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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.

Governance 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. 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

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

Competitions Dr Alan Stephens Air Power Literary Prize A core objective of The Sir Richard Williams Foundation is to encourage informed discussion and debate on future air power capability. Accordingly, the Foundation is committed to supporting our future leaders and the development of their ideas. One way in which this has occurred has been through submissions to The Central Blue, an online forum encouraging informed discussion on air and space power, and the related force design issues affecting Australia. A foundational member of The Central Blue, Dr Alan Stephens has a long history of supporting this cause. Previously a lecturer at UNSW, RAAF historian, adviser in federal parliament on foreign affairs and defence, and a member of the RAAF, Dr Stephens has published and lectured extensively. In 2008 he was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for his contribution to Royal Australian Air Force history and air power strategy. In partnership with The Central Blue, The Williams Foundation has awarded a regular prize of A$500 for the best essay or article discussing the author's perspectives on a theme determined by the Central Blue Team. These winning essays or articles have then been published on The Central Blue forum.

INSIGHTS INSIGHTS Future warfighting begins in the mind We draw on a vast network of experts, practitioners and academics to offer the latest combat power analysis and thinking. From seasoned perspectives by our Experts, to the latest interviews on Williams Video, 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 insightful interviews & conversations with leading military & thought-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 >

RESEARCH RESEARCH Work that shapes the future of combat power We promote research and conference papers that draw on the expertise of leading Defence, Industry and thought-leaders across Australia and the globe. Explore their thinking about integrated, coherent & sustainable combat power. Williams Paper: The Coming of the Australian Arafura Class Offshore Patrol Vessel: A Case Study The Arafura Class Offshore Patrol Vessel is the first of the new build platforms. It provides the template with regard to the entire reset o Apr 30, 2020 Conference: The Requirements of Fifth Generation Manoeuvre - Final Report ...major presentations and discussions at the Williams Foundation seminar on the requirements for fifth generation manoeuvre Oct 31, 2019 Conference: Hi-Intensity Operations and Sustaining Self Reliance - Final Report The latest Williams Seminar held in Canberra on April 11, 2019 focused on the strategic shift for Australia within the context of the evolvi Apr 11, 2019 Conference: The Imperative for an Independent Deterrent: A Joint Strike Seminar - Final Report Since 2014, the Williams Foundation has held a series of seminars, which have looked at the nature of military transformation enabled by new Sep 7, 2018 Conference: The Requirements of High Intensity Warfare - Final Report the Foundation is focusing on the new strategic context within which this force will operate and the kinds of further changes necessary for May 1, 2018 Conference: A New Approach, and Attitude, to Electronic Warfare In Australia - Final Report In this report, the major presentations at the Williams Foundation seminar on the evolution of electronic warfare, notably from the standpoi Sep 15, 2017 Williams Paper - Integrated Air and Missile Defence Study: The Challenge of Integrated Force Design The Williams Foundation conducted an Integrated Air and Missile Defence (IAMD) study between Sep16 and Feb17 to explore the challenges of bu Apr 30, 2017 Conference: Air / Sea / Land: Integrated Force 2030 - Final Report On April 11, 2017, the Williams Foundation held its latest seminar on shaping a way ahead in the shaping of a 21st century combat force. Thi Apr 27, 2017 Conference: Air Combat Operations 2025 and Beyond - Executive Summary Report The seminar explored the challenges and opportunities afforded by the introduction of 5th generation air combat capabilities. Apr 30, 2014 Conference: Air Combat Operations 2025 and Beyond - Laird Special Report Australia is building out a modest but effective 21st century Air Force built around the best available 21st century platforms and technolog Apr 30, 2014 Williams Paper: Protecting Australia with UAS (Unmanned Aerial Systems) The capabilities and use of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) has grown rapidly over the last decade or so. Australia’s geography is uniquely we Feb 28, 2014 Williams Paper: Flawed Doctrine: The Problem With Centralised Control And Decentralised Execution This paper focuses on two objections to current ADF doctrine. First, reliance on a ‘bumper-sticker’4 as the basis for developing command arr Jan 31, 2012

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

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