The European defence system is finally evolving, accelerated by the growing need for effective, efficient, and sustainable air and space capabilities. At the same time, in light of the war against Ukraine, various shortcomings in Europe’s defence, industrial and technological capabilities have suddenly become tangible. Simultaneously, a geopolitical power shift is happening that has the US increasingly focused on China as the ‘pacing threat’ and system rival and are expecting Europe to pull their weight by contributing to their own...

Courtesy of Over the Horizon – Multi-Domain Operations & Strategy Multi-Domain’ is the word du jour of the defence enterprise. While there are plenty of philosophical discussions on the future of warfare, the important dialogue regarding the definition of domains have been largely untouched. There are a lot of smart people trying to wrap their heads around what this means for the employment of forces, but much of this churn is currently wasted, as the defence community does not have...

Courtesy of Air University Press. This essay is an abridged version of the article ‘Multi-Domain Operations – A Subtle but Significant Transition in Military Thought,’ published in The Air and Space Power Journal, Spring 2016. On 17 November 2011, Gen Martin Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, asked the Military Education Coordination Council the prophetic question, ‘What’s after joint?’ After more than four years, that question remains ostensibly unanswered. The answer, however, may reside in the notion of...

Courtesy of Modern War Institute at West Point Multi-Domain Battle has a clear origin. Stemming from the idea that disruptive technologies will change the character of warfare, it recognizes that the way armies will fight and win wars will also change. It also reflects the desire to replicate the success of Air Land Battle, which is arguably the most significant case of developing a concept and then materializing capabilities across the DOTMLPF spectrum (Doctrine, Organization, Training, Material, Leadership Education, Personnel,...

Courtesy of National Defense, NDIA’s Business & Technology Magazine For the US military to maintain its status as the greatest fighting force in the world, it must continue to learn and understand the Multi-Domain battlespace and significantly improve its operations across the entire range of military activity. It is widely believed that the US military is exceptional and by far the best in the world, but adversaries are catching up. The key to maintaining its advantage and deterring or defeating...

Many will have heard the phrase ‘Flexibility is the Key to Air Power’. Some will have heard the corollary that ‘flexibility’ is too rigid a concept and that it is actually ‘fluidity’ that is required; this is my starting point – Fluidity is the key to Multi-Domain Operations. Those reading this will likely be familiar with the concept of domains (e. g. Maritime, Land and Air). Over the years we have developed our thinking on the concept of domains to...