Adm. Sir Philip Jones, Britain’s First Sea Lord and Chief of Naval Staff, on Brexit implications for the Royal Navy, whether 138 F-35 Lightning II fighters are enough for the Navy and Air Force, rebuilding big-deck carrier capabilities, Type 26 and 31 frigates, and how Russian and Chinese naval developments will shape future Royal Navy capabilities.
Today in Military History: On Sept. 6, 1915, the world’s first prototype tank, the Number 1 Lincoln Machine, is completed at William Foster & Company in Lincoln, England. The 16.5-ton vehicle was designed to cross a 5-foot-wide trench. The requirements were established by the Landships Committee in July 1915 to break the stalemate of trench warfare.
Today in Military History: In its first operation since its formation on Feb. 14, 1942, the 503rd Parachute Regiment — the first American airborne unit to see action in the Pacific — makes an unopposed landing near Nadzab, New Guinea. It takes the key town of Lae that was evacuated by Japanese forces, fighting with their rear elements.
Håkan Buskhe, the president and CEO of Saab Group, on his company’s partnership with Boeing beyond the T-X trainer, growing in the United States and India, merger and acquisition plans, and research and development strategy.
Maj. Gen. Mats Helgesson, chief of the Swedish Air Force, on the state of his force on its 90th birthday, the Gripen fighter, air defense and strike missiles, Russia’s capabilities, future investment, trainers, tankers and transports, unmanned aircraft, protecting bases and future manpower models.
Gen. Micael Bydén, the supreme commander of Sweden’s Armed Forces, criticizes Russia’s regional behavior as “stupid,” discusses threats, priorities and country’s Total Defense concept.
Exclusive: Sweden’s Defense Minister Peter Hultqvist on US Vice President Joe Biden’s visit to Stockholm, cooperation with the United States, Russia, a bigger defense budget and future needs.
Marcus Wandt, experimental test pilot for Saab Aeronautics, on the development of the JAS 39E/F Gripen, Sweden’s new multirole fighter.
Exclusive: Vice Adm. Mike Shoemaker, USN, the commander of US Naval Air Forces, on defending aircraft carriers from future threats, importance of the new Ford-class carriers, improving readiness and recent V-22 trials in part two of a two-part interview.
Today in Military History: On Aug. 19, 1812, two months after the start of the War of 1812, the USS Constitution commanded by Capt. Issac Hull defeated the HMS Guerriere commanded by Capt. James Richard Dacres about 600 southwest of Newfoundland.