Wild Blue Yonder

July 16, 2021
SOF Swarm: Special Operations Air Assets and Autonomous Systems

The past decade has seen tremendous leaps forward in the development of autonomous system technologies. Unmanned aerial systems (UAS) are increasing in use in both commercial and military applications. This paper will assess the current progress of such UAS development, identify barriers, and
July 9, 2021
US-China International Law Disputes in the South China Sea

China’s incremental expansion and bold territorial claims in the South China Sea (SCS) over the past 20 years have raised global concerns. This article will examine the history of US support of UNCLOS, China’s nine-dash line claim, and the intersecting issues related to
July 2, 2021
Russia’s Recent Conquests and Long-Term Strategy in the Arctic

Russia has a long history of exploration in the Arctic region. The northernmost border of its country is home to vast quantities of oil, natural gas, nickel, copper, and other metals. Russian advancements in the region serve as a source of national pride, which is dwindling after 20 years under
June 28, 2021
COTS and Space-based Missile Defense

In the event of a strike against the United States, our nation is unprepared and under-equipped. Fortunately, this critical capabilities gap can be mitigated using commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) products, at the fraction of the price, while being available to the warfighter against any ballistic or
June 17, 2021
The Russian Antiaccess/Area Denial Security Issue over Kaliningrad and the Baltics

With the increase of Russian aggression in Ukraine in 2014 and the lessons learned that have stemmed from that conflict, the North American Treaty Organization (NATO) leaders have become more concerned about a Russian incursion into the Baltic states of Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia and the
June 11, 2021
Emerging Tanker Roles and Risks in the Advanced Battle Management System Era

This Air University Advanced Research paper focuses on the changing mission roles of the tanker fleet in the approaching era of the Advanced Battle Management System (ABMS) and some of the risks that may be present for aircrews. With the sensors and enhanced communications systems that the KC-46
June 7, 2021
Truth to Power through Execution: Extending the Influence of Information Warfare

The front lines were no longer solely about countering weapons of mass destruction, but rather, weapons of mass disruption. While America was fully engaged in counterterrorism, its adversaries were also expanding their capabilities in information warfare (IW) while staying below the threshold of
May 31, 2021
Israel and the Selling of the F-35 to the UAE

On 20 January 2021, the Trump administration, in one of its last decisions, signed the agreement to sell the F-35 joint strike fighter to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The Biden administration suspended this deal in late January 2021, but on 13 April, President Biden approved
May 28, 2021
Technology in Peacekeeping: How Technology Can Make Peacekeeping Better

Some of the issues that make the major powers reluctant to get more involved in peacekeeping missions could be improved with the use of technology. I will discuss several technologies that should be consciously used to improve peacekeeping, including technologies that provide basic needs, mobility,
May 27, 2021
Wild Blue Yonder on the Air - Ep. 2 - Major Tom Clark on Strategic Competition, Air Power and Expeditionary Basing in Africa

Opinions, conclusions, and recommendations expressed or implied within are solely those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the views of the Air University, the United States Air Force, the Department of Defense, or any other US government agency.0:00:00.6 Dr. Margaret Sankey: Welcome