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We promote independent and innovative thinking to enhance Australia’s integrated 5th Generation force capability. Through our events & programs , we connect a wide network of practitioners, experts and academics to forge new ideas for future military force design with a networked edge. Informed discussion and debate about force design issues affecting Australia - presented by emerging thought-leaders in the field. Finding your voice - writing, ranting and risk Revolutions in Military Affairs? Evolve Your Thinking Announcing the 2022 Dr Alan Stephens Air Power Literary Prize winner MORE TCB ARTICLES EVENTS CONFERENCE PROCEEDINGS Our events attract an influential cross-section of military and industry practitioners, policy makers and academics - and cover critical issues central to Australia's future Defence capability challenges Errol McCormack Lunch - The Honourable Kim Beazley AC Thu, 30 Nov The Boathouse By The Lake 30 Nov, 12:15 pm – 2:30 pm AEDT The Boathouse By The Lake, Menindee Dr, Barton ACT 2600, Australia 30 Nov, 12:15 pm – 2:30 pm AEDT The Boathouse By The Lake, Menindee Dr, Barton ACT 2600, Australia Australia’s Defence – what can we afford? Register Now MORE EVENTS EXPERT ANALYSIS In-depth thinking by our highly experienced network of non-resident fellows, scholars and active practitioners Oct 8 1 min Conference: Final Report - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird, Final Report, 8 Oct 2023 Oct 1 4 min 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... MORE EXPERT ANALYSIS NEWS & UPDATES Stay up-to-date with the latest in the Foundation's news and activities > Oct 8 Conference: Final Report - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird, Final Report, 8 Oct 2023 Sep 29 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... WILLIAMS VIDEO Catch the latest interviews & conversations with leading military & thought-leaders Watch Now Platinum Corporate Partner

PARTNERING We offer unique opportunities to participate and partner in our work. Whether you're seeking to participate on an individual basis, or to align your organisation with our endeavours, we have a range of membership and partnering packages designed to suit your needs. Corporate Partners & Sponsors Read More Membership ​ Read More Knowledge Network ​ Read More

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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.

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 ​

EVENTS Our events are a fusion of influential ideas and powerful networking opportunities Our events attract an influential cross-section of Defence leaders, researchers and industry practitioners to share international and local experiences around future force thinking. Whether it be our day-long conferences, or our popular luncheon series, they're proven to be forums that offer focused, sharp insights that generate crucial ideas for the future. Upcoming Events Thu, 30 Nov The Boathouse By The Lake Errol McCormack Lunch - The Honourable Kim Beazley AC 30 Nov, 12:15 pm – 2:30 pm AEDT The Boathouse By The Lake, Menindee Dr, Barton ACT 2600, Australia Australia’s Defence – what can we afford? Register Now Event Proceedings Anchor 1 Download presentation packs, speeches and other materials from our previous events. The Strike Enterprise and the Royal Air Force - Dr Robbin Laird Preparedness and Fighting with the Force You Have Now - Dr Robbin Laird Conference: Final Report - Dr Robbin Laird MORE PROCEEDINGS

News & Updates Stay up-to-date with the latest from the Foundation. Oct 8 Conference: Final Report - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird, Final Report, 8 Oct 2023 Sep 29 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 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 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 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... Feb 1, 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 22, 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 31, 2019 Conference: The Requirements of Fifth Generation Manoeuvre - Final Report Dr Robbin Laird Final Report: The Requirements of Fifth Generation Manoeuvre October 2019 Mar 28, 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 25, 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 15, 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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Submissions to The Central Blue Impart your ideas to the policy, operational and industrial ecosystem wrestling with the future of Australia’s military capability. The Central Blue is the Williams Foundation’s online forum that promotes informed discussion and debate to shed light on new airpower and force design issues affecting Australia. The blog is read by a wide audience including Service Chiefs, operational service members, academics, technology strategists, and industry leaders. This opportunity allows you to share your perspectives with a varied audience, while also contributing ideas to the broader Defence sector who are seeking to position Australia’s military posture for the future ​ Making a Submission We welcome submissions from contributors of all backgrounds, and particularly encourage serving military practitioners to contribute, in order to foster a new generation of air power thinkers. ​ To submit a post to The Central Blue, please send it to the editors at thecentralblue@gmail.com ​ Posts should be generally be 800-1500 words, comply with TCB Contributor Guidelines , and be accompanied by a brief bio. Publication will be entirely at editorial discretion. ​ Keen to write but need some guidance? Email us and we can link you up with a mentor-editor who can assist you prior to formal submission. ​ ​ Contributor Guidelines In preparing your submission, please consult the Contributor Guidelines: ​ Submission Guidelines

Expert Analysis In-depth thinking by our highly experienced network of military scholars and practitioners. ​ ​ Oct 8 1 min Conference: Final Report - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird, Final Report, 8 Oct 2023 Oct 1 4 min 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 2 min 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 11 min 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 1 min 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 6 min 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 4 min 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 1 min 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 3 min 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 3 min 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... Apr 13 8 min Shaping a Nuclear Submarine Enterprise in Australia - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird, Shaping a Nuclear Submarine Enterprise in Australia: The Perspective of Vice-Admiral Jonathan Mead, 13 April 2023 Link... Apr 12 8 min The United Kingdom and Integrated Deterrence - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird, The United Kingdom and Integrated Deterrence: The Perspective of Air Marshal Harvey Smyth, 12 April 2023 Link to article... Apr 11 5 min Agile Basing and Endurability as a Key Deterrent Capability - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird, Agile Basing and Endurability as a Key Deterrent Capability: A Conversation with the Air Commander Australia, 11 April... Apr 10 7 min Shaping the Australian Defence Base for Greater Deterrent Effect - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird, Shaping the Australian Defence Base for Greater Deterrent Effect, 10 April 2023 Link to article (Defense.info) A major... Apr 9 7 min Australia and Deterrence in a Global System in Flux - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird, Australia and Deterrence in a Global System in Flux, 9 April 2023 Link to article (Defense.info) The Williams... Apr 9 4 min Shaping a Way Ahead for Australian Defence - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird, Shaping a Way Ahead for Australian Defence: A Discussion with Vice-Admiral (Retired) Barrett, 9 April 2023 Link to... Apr 8 7 min Australia, Deterrence and Shaping a Way Ahead for Australian Defence - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird, Australia, Deterrence and Shaping a Way Ahead for Australian Defence: The Perspective of LTGEN Simon Stuart, 8 April... Apr 6 7 min Triton’s Role in Australian Defense and Deterrence - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird, Triton’s Role in Australian Defense and Deterrence, 6 April 2023 Link to article (Defense.info) I have followed the... Apr 6 6 min Integrated Deterrence and the China Challenge: The Perspective of General Wilsbach-Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird, Integrated Deterrence and the China Challenge: The Perspective of General Wilsbach, the PACAF Commander, 6 April 2023... Apr 5 4 min ISR and Deterrence: Or How Detection is a Key Part of the Deterrence Effort - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird, ISR and Deterrence: Or How Detection is a Key Part of the Deterrence Effort, 5 April 2023 Link to article (Defense.info)... Apr 4 5 min The Perspective of Air Marshal Chipman: Shaping a Way Ahead for the RAAF - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird, The Perspective of Air Marshal Chipman: Shaping a Way Ahead for the RAAF, 4 April 2023 Link to article (Defense.info) I... Apr 1 8 min Deterrence for a Middle Power in the Context of the Evolving Global Shift - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird, Deterrence for a Middle Power in the Context of the Evolving Global Shift: The Perspective of Air Marshal Chipman, RAAF,... Mar 31 4 min The Strategic Shift and Australia Recasts Its Defense Policy - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird, The Strategic Shift and Australia Recasts Its Defense Policy: The March Williams Foundation Seminar, 31 March 2023 Link... Oct 20, 2022 2 min The Next Phase of the Russo-Ukraine War: Impact of Air Force General Sergei Vladimirovich Surovikin By Brian Morra 20 October 2022 Link to article Brian Morra, The Next Phase of the Russo-Ukraine War: The Impact of Air Force General... Oct 17, 2022 4 min Reliable Supply Chains, Defence, Partners and Allies: Shaping a Way Ahead for Australia Dr Robbin Laird 17 October 2022 During my September 2022 trip to Australia in my role as a Research Fellow of the Williams Foundation, I... Oct 14, 2022 4 min Preparing for Major Change in Australian Defence: The September 2022 Williams Foundation Seminar Dr Robbin Laird 14 October 2022 On September 28, 2022, the Williams Foundation hosted its latest seminar. The focus was on the challenges... Oct 12, 2022 1 min 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 10, 2022 6 min Re-setting the Current Force: Shaping a Way for Ahead for the ADF in the Direct Defense of Australia Dr Robbin Laird 10 October 2022 On September 28, 2022, the Williams Foundation hosted its latest seminar. The most recent Williams... Oct 10, 2022 8 min Evolving the ADF: Force Design for the Joint Force in the Direct Defense of Australia Dr Robbin Laird 10 October 2022 With the reshaping of the ADF as a manoeuvre force operating from the continent and projecting out to... Oct 9, 2022 9 min The Whole of Nation Challenge: Australia Focuses on the Way Ahead for Defence, Williams Seminar Sep Dr Robbin Laird 9 October 2022 On September 28, 2022, the Williams Foundation hosted its latest seminar. With the shift from a primary... Oct 7, 2022 5 min The Evolving Strategic Environment and Its Impact on the ADF Dr Robbin Laird 7 October 2022 On September 28, 2022, the Williams Foundation hosted its latest seminar. The launch point for the... Oct 6, 2022 4 min Shaping a Way Ahead for the Australian Army: The Perspective of LTGEN Simon Stuart Dr Robbin Laird 6 October 2022 On September 28, 2022, the Williams Foundation hosted its latest seminar. At the Williams Foundation... Oct 6, 2022 4 min Shaping a Way Ahead for the ADF: Meeting the Financial Challenges Dr Robbin Laird 6 October 2022 On September 28, 2022, the Williams Foundation hosted its latest seminar. During my current visit to... Oct 5, 2022 5 min Air Marshal Robert Chipman on Shaping a Way Ahead for the RAAF within the Integrated Defence Force Dr Robbin Laird 5 October 2022 On September 28, 2022, the Williams Foundation hosted its latest seminar. Air Marshal Robert Chipman has... Oct 1, 2022 6 min The Scene Setting for the Next Phase of ADF Development: The Williams Foundation Seminar, Sep 22 Dr Robbin Laird 1 October 2022 The most recent Williams Foundation Seminar was held in Canberra, Australia on September 28, 2022. The... Sep 30, 2022 4 min Shaping a Way Ahead for the ADF: Air Marshal (Retired) Geoff Brown Provides His Perspective Dr Robbin Laird 30 September 2022 On September 28, 2022, the Williams Foundation hosted its latest seminar. The title of the seminar was... May 11, 2022 1 min Conference: Accelerating the Transition to a Networked, Integrated Force - Program and Presentations Accelerating the Transition to a Networked, Integrated Force National Gallery of Australia 24 March 2022 Final Report Dr Robbin Laird... Apr 27, 2022 5 min “Australia is Facing its German Moment” - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird 27 April 2022 At the Williams Foundation seminar on March 24, 2022, Peter Jennings, Executive Director of the Australian... Apr 27, 2022 4 min Looking Back and Looking Forward: Shaping a Way Ahead for the Integrated Networked - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird 27 April 2022 Interview with AIRMSHL Geoff Brown AO (Retd), Williams Foundation Chair The September 15, 2022 seminar to... Apr 21, 2022 9 min Shaping a Way Ahead for the Networked Integrated Force: The Perspective of MARFORPAC Dr Robbin Laird 21 April 2022 LtGen Steven Rudder, Commander, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific and Commanding General Fleet Marine... Apr 20, 2022 10 min Shaping a Way Ahead for the Networked Integrated Force: An Italian Air Force Perspective Dr Robbin Laird 20 April 2022 The Italian Air Force is part of the broader European defense transition in which the shift from the land... Apr 19, 2022 10 min Shaping a Way Ahead for the Networked Integrated Force: A Royal Air Force Perspective Dr Robbin Laird 19 April 2022 In his presentation to the Williams Foundation seminar held on March 24, 2022 which focused on... Feb 16, 2022 3 min 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... Jan 8, 2022 2 min Conference Final Report: The Requirements of a Sovereign Defence Space Capability - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird, Conference: The Requirements of a Sovereign Defence Space Capability 1 December 2021: A Williams Foundation Special... Jan 2, 2022 12 min The ADF and the Australian Space Enterprise Dr Robbin Laird 2 January 2022 At the December 1, 2021, Williams Foundation seminar on shaping a way ahead for the Australian space... Jan 2, 2022 7 min Shaping an Australian Space Industrial Eco-System for Defence and Security Dr Robbin Laird 2 January 2022 Sovereign Australian space requires an Australian industrial space eco-system to be shaped and enhanced.... Dec 31, 2021 7 min Sovereignty and the Australian Space Effort Dr Robbin Laird 31 December 2021 Sovereignty is a tricky term, notably when it comes to global economies and to allied based national... Dec 30, 2021 7 min Shaping a Way Ahead for the Australian Space Enterprise Dr Robbin Laird 30 December 2021 Recently, the Williams Foundation held its latest bi-annual seminar, this one focused on the way ahead... Dec 30, 2021 6 min A Look Back at the Australian Space Effort Dr Robbin Laird 30 December 2021 At the recent Williams Foundation seminar focused on Australian space held on December 1, 2021, the... Dec 1, 2021 3 min Conference: The Requirements of a Sovereign Defence Space Capability - Program and Presentations The Requirements of a Sovereign Defence Space Capability National Gallery of Australia 1 December 2021 Final Report Dr Robbin Laird...

Competitions Dr Alan Stephens Air Power Literary Prize A core objective of The Williams Foundation is to encourage informed discussion and debate on future air power capability. Accordingly, the Foundation is committed to supporting our future leaders and the development of their ideas. One way in which this occurs is through submissions to The Central Blue, an online forum encouraging informed discussion on air and space power, and the related force design issues affecting Australia. A foundational member of The Central Blue, Dr Alan Stephens has a long history of supporting this cause. Previously a lecturer at UNSW, RAAF historian, adviser in federal parliament on foreign affairs and defence, and a member of the RAAF, Dr Stephens has published and lectured extensively. In 2008 he was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for his contribution to Royal Australian Air Force history and air power strategy. In partnership with The Central Blue, The Williams Foundation will award a regular prize of A$500 for the best essay or article discussing the author's perspectives on a theme determined by the Central Blue Team. The winning essay or article will be published on The Central Blue forum. #AFSTRAT - December 2020 The competition was first held in 2020 and called for an essay or article discussing the author's perspectives on #AFSTRAT. Specifically, if and how it will ensure the Royal Australian Air Force generates sustainable and resilient air and space power within the Joint Force. Inaugural Winner - Congratulations to Squadron Leader Chris Kourloufas, for his article Creative Forces – Concepts to Support Military Creativity ​ The article takes a deep dive into creative forces. Looking past the rhetoric of ‘creative geniuses’, Kourloufas dismantles the realities of creative success and highlights the necessity of failure tolerance. Moving forward, isolated solutions will no longer be enough, with cross-domain creativity being vital for lasting long-term impact. The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) must also ensure that people know that their actions matter, no matter how small the idea. However, for an organisation that can pay for failure in blood, the challenge exists for RAAF to reach beyond the status quo and ‘dangerous comfort’ to a culture of psychological safety and disruptive innovation.

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 The Dawn Horizon: Constructing an Air Force Identity During Initial Officer Training in Australia, The United States and The United Kingdom . ​ 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 MORE EXPERT ANALYSIS 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. GPCAPT Travis Hallen The Gatekeepers: The Development of Royal Australian Air Force Maritime Patrol during the Cold War. Australian National University More details to follow 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.