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The Williams Foundation advances awareness, understanding and constructive debate about integrated, coherent & sustainable combat power to strengthen Australia’s national security. Through its events & engagement activities with Defence officials and the wider Australian national scientific and industry base, the Foundation shapes and influences policy decisions regarding Australia’s defence with an emphasis on air and space power. We advance awareness, understanding and constructive debate about integrated, coherent & sustainable combat power to strengthen Australia’s national security Our Purpose EXPERT ANALYSIS In-depth thinking by our highly experienced network of non-resident fellows, scholars and active practitioners Australia’s Air Power: Ready for Tonight, Preparing for Tomorrow Oct 6 7 min read MORE EXPERT ANALYSIS NEWS & UPDATES Stay up-to-date with the latest in the Foundation's news and activities > Australia in Era of Strategic Uncertainty: The Defence Dimension - Dr Robbin Laird May 23 3 min read CONFERENCE PROCEEDINGS EVENTS Errol McCormack lunches and Conferences are complimentary for financial members of the Williams Foundation. 2025 Errol McCormack Member Lunches Dec 15, 2023 1 min read 2025 Williams Foundation Conferences Dec 13, 2023 1 min read Click for more information and registration Platinum Corporate Partners

About Us Who are we? The Sir Richard Williams Foundation is an independent organisation whose primary purpose is to strengthen Australia’s national security by shaping and influencing policy decisions regarding Australia’s defence with an emphasis on air and space power. The Foundation also promotes national security policies that: promote the generation of coherent and sustainable combat power by Navy, Army, Air Force, Space and Cyber; particularly in an integrated context, including through the wider Australian national scientific and industry support base; and influence the evolving regional strategic environment in a manner favourable to Australia’s security. The Foundation aims to stimulate awareness, understanding and constructive debate on national security policies by supporting research, consulting with senior Defence officials and industry representatives and hosting seminars and events. 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

Corporate Partners & Sponsorship The Foundation would like to thank the following sponsors for their continuing support. Platinum Corporate Partners Gold Corporate Partners Bronze Corporate Partner Conference Sponsors and Annual Corporate Members Annual Corporate Members Supporters In-Kind The Foundation is an independently funded, not-for-profit institution. The Board invites sponsorship from organisations or individuals wishing to contribute constructively to a forward-looking Australian defence policy. Sponsors will be acknowledged in the Foundation's publications and media releases.

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

Williams Video Catch the latest series of interviews & conversations with leading military leaders and thinkers. Our series include: Accelerating the Transition to a Networked, Integrated Force Conference Requirements of a Sovereign Defence Space Capability Conference Next Generation Autonomous Systems Conference Chief of Air Force Strategic Intent interviews Williams Video Play Video All Videos Accelerating the Transition to a Networked, Integrated Force Conference This seminar held in Canberra on 24 March 2022 examined progress in the establishment of the 5th generation force. It identified lessons to further inform and accelerate efforts by Government and industry to design, build, operate, and sustain increasingly lethal and survivable air and space capability. Transition Play Video Play Video 04:51 Peter Jennings PSM Executive Director, Australian Strategic Policy Institute Play Video Play Video 04:13 AVM Robert Chipman AM, CSC Head Military Strategic Commitments Play Video Play Video 03:04 General Kenneth Wilsbach Commander Pacific Air Forces Play Video Play Video 03:15 Air Chief Marshal Sir Michael Wigston, KCB, CBE, ADC Chief of the Air Staff, Royal Air Force Play Video Play Video 09:00 AVM Chris Deeble AO, CSC (Retd) Chief Executive, Northrop Grumman Australia Play Video Play Video 03:59 Lt. Gen. Aurelio Colagrande Italian Deputy Chief of Air Force Play Video Play Video 05:32 LtGen Steven Rudder Commander, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific and Commanding General Fleet Marine Force Play Video Play Video 05:18 BRIG Ian Langford, DSC and Bars (PhD) Director General Future Land Warfare Play Video Play Video 05:09 Tom Rowden Vice President International Strategy and Business Development, Lockheed Martin Play Video Play Video 04:49 CDRE Darron Kavanagh Director General Warfare Innovation - Navy Play Video Play Video 05:30 Tony Dalton AM Deputy Secretary National Naval Shipbuilding Play Video Play Video 06:03 Rod Equid Chief of Enterprise Focus Areas, Raytheon Australia Play Video Play Video 06:51 AIRCDRE Richard Keir AM, CSC (Retd) Strategic Advisor for National Security and Intelligence, Geospatial Intelligence Pty Ltd Play Video Play Video 02:35 CDRE Matthew Doornbos Director General Navy Intelligence and Information Warfare, Royal Australian Navy Play Video Play Video 06:14 AIRCDRE Phil Gordon Director General Air Defence and Space, Royal Australian Air Force Play Video Play Video 02:07 AIRCDRE Ross Bender Commander, Air Warfare Centre, Royal Australian Air Force Play Video Play Video 04:51 AIRCDRE Terry van Haren DSM, Retd President and Director of LeoLabs Pty Ltd Australia Play Video Play Video 06:37 AIRCDRE Nicholas Hogan CSC Director General Space Domain Review, Royal Australian Air Force Play Video Play Video 04:50 BRIG Ian Langford DSC and Bars Director General Future Land Warfare, Australian Army Play Video Play Video 05:52 Dr Malcolm Davis Senior Analyst, Australian Strategic Policy Institute Play Video Play Video 05:46 Tanya Monro Chief Defence Scientist, DST Group Play Video Play Video 02:49 Darin Lovett Director Space, South Australian Space Industry Centre Play Video Play Video 07:37 David Ball Regional Director Australia New Zealand, Lockheed Martin Space Play Video Play Video 08:50 Nick Leake Head of Satellite and Space Systems, Optus Play Video Play Video 06:18 Anthony Murfett Deputy Head of the Australian Space Agency Play Video Play Video 01:33 Air Marshal Geoff Brown AO (Retd) Chair, Sir Richard Williams Foundation Play Video Play Video 04:50 Air Vice Marshal Chris Deeble AO, CSC (Retd) Executive Director, Strategy, Northrop Grumman Australia Play Video Play Video 04:32 SGT Amy Hestermann-Crane Editor, The Central Blue and the Sir Richard Williams Foundation Play Video Play Video 06:26 Dougal Robertson Sir Richard Williams Foundation Requirements of a Sovereign Defence Space Capability Conference In Canberra on 1 December 2021, the Foundation hosted a conference that examined the core requirements of a sovereign Defence Space capability, including the priorities for future investment. It highlighted the need for a coordinated effort across Government and industry to design, build, operate, and sustain a sovereign Defence Space capability. In these short vignettes, speakers from this Conference summarised the key points from their snap presentations. Space Next Generation Autonomous Systems Conference This conference, held in Canberra on 8 April, explored force multiplying capability and increasingly complex requirements associated with uncrewed systems. It covered potential roles for autonomous systems set within the context of each environmental domain, providing Service Chiefs with an opportunity to present their perspective on the effect it will have on their Service. Autonomous Play Video Play Video 01:31 Williams Foundation Seminar_Katherine Ziesing_Master Play Video Play Video 06:45 Williams Foundation Seminar_Marcus Hellyer_Master Play Video Play Video 04:38 Williams Foundation Seminar_CDRE Michael Turner RAN_Master Play Video Play Video 01:08 Williams Foundation Seminar_AIRMSHL Geoff Brown AO (Retd)_Master Play Video Play Video 02:01 Williams Foundation Seminar_GCAPT Jo Brick_Master Play Video Play Video 02:58 Williams Foundation Seminar_Dr Andrew Lucas_Master Play Video Play Video 01:50 Williams Foundation Seminar_Professor Jason Scholz_Master Play Video Play Video 03:05 Williams Foundation Seminar_COL David Beaumont_Master Play Video Play Video 02:11 Williams Foundation Seminar_Prof Robert McLaughlin_Master Play Video Play Video 04:29 Williams Foundation Seminar_Chris Deeble_Master Play Video Play Video 05:12 Williams Foundation Seminar_Dr John Best_Master Interview with Chief of Air Force To coincide with his July 2020 Strategic Intent release, the Chief of Air Force (Air Marshal Mel Hupfeld, AO, DSC) spoke with the Williams Foundation in this 3-part series. He covers a range of topics, including his top-5 priorities, Australian industry capability, collaboration and innovation opportunities, and workforce development ambitions. He speaks with former CAF Air Marshal (Retd) Geoff Brown AO in this interview setting in lieu of a live audience due to COVID restrictions. Play Video Play Video 29:04 Chief of Air Force Interview - Part 1 Play Video Play Video 31:59 Chief of Air Force Interview - Part 2 CAF interview part 2 Play Video Play Video 19:19 Chief of Air Force Interview - Part 3 CAF