principal contribution to the war effort would, in fact, be the defence of the homeland. As such, it would also be central to an adversary’s calculations about whether, when, where to strike us and how heavily. This will have implications for how we think about force structure and how to employ it operationally. That is we need to think of the ADF as an integrated and focused force optimized for a campaign on and around our territory, and in the broader airspace, seas and islands of the Australian theater of operations. On April 16, 2024, I had a chance to meet with Mike Pezzullo and to discuss the way ahead. He provided an assessment of a way ahead that would meed to be embedded in Australian culture. He started by discussing the Australian way of war. Defence has been experienced largely as an away game, and in major conflict playing a support role to a major ally. As he explained: “We are not Israel. We are not Ukraine. We are not Finland. We have not experienced the geographical proximity of war which drives consideration for all of society mobilization considerations.” What has changed is the central significance of Australia as a location within an expanded Indo-Pacific conflict. The means of war already touch Australia daily, whether they be cyber or cognitive warfare. Pezzullo underscored: “Not just the Americans, but our Japanese and South Korean allies look at us as the southern bastion of a comprehensive defence system to secure our interests.” The realty is simply that a 21st century defence effort rests on a significant expansion of a viable security system for the society and the economy. Much can be done with public engagement in strengthening Austrian security which also provides a more viable and sustainable defence of Australia capability. Engagement of society in this effort in terms of steady state efforts rather than creating panic such as happened too often in the pandemic is possible. To build on public awareness of the kind of threats posed by China and other authoritarian players to Australia is an important way ahead for working ways ahead for a more resilient and sustainable Australian economy and society. As Pezzullo emphasized: “There are several things we can do with regard to hardening telecommunications networks, actions to promoted greater energy security, shaping emergency preparations for medical care and so on that are necessary for handling emergencies and are necessary for our viability, which also prepare us for mobilization in case of war. “We need to have ongoing discussions with sectors of the economy involved in key questions affecting continuity in a period of conflict, and this work must be realistic and precise, if not always done in public. “How would we secure supplies in cases where shipping would be either cut off completely or significantly impaired? How would we ensure connectivity to support the war effort and to keep the central functions of society going when there’s a massive attack on internet underseas cables?” In my view, this is a shift from the high-priest vision of defence leadership to one more attune to 21st century defence needs, namely broader engagement of sectors of the economy and society in the enhanced security for the nation, which lays the foundation for more effective defence going forward.

Dates for 2024 are Financial members and Defence personnel are invited to attend our Williams Foundation Errol McCormack Lunches. Thursday 11 April 2024 The Multi-domain Requirements of an Australian Maritime Strategy - Conference proceedings and articles Thursday 26 September 2024 For conference details and to register click here To apply for membership click here Inquiries: events@williamsfoundation.org.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

News & Updates Stay up-to-date with the latest from the Foundation. Apr 18 Vale Errol (Mac) McCormack Air Marshal AO (Retd) It is with great sadness that we advise the passing of Errol (Mac) McCormack Air Marshal AO (Retd). Errol was born in Bundaberg in 1941... Apr 14 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, ... Oct 7, 2023 Conference: Final Report - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird, Final Report, 8 Oct 2023 Sep 29, 2023 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 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... Apr 20, 2023 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... Jan 17, 2023 Vale Senator Jim Molan AO, DSC The Sir Richard Williams Foundation is deeply saddened by the news of the passing of Senator Jim Molan AO, DSC. Jim was a Director of... Oct 12, 2022 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... Feb 16, 2022 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... Aug 25, 2021 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... Jun 10, 2021 Next Generation Autonomous Systems: Final Report - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird, Next Generation Autonomous Systems: A Williams Foundation Special Report, 9 June 2021 In this report, the key themes... Jun 8, 2021 Defence Industry and Working with Defence in Shaping a Way Ahead for Autonomous Systems Dr Robbin Laird, Defence Industry and Working with Defence in Shaping a Way Ahead for Autonomous Systems, 8 June 2021 Link to the article... Jun 5, 2021 The Australian Army, Navy and Air Force Shape a Way Ahead for the Inclusion of Autonomous Systems Dr Robbin Laird, The Australian Army, Navy and Air Force Shape a Way Ahead for the Inclusion of Autonomous Systems, 5 June 2021 Link to... Jun 4, 2021 Perspectives on the Introduction of Autonomous Systems into Combat Dr Robbin Laird, Perspectives on the Introduction of Autonomous Systems into Combat, 4 June 2021 Link to article Perspectives on the... Jun 1, 2021 Shaping the Way Ahead for Robotic and Autonomous Systems and ADF Force Development Dr Robbin Laird, Shaping the Way Ahead for Robotic and Autonomous Systems and ADF Force Development, 1 June 2021 Link to article Shaping... May 29, 2021 The Integrated Distributed Maritime Force: The Impact of Maritime Autonomous Systems Dr Robbin Laird, The Integrated Distributed Maritime Force: The Impact of Maritime Autonomous Systems, 29 May 2021 Link to article The... May 26, 2021 The Quest for Next Generation Autonomous Systems: Impact on Reshaping Australian Defence Forces Dr Robbin Laird The Quest for Next Generation Autonomous Systems: Impact on Reshaping Australian Defence Forces, Defense.info 25 May 2021... May 19, 2021 FCAS Next Steps: May 2021 UPDATE, Second Line of Defense - By Pierre Tran By Pierre Tran FCAS Next Steps: May 2021 - UPDATE Second Line of Defense 19 May 2021 Paris – France, Germany and Spain have agreed to the... Apr 12, 2021 Conference: Next Generation Autonomous Systems - Program and Presentations Next Generation Autonomous Systems National Gallery of Australia 8 April 2021 Final Report Dr Robbin Laird Synopsis and Program Handbook... Apr 10, 2021 The Strategic Shift and the Role of Airpower: A Discussion with Ben Lambeth - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird The Strategic Shift and the Role of Airpower: A Discussion with Ben Lambeth Second Line of Defense, 10 April 2021 I have... Jan 31, 2021 Book - Joint by Design: The Evolution of Australian Defence Strategy Dr Robbin Laird, Joint by Design: The Evolution of Australian Defence Strategy. 24 December 2020 Link to book details Joint by Design:... Dec 21, 2020 Joint by Design: The Evolution of Australian Defence Strategy - book by Dr Robbin Laird Second Line of Defense have published our latest book which is entitled, Joint By Design: The Evolution of Australian Defence Strategy.... Sep 15, 2020 Vale Air Marshal David Evans AC, DSO, AFC (Ret'd) Vale Air Marshal David Evans AC, DSO, AFC (Ret'd) Jul 20, 2020 SRWF Interview with CAF: Air Force Strategic Intent Williams Foundation Chair Geoff Brown Interviews CAF on Air Force Strategic Intent. Jun 28, 2020 Call for Submissions: Robotics and Autonomous Systems 2040 Call for Submissions: Robotics and Autonomous Systems 2040 – The Central Blue, The Forge, and Grounded Curiosity Jun 20, 2020 Williams Foundation Website Upgrade New website launched Oct 30, 2019 Conference: The Requirements of Fifth Generation Manoeuvre - Final Report Dr Robbin Laird Final Report: The Requirements of Fifth Generation Manoeuvre October 2019 Mar 27, 2018 Williams Foundation Research Fellow Announced On 21 March the Williams Foundation was proud to welcome Dr Robbin Laird as a Williams Foundation Fellow. The Board thanks Dr Laird for... Oct 24, 2016 Air Marshal Geoff Brown (Ret'd) elected as the new Chair of the Williams Foundation In accordance with the Constitution, Air Marshal Errol McCormack (Ret'd) was required to step down as the Chair of the Foundation at the... Mar 23, 2016 Williams Foundation submission to the Senate Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade References Committee On 2 December 2015, the Senate referred the following matter to the Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade References Committee for inquiry... Mar 14, 2016 Media Release: Launch of Air Power Scholars for Next Generation of Leaders The Chief of Air Force, Air Marshal Leo Davies, AO, CSC today launched the Air Power Scholar program as part of a cooperative endeavour...

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