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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

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 Creating A Potent Joint Force: The Practical Evolution of Inter-Service Cooperation 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 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. MORE EXPERT ANALYSIS GPCAPT Trav Hallen The Swedish Profile: The Evolution of the Swedish Air Force in Response to Swedish Cold War Strategic Policy Expected completion date: December 2030, Deakin University/Swedish Defence University Abstract: The Swedish Air Force was the cornerstone of Sweden’s security during the Cold War. The ability to defend Swedish airspace and deny the ability of both NATO and the Warsaw Pact to operate in it was assessed as critical to the credibility of Sweden’s strategy of non-alignment. Between 1945 and 1992, the Swedish Air Force adapted to shifts in Swedish strategic policy. This included the closer integration with Sweden’s aviation industry, the fielding of innovative aircraft designs optimised for Swedish conditions, and the development of new tactics and procedures. By the end of the Cold War, Sweden had one of the most advanced and tactically innovative air forces in Europe. This research explores how this evolution unfolded and identifies the factors that enabled a small, neutral country become a world leading air power nation. Program 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.

Board The Sir Richard Williams Foundation conducts its operations independently and has no political or industry ties. The Foundation's activities are governed by its Board. The current Board is comprised of 11 former military leaders and security strategists. Members' business affiliations are listed in their biographies. Members are required to absent themselves from any discussion which might create a conflict of interest. The Board welcomes participation from the broad cross-section of the Australian community. Air Chief Marshal (Retd) Mark Binskin AC Chair Air Chief Marshal Mark Binskin AC (Retd) is a highly respected senior executive and leader in the national security, defence and aerospace sectors. He was Chief of the Defence Force of Australia from 2014-2018, Vice Chief of the Defence Force (2011-2014) and Chief of Air Force (2008-2011). In 2020, he was Chair of the Royal Commission into National Natural Disaster Arrangements. He is currently Chair of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, Chair of the Pacific Security College Advisory Board, Deputy Chair of the Sir Richard Williams Foundation, on the Boards of the Western Parkland City Authority and Invictus Australia, a member of the Governing Committee of the Temora Aviation Museum and provides strategic advice as a Non-Executive Director with BAE Systems Australia and Nihon Cyber Defence. As Chief of Defence, Air Chief Marshal Binskin (Retd) successfully led the Australian Defence Force, comprising 80,000 permanent and reserve personnel, to significantly improve capabilities and responses to major global events and championed organisational change across areas of national security, culture, diversity and leadership performance. Air Chief Marshal Binskin (Retd) has provided national security advice to the highest levels of governments, industry leaders and international stakeholders and his aerospace knowledge and expertise is extensive. He has over 3,500 hours in single seat fighter aircraft including the A-4G Skyhawk, Mirage 111O, F-16C and F/A-18 Hornet, and continues to be active in general aviation. Air Chief Marshal Binskin (Retd) has completed the Harvard Business School Advanced Management Program, is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and a Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society. Air Marshal (Retd) Geoff Brown AO Deputy Chair Geoff Brown AO retired from the Royal Australian Air Force in July 2015 as Air Marshal in the position of Chief of Air Force. In a 35-year career, he commanded at all levels in the Air Force and flew Chinook helicopters, F-111s and F/A-18 as well as being a flying instructor and a member of the Roulette Aerobatic team. His operational service included Operation Iraqi Freedom where he was the operational commander for all RAAF assets. Among his qualifications, he holds a BEng (Mech), a Master of Arts (Strategic Studies), Fellow of the Institute of Engineering Australia and is a Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society. Since leaving the Air Force he has been appointed as a Director of Lockheed Martin (Australia), a Director of Electro Optic Systems, Chairman of the Sir Richard Williams Foundation, Chairman of the Advisory Board of CAE Asia Pacific and Middle East, Director on the Governing Council for the Temora Air Museum and a Director of GCB Stratos Consulting. He also mentors in Leadership and Strategic Studies at the Australian Defence College. His honours and awards include his appointment as an Officer in the Order of Australia, the United States Legion of Merit and the Meritorious Service Medal from Singapore. Ken Moore Treasurer and Secretary Ken had an extensive career in the Australian Public Service with the Department of Defence. His last appointment was as the Defence Chief Finance Officer (Deputy Secretary level). Prior to the CFO position, Ken held a number of other senior management appointments in Defence including Head of National Operations Division that was responsible for the management and delivery of a large range of services to all Defence bases across Australia. After leaving the APS, Ken worked for a number of years with the ACT Government as the Chief Executive Officer of Rhodium Asset Solutions (the Government’s vehicle leasing company) and Executive Director Shared Services ICT. Ken holds two appointments: Independent Chair, Audit Committee, Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions Board Member and Treasurer Sir Richard Williams Foundation Ken has tertiary qualifications in economics and accounting. He is a Fellow of CPA Australia and a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. Ken is also a graduate of the Advanced Management Program at the INSEAD Business School in France and the Senior Defence Resource Management Program at the US Navy Postgraduate School in California. Vice Admiral (Rtd) Tim Barrett AO, CSC Director Vice Admiral Barrett joined the Royal Australian Navy in 1976 as a Seaman Officer and later specialised in aviation. He assumed command of the Royal Australian Navy on 1 July 2014 and remained in this position until 6 July 2018. A dual-qualified officer, Vice Admiral Barrett served in Her Majesty's Australian (HMA) Ships Melbourne, Perth and Brisbane and HMS Orkney as a Seaman Officer and then as Flight Commander in HMA Ships Stalwart, Adelaide and Canberra. His staff appointments include Deputy Director Air Warfare Development, Director Naval Officer's Postings and Director General of Defence Force Recruiting. Vice Admiral Barrett has served as Commanding Officer 817 Squadron, Commanding Officer HMAS Albatross, Commander Australian Navy Aviation Group, Commander Border Protection Command and as Commander Australian Fleet. Vice Admiral Barrett was awarded a Conspicuous Service Cross in 2006 for outstanding performance as Commanding Officer HMAS Albatross and as Chief of Staff Navy Aviation Force Element Group Headquarters. Vice Admiral Barrett was appointed as a Member of the Order of Australia in 2009 and subsequently promoted to Officer of the Order of Australia in 2014 for his leadership of Border Protection Command and the Australian Fleet. Vice Admiral Barrett holds a Bachelor of Arts in Politics and History and a Masters of Defence Studies, both from the University of New South Wales, and has completed the Advanced Management Program at Harvard Business School. He recently published ‘The Navy and the Nation: Australia's Maritime Power in the 21st Century’ in which he outlines the extensive opportunities for Navy and Australia as steps are taken to implement the planned investment in naval capability outlined in the Defence White Paper 2016 and the National Shipbuilding Plan over the coming decades. Vice Admiral Barrett and his wife, Jenny, have two daughters. John Conway Director 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 experience on the F4 Phantom and Tornado F3 aircraft included Cold War Europe, the South Atlantic, the Balkans, and the Middle East theatres of operation. 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. John is the owner and Managing Director of Felix, an independent company providing specialist air domain and intelligence capability development, and creative services to Defence and industry. He was previously a business development executive with Raytheon Australia specialising in air combat integration, electronic warfare, advanced weapons systems, test and training ranges, and integrated air and missile defence. Emily Frizell Director Emily is a veteran with 25 years’ experience in Defence and Defence Industry. Beginning her career in the RAAF as an electrical engineer, Emily now owns a successful engineering and management specialist consulting company, AeroPM. Under Emily’s leadership, AeroPM has experienced sustained and rapid growth over the last five years and is the recipient of many industry awards, including being a National finalist in the Telstra Awards and listed as a Smart50 SME and AFR Fast 100 company. Emily has been personally recognised as Female Defence Leader of the Year, finalist in the Women in Defence Awards and finalist as the Veteran Entrepreneur of the Year. Emily proudly supports veteran employment and entrepreneurship and is a Soldier on Ambassador. She is an active member of the Princes Trust Australia Enterprise for Veterans Advisory Council, and UNSW School of Engineering and IT Academic Advisory Board. She is also a Board Director of the Sir Richard Williams Foundation. Amy List Director Amy List was appointed managing director of Boeing Defence Australia (BDA) in February 2024. In this role, List leads the BDA businesses, capabilities and functions at the organisation’s 13 Australian sites. Her duties include establishing and executing new and existing programs, achieving business objectives, and implementing corporate strategies that position Boeing’s Australian defence activities for continued success. Prior to her appointment, List was director of Operations where she provided strategic advice to the executive and managed day-to-day operations and administration of the business. From March 2020 to October 2023, she was the director Sustainment Operations where she was responsible for managing the company’s through-life sustainment support and training solutions for military platforms in order to maximise operational readiness while reducing cost of ownership. This included delivering sustainment contracts for Australia’s F/A-18F Super Hornets, EA-18G Growlers, CH-47F Chinooks and F/A-18 A/B Classic Hornets; the C-17 Globemaster III logistics support and maintenance; and the Helicopter Aircrew Training System, as well as for the Republic of Singapore Air Force’s CH-47Fs. List joined BDA in December 2018, performing a number of leadership positions including director of the Structures and Build capability and director of Wedgetail Programs, where she led all sustainment and training programs for the Royal Australian Air Force’s (RAAF’s) fleet of six E-7A Wedgetail aircraft. Prior to Boeing, List spent over nine years at Raytheon in operational and business development roles, including as head of Business Operations for Raytheon Australia, where she was responsible for the successful delivery of all programs across the company’s portfolio, as well as business intelligence and reporting. List started her professional career as an Aeronautical Engineering Officer in the RAAF. During her tenure, she served in a number of operational roles, before running both acquisition and sustainment programs for the Defence Materiel Organisation. Post-separation from the Australian Defence Force, List ran a consulting business, offering project and risk management services to clients across the defence and mining industries. List is a graduate of the Australian Defence Force Academy and holds a Bachelor of Engineering (Aeronautical) and a Masters Degree in Project Management. She is also a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. Gerard Foley Director Ged Foley has 40 years’ experience across the commercial, federal government, and private sectors in Australia and internationally, with a focus on influencing the governments and Defence Departments of Australia and allied nations. He specialises in influencing strategic intent through the implementation of thought leadership initiatives that produce lasting and distinctive national security improvements. He served over 15 years on the executive leadership team of the Australian subsidiary of the world’s largest Defence and Aerospace company, where he was responsible for shaping the company’s business strategy, driving enterprise-wide growth, and overseeing corporate development. Prior to joining RTX, Ged worked in the information technology sector as a project manager and account executive for a mainframe software and services company. He also spent 15 years as an Australian Army officer specialising in rotary wing aviation, leadership instruction, and major capital equipment acquisition. Ged is a graduate of the Royal Military College Duntroon and the Australian Defence Force Academy. He holds an honours degree in electrical engineering from the University of New South Wales and a master’s degree in Defence Technology from Cranfield University, U.K. He is a Fellow of Engineers Australia, a Chartered Professional Engineer, and is listed on several international and domestic engineering registers. Major General (Retd) Fergus "Gus" McLachlan AO Director Gus McLachlan completed his 37-year career with the Australian Army in December 2018, retiring as a Major General. Gus McLachlan has been responsible for generating Australian Defence capability in cyber space, electronic warfare and command and control systems. He completed two years as Head of Army Modernisation, during which time he worked closely with industry to commence a major recapitalisation of Army equipment and to network the systems of the Army. Gus McLachlan’s military career concluded after he led Land Forces Command where he was responsible for 35,000 women and men of the Army. He continued his leadership career in the commercial sector with Boral, Australia’s largest construction materials company, where he led Business Performance and Improvement during a major transformation activity. Gus McLachlan is currently a Senior Adviser at Bondi Partners, a unique advisory firm offering strategic counsel to businesses in Australia and the United States. He is a Director and Strategic Adviser to Australian and US defence, cyber and space technology companies. He is an Adjunct Professor at Monash University where he advises on national security research, and he chairs the Advisory Board for Cyber and Data Security at Charles Sturt University. Gus is also Director of the not-for-profit Williams Foundation, an air and space “Think Tank”. Gus was made an Officer in the Order or Australia (AO) for his contribution to Army Modernisation and awarded the United States Legion of Merit by Secretary James Mattis for his service in the international coalition force in Afghanistan. Gus lives in Sydney with his wife Maree and they have two adult sons. Nicole Quinn Director Nicole is Vice President, Public Policy and Government Affairs, Japan and Asia Pacific for Palo Alto Networks – the world’s largest dedicated cyber security company. Prior to joining Palo Alto Networks Nicole’s roles included strategic advisor to companies including the Defence sector, advisor to a NSW Senator, General Manager and Board Member of the Institute For Regional Security, National Convenor for Defence Families of Australia and General Manager at the State Chamber of Commerce (NSW). In addition to being a board member of the Sir Richard Williams Foundation, Nicole is an American Chamber of Commerce Governor (Vice-Chair ACT), and a member of the RMIT Industry Advisory Board for Cyber. Air Vice-Marshal (Ret’d) Steve Roberton, DSC, AM Director ‘Zed' is a Category A Fighter Pilot who joined the Royal Australian Air Force after completing a Bachelor of Science at Queensland University. He flew for 26 years of his RAAF career including fighter tours in Australian combat units and an exchange flying F/A-18s with the United States Marine Corps. AVM Roberton enjoyed five commands in his RAAF career: initially commanding Number 75 Squadron for three years in Australia’s Northern Territory. Roberton led the RAAF’s transition to F/A-18F Super Hornet before commanding Number 82 Wing at RAAF Amberley; for which he was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in 2012. Roberton commanded the inaugural Operation OKRA Air Task Group 630 countering ISIL in 2014, for which he was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross. He returned to Australia to command Air Combat Group in 2015 and went on to assume the Air Commander Australia role in 2017. AVM Roberton was Head Force Design in VCDF Executive in 2019, delivering the Force Structure Plan 2020 and the ADF Workforce Growth submission to Government. Zed completed several joint staff tours in project management and capability development roles. His further education includes a Masters in Management from Australian staff college in 2002 and the UK's Higher Command and Staff College in 2012. He completed the Australian Company Director’s Course in 2013 and the Harvard Business School Advanced Management Program in 2022. Steve is a full-time senior advisor with McKinsey and Company based in Canberra and he is married to Libby. Katherine Ziesing Director Katherine Ziesing is the Strategic Communications Manager at Hanwha Defence Australia. In this role, she is integral in supporting the business to mobilise and deliver capability across a range of capabilities. Prior to this role she was the Strategic Communications Manager at a Canberra based contracting SME, leading client engagement with over 400 member companies working into government. She was Managing Editor at Australian Defence Magazine Group, working in the company for 15 years. Katherine joined the ADM team in 2006 as a staff writer and was appointed editor in Canberra at the beginning of 2008. She took on the expanded role of Managing Editor of Yaffa Media’s ADM Group at the beginning of 2018. While she has a background in business journalism and economics, she has also completed a Masters of Strategy and Policy at the University of New South Wales at the Australian Defence Force Academy, graduating in 2010. She was a member of the Defence Industry Study Course (DISC) in 2017. She has served as a committee member of the Submarine Institute of Australia and as a board member for the National Institute of Security Resilience. She was a founding member of the Defence and National Security Media Association, a group of Australia’s leading Defence and National Security journalists. Chair DeputyChair Treasurer Secretary Directors

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

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.

Expert Analysis In-depth thinking by our highly experienced network of military scholars and practitioners. 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 6, 2024 7 min read 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 6, 2024 5 min read 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 6, 2024 4 min read 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 4 min read 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 5 min read 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 6 min read 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 11 min read 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 12 min read 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 7 min read 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 5 min read 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 7 min read 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 6 min read 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 2 min read 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 4 min read Military personnel and bases left exposed to missile threats The Foundation’s Chair, Air Marshal (Retd) Geoff Brown AO, who is also the former Chief of Air Force, was quoted in the public media this... Jul 26, 2024 1 min read 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 2 min read 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 6 min read 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 3 min read 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 4 min read 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 9 min read 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 4 min read 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 6 min read 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 8 min read 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 4 min read How to Build a Focused Force for Australia’s Extant Strategic Environment? - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird, How to Build a Focused Force for Australia’s Extant Strategic Environment?, 2 May 2024 Link to article (Defense.info)... May 2, 2024 4 min read Logistics and Sustainment for an Evolving Defence of Australia Strategy - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird, Logistics and Sustainment for an Evolving Defence of Australia Strategy, 30 April 2024 Link to article (Defense.info)... Apr 30, 2024 5 min read Multi-Domain Operations in Australia’s Maritime Strategy: The Army, Navy, and Air Force Orient Their Efforts - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird, Multi-Domain Operations in Australia’s Maritime Strategy: The Army, Navy, and Air Force Orient Their Efforts, 29 April... Apr 29, 2024 15 min read Aligning Airpower Capabilities with Australia’s Maritime Strategy - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird, Aligning Airpower Capabilities with Australia’s Maritime Strategy, 26 April 2024 Link to article (Defense.info) At the... Apr 26, 2024 7 min read Conceptualizing Australia’s Maritime Strategy and Shaping a Government Approach - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird, Conceptualizing Australia’s Maritime Strategy and Shaping a Government Approach, 24 April 2024 Link to article... Apr 24, 2024 4 min read Shaping Space for Autonomous Systems in the Operating Force: The Case of the Loyal Wingman - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird, Shaping Space for Autonomous Systems in the Operating Force: The Case of the Loyal Wingman, 23 April 2024 Link to... Apr 23, 2024 6 min read Air Power in Australia’s Maritime Strategy - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird, Air Power in Australia’s Maritime Strategy, 21 April 2024 Link to article (Defense.info) This was the title of the... Apr 21, 2024 7 min read Mike Pezzullo on the Strategic Shift For Australian Defence - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird, Mike Pezzullo on the Strategic Shift For Australian Defence, 21 April 2024 Link to article (Defense.info) Australia as... Apr 21, 2024 4 min read Shaping a Way Ahead for Australian Maritime Strategy - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird, Shaping a Way Ahead for Australian Maritime Strategy, 20 April 2024 Link to article (Defense.info) The Williams... Apr 20, 2024 6 min read Multi-Domain Operations in the Maritime Domain: The Significance of Digital Interoperability - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird, Multi-Domain Operations in the Maritime Domain: The Significance of Digital Interoperability, 16 April 2024 Link to... Apr 16, 2024 5 min read What does a 21st century defence strategy look like for Australia in a multi-polar authoritarian world? - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird, What does a 21st century defence strategy look like for Australia in a multi-polar authoritarian world?, 16 April 2024... Apr 16, 2024 4 min read The Future is Now for the ADF: Shaping Space for Maritime Autonomous Systems - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird, The Future is Now for the ADF: Shaping Space for Maritime Autonomous Systems, 15 April 2024 Link to article... Apr 15, 2024 4 min read Working the Sustainability Piece in Australian Defence: The Case of Munitions - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird, Working the Sustainability Piece in Australian Defence: The Case of Munitions, 10 April 2024 Link to article... Apr 14, 2024 4 min read 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 5 min read Managing Trade-Offs in Force Structure Development - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird, Managing Trade-Offs in Force Structure Development, 13 April 2024 Link to article (Defense.info) When a nation is... Apr 14, 2024 4 min read Thinking CAP: air superiority and Australia’s defence by Chris McInnes Chris McInnes, Thinking CAP: air superiority and Australia’s defence, 10 December 2023 A misunderstanding of air power is distorting... Dec 12, 2023 7 min read Conference: Final Report - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird, Final Report, 8 Oct 2023 Oct 7, 2023 1 min read 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, 2023 4 min read 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... Oct 1, 2023 2 min read 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 11 min read 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 1 min read 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 11, 2023 6 min read 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... May 9, 2023 4 min read 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 1 min read 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 18, 2023 3 min read 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 17, 2023 3 min read

PROGRAMS PROGRAMS We offer an array of activities designed to advance the field of future force design. Beyond our events program, we publish a range of insights and research. We also engage in various support activities to bolster the intellectual base that underpins future force concepts. Air Power Scholars Scheme Read More Grants 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

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

News & Updates Stay up-to-date with the latest from the Foundation. 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 7, 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:... Jan 31, 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 21, 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 30, 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 27, 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 24, 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 14, 2016

INSIGHTS INSIGHTS Future warfighting begins in the mind We draw on a vast network of experts, practitioners and academics to offer the latest force design analysis and thinking. From seasoned perspectives by our Experts, to the latest interviews on WilliamsTV, we invite you to canvass the insights from our diverse network of contributors. Expert Analysis In-depth thinking by our highly experienced network of military scholars and practitioners. View >> Williams Video Catch the latest interviews & conversations with leading military & though-leaders Watch Now > The Central Blue A forum designed to promote informed discussion and debate about air power issues affecting Australia. View >> Event Proceedings Presentation packs, speeches and other materials from our previous events Review More >

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 Social Media 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.