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

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

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Event Proceedings Stay up-to-date - presentation packs, speeches and other materials from our previous events are available for download. Conference reports: Dr Robbin Laird, Williams Foundation Fellow, and contributor for Second Line of Defense , produces a conference report highlighting the innovation, challenges and policy implications presented. He also interviews a number of senior Defence personnel to produce a series of smaller topical articles. Australia’s Air Power: Ready for Tonight, Preparing for Tomorrow Australia's Royal Australian Air Force is shifting from expeditionary operations to homeland defense readiness amid heightened regional tensions, with Air Commodore Peter Robinson emphasizing a "fight tonight" philosophy that prioritizes immediate operational capability with current assets rather than waiting for future systems. The RAAF has modernized significantly with F-35s, Super Hornets, and Growler electronic warfare aircraft, but faces challenges in sustained operati Oct 6 Navigating the New Normal: A Paradigm Shift in Australian Defence Policy Fight Tonight: Combat Readiness at the Speed of Relevance - Paper #12 By Dr Robbin Laird The contemporary Indo-Pacific security... Oct 5 Unlocking Military Potential: The Immediate Opportunities in Uncrewed Systems Fight Tonight: Combat Readiness at the Speed of Relevance - Paper #11 By Dr Robbin Laird The recent Williams Foundation seminar on... Oct 3 Reimagining Maritime Security: Australia’s Collaborative Approach to Uncrewed Systems Fight Tonight: Combat Readiness at the Speed of Relevance - Interview Paper #10 By Dr Robbin Laird Australia faces one of the world’s... Oct 1 Rethinking Defence Logistics: The Strategic Imperative for Change Fight Tonight: Combat Readiness at the Speed of Relevance - Conference Paper #9 By Dr Robbin Laird In an era of shifting geopolitical... Sep 30 Beyond Fight Tonight: Building Resilience and Capacity Across Defence and Industry Fight Tonight: Combat Readiness at the Speed of Relevance - Conference Proceeding s #8 By Dr Robbin Laird The ghost of inadequate... Sep 29 Building Australia’s Defence Industrial Base: The Strategic Imperative for Early Investment and Sovereign Capability Fight Tonight: Combat Readiness at the Speed of Relevance - Conference Proceeding s #7 By Dr Robbin Laird In an era of growing strategic... Sep 27 UK Strategic Defence Review 2025: Transforming Air Power for a New Era of Threats Fight Tonight: Combat Readiness at the Speed of Relevance - Conference Proceeding s #6 By Dr Robbin Laird Air Commodore Alun Roberts,... Sep 25 Learning from History: Australia’s Defence Industrial Mobilization Imperative Fight Tonight: Combat Readiness at the Speed of Relevance - Conference Proceeding s #5 By Dr Robbin Laird In an era of unprecedented... Sep 24 The Invisible Battle: Synchronizing Non-Kinetic Effects in Modern Warfare Fight Tonight: Combat Readiness at the Speed of Relevance - Conference Proceeding s #4 By Dr Robbin Laird From left: AVM (Retd) Zed... Sep 22 Rethinking Military Transformation: From Platform-Centric to Threat-Informed Innovation Fight Tonight: Combat Readiness at the Speed of Relevance - Conference Proceeding s #3 By Dr Robbin Laird The nature of military... Sep 22 The Air Defence Reality Check: Why Australia Has Less Time Than It Thinks Fight Tonight: Combat Readiness at the Speed of Relevance - Conference Proceeding s #2 By Dr Robbin Laird For decades, integrated air and... Sep 19 Combat Readiness at the Speed of Relevance: Preparing for Tomorrow’s Conflicts Today Fight Tonight: Combat Readiness at the Speed of Relevance - Conference Proceeding s #1 By Dr Robbin Laird On September 18, 2025, the Sir... Sep 18 The Imperative for Cost Effectiveness in Multidomain Operations: Final Report - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird, The Imperative for Cost Effectiveness in Multidomain Operations : Final Report, 22 May 2025 Link to ebook (Defense.info) Jun 17 Shaping a Way Ahead for the Australian Defence Force in the Context of Global Strategic Transition - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird, Shaping a Way Ahead for the Australian Defence Force in the Context of Global Strategic Transition, 3 June 2025 Link to... Jun 3 An Update on the Royal Australian Air Force: A Conversation with Air Marshal Chappell - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird, An Update on the Royal Australian Air Force: A Conversation with Air Marshal Chappell, 2 June 2025 Link to article... Jun 2 The Need to Speed Delivery for the Ready Force and Enabling a More Cost-Effective Future Force - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird, The Need to Speed Delivery for the Ready Force and Enabling a More Cost-Effective Future Force, 1 June 2025 Link to... Jun 1 Air Power and the Challenge of Shaping an Effective Ready Force Which Can Deliver Deterrence by Denial - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird, Air Power and the Challenge of Shaping an Effective Ready Force Which Can Deliver Deterrence by Denial , 29 May 2025... May 29 Enhancing the Ready Force: Providing the Optimal Mix to Deliver the Desired Combat Effect - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird, Enhancing the Ready Force: Providing the Optimal Mix to Deliver the Desired Combat Effect, 28 May 2025 Link to article... May 28 Budgeting for an Enhanced Ready Force - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird, Budgeting for an Enhanced Ready Force, 27 May 2025 Link to article (Defense.info) If the strategic environment is... May 27 Enhancing Non-Kinetic Capabilities in the Ready Force - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird, Enhancing Non-Kinetic Capabilities in the Ready Force, 26 May 2025 Link to article (Defense.info) At the 22 May 2025 Sir... May 26 A Blueprint for Action for the USAF: How to Enhance Combat Readiness to Meet the Strategic Challenges Facing the U.S. and Its Allies - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird, A Blueprint for Action for the USAF: How to Enhance Combat Readiness to Meet the Strategic Challenges Facing the U.S.... May 26 Putting the Nature of the Military Capability Threat from the Multi-Polar Authoritarian World in Perspective - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird, Putting the Nature of the Military Capability Threat from the Multi-Polar Authoritarian World in Perspective, 25 May... May 25 Dr. Marcus Hellyer on Breaking the Autonomous Systems Defence Employment Barrier - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird, Dr. Marcus Hellyer on Breaking the Autonomous Systems Defence Employment Barrier, 24 May 2025 Link to article... May 24 Australia in Era of Strategic Uncertainty: The Defence Dimension - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird, Australia in Era of Strategic Uncertainty: The Defence Dimension, 23 May 2025 Link to article (Defense.info) Yesterday,... May 23 Air Power in an Age of Strategic Uncertainty: The Perspective of General Moseley - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird, Air Power in an Age of Strategic Uncertainty: The Perspective of General Moseley, 23 May 2025 Link to article... May 23 Enhancing the Ready Force: A Key Imperative for Australia in the Evolving Strategic Environment - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird, Enhancing the Ready Force: A Key Imperative for Australia in the Evolving Strategic Environment, 23 May 2025 Link to... May 23 Defence Industry in Australia: Building Strategic Depth and Resilience in Support of the Ready Force - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird, Defence Industry in Australia: Building Strategic Depth and Resilience in Support of the Ready Force, 7 October 2024... Oct 7, 2024 Enabling and Defending the National Information Society: The Space Dimension - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird, Enabling and Defending the National Information Society: The Space Dimension, 7 October 2024 Link to article... Oct 7, 2024 Shaping a Way Ahead for Airpower in a Contested Region: The Perspective of Air Vice Marshal Glen Braz - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird, Shaping a Way Ahead for Airpower in a Contested Region: The Perspective of Air Vice Marshal Glen Braz, 7 October 2024... Oct 7, 2024 The Challenge of Shaping the Way Ahead for the Ready Force and Preparing for Future Threats - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird, The Challenge of Shaping the Way Ahead for the Ready Force and Preparing for Future Threats, 5 October 2024 Link to... Oct 5, 2024 How Does the Ready Force Deal with a Rapidly Changing Operational Environment? - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird, How Does the Ready Force Deal with a Rapidly Changing Operational Environment? 4 October 2024 Link to article... Oct 4, 2024 The Chief of the Australian Army Explains How They are Dealing with the Simultaneous Challenges of the Three R’s - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird, The Chief of the Australian Army Explains How They are Dealing with the Simultaneous Challenges of the Three R’s, 3... Oct 3, 2024 Building Combat Mass: An Air Force Perspective - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird, Building Combat Mass: An Air Force Perspective, 2 October 2024 Link to article (Defense.info) The panel on combat mass... Oct 2, 2024 The Force in Being to Protect the Nation: It's More than the ADF’s Role - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird, The Force in Being to Protect the Nation: Its More than the ADF’s Role, 1 October 2024 Link to article (Defense.info)... Oct 1, 2024 Building Combat Mass: A Navy Perspective - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird, Building Combat Mass: A Navy Perspective, 30 September 2024 Link to article (Defense.info) When you are a medium-sized... Sep 30, 2024 The Challenge for Defence Readiness: The Impact of Politics - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird, The Challenge for Defence Readiness: The Impact of Politics, 29 September 2024 Link to article (Defense.info) If one is... Sep 29, 2024 The Perspective of Australia’s AUKUS Partners on Shaping the Way Ahead for Airpower - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird, The Perspective of Australia’s AUKUS Partners on Shaping the Way Ahead for Airpower , 28 September 2024 Link to article... Sep 28, 2024 The September 26, 2024 Sir Richard Williams Foundation Seminar: An Initial Take - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird, The September 26, 2024 Sir Richard Williams Foundation Seminar: An Initial Take, 27 September 2024 Link to article... Sep 27, 2024 Conference Proceedings: Enhancing and Accelerating the Integrated Force: An Operational Perspective Dr Robbin Laird Final Report: Enhancing and Accelerating the Integrated Force: An Operational Perspective - will be released in October... Sep 26, 2024 Shaping a Way Ahead for Airpower in a Contested Region: The Perspective of Air Vice Marshal Glen Braz - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird, Shaping a Way Ahead for Airpower in a Contested Region: The Perspective of Air Vice Marshal Glen Braz, 7 October 2024... Sep 7, 2024 Conference Proceedings: The Multi-Domain Requirements of an Australian Maritime Strategy Dr Robbin Laird Final Report: The Multi-Domain Requirements of an Australian Maritime Strategy 11 April 2024 More articles from Dr Laird... May 17, 2024 The Strategic Shift in Australian Defence Requires a Shift in the Approach for Australian Defence Industry - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird, The Strategic Shift in Australian Defence Requires a Shift in the Approach for Australian Defence Industry, 16 May 2024... May 16, 2024 A Focused Force: Autonomous Systems and a Distributed ISR Enterprise - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird, A Focused Force: Autonomous Systems and a Distributed ISR Enterprise, 14 May 2024 Link to article (Defense.info) As the... May 14, 2024 Australia’s New Defence Strategy: Reshaping the ADF into a Focused Force - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird, Australia’s New Defence Strategy: Reshaping the ADF into a Focused Force, 9 May 2024 Link to article (Defense.info) The... May 9, 2024 Layered ISR and a Focused Force - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird, Layered ISR and a Focused Force, 9 May 2024 Link to article (Defense.info) If you want to shape an effective focused... May 9, 2024 Shaping C2 for the ADF and Coalition Forces: The Perspective of Air Vice Marshal Mike Kitcher - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird, Shaping C2 for the ADF and Coalition Forces: The Perspective of Air Vice Marshal Mike Kitcher, 7 May 2024 Link to... May 7, 2024 RPAs, Autonomous Systems and How to Strengthen the ADF in the Next 3-5 Years - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird, RPAs, Autonomous Systems and How to Strengthen the ADF in the Next 3-5 Years, 6 May 2024 Link to article (Defense.info)... May 6, 2024 Cognitive and Information War and the “Gray Zone” - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird, Cognitive and Information War and the “Gray Zone”, 5 May 2024 Link to article (Defense.info) An aspect of modern... May 5, 2024 How to Enhance Space’s Contribution to Australian Multi-Domain Operations in Support of Maritime Operations - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird, How to Enhance Space’s Contribution to Australian Multi-Domain Operations in Support of Maritime Operations, 4 May 2024... May 4, 2024

News & Updates Stay up-to-date with the latest from the Foundation. Australia in Era of Strategic Uncertainty: The Defence Dimension - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird, Australia in Era of Strategic Uncertainty: The Defence Dimension, 23 May 2025 Link to article (Defense.info) Yesterday,... May 23 Conference Proceedings: Enhancing and Accelerating the Integrated Force: An Operational Perspective Dr Robbin Laird Final Report: Enhancing and Accelerating the Integrated Force: An Operational Perspective - will be released in October... Sep 26, 2024 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 18, 2024 Multi-Domain Requirements of an Australian Maritime Strategy - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird, Multi-Domain Requirements of an Australian Maritime Strategy: The April 2024 Sir Richard Williams Foundation Seminar, ... Apr 14, 2024 Conference: Final Report - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird, Final Report, 8 Oct 2023 Oct 8, 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 29, 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... Sep 28, 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... Apr 20, 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... Jan 17, 2023 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 12, 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... Feb 16, 2022 EOIs Open: Join the Central Blue team The Central Blue editorial team is seeking Expressions of Interest to join the team. Who are we? The Central Blue is an online forum... Aug 25, 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 10, 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 8, 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 5, 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 4, 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... Jun 1, 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 29, 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 26, 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... May 19, 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 12, 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... Apr 10, 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:... Feb 1, 2021 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.... Dec 22, 2020 Vale Air Marshal David Evans AC, DSO, AFC (Ret'd) Vale Air Marshal David Evans AC, DSO, AFC (Ret'd) Sep 15, 2020 SRWF Interview with CAF: Air Force Strategic Intent Williams Foundation Chair Geoff Brown Interviews CAF on Air Force Strategic Intent. Jul 20, 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 28, 2020 Williams Foundation Website Upgrade New website launched Jun 20, 2020 Conference: The Requirements of Fifth Generation Manoeuvre - Final Report Dr Robbin Laird Final Report: The Requirements of Fifth Generation Manoeuvre October 2019 Oct 31, 2019 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... Mar 28, 2018 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... Oct 25, 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 23, 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... Mar 15, 2016

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

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.

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

Grants Scheme Coming soon

Contact us PO Box 5214 Kingston ACT 2604 info@williamsfoundation.org.au

PEOPLE PEOPLE The Williams Foundation's mission is only furthered due to the dedication of its people. The Foundation has a core intellectual base of experienced board members, writers, non-resident fellows and operations staff. It also draws on external partners and knowledge networks and works with leading international practitioners to participate in the Foundation’s activities. Board Read More Fellows Read More Operations Team Read More

PROGRAMS PROGRAMS Our engagement activities extend beyond the podium to advance our purpose. Beyond our events program, we support activities to bolster the intellectual base that accelerates the generation of future combat power concepts Air Power Scholars Scheme Read More