Luftvåben og luftkrigsførelse

An illustrated guide to the F-104 Starfighter, a high-speed interceptor sometimes referred to as the "widowmaker"

"In April 1942, the Imperial Japanese Army steamrolled through Burma, capturing the only ground route from India to China. Supplies to this critical zone would now have to come from India by air--meaning across the Himalayas, on the most hazardous air route in the world. Skies of Thunder is a story of an epic human endeavor, in which Allied troops faced the monumental challenge of operating from airfields hacked from the jungle, and took on 'the Hump, ' the fearsome mountain barrier that defined the air route. They flew fickle, untested aircraft through monsoons and enemy fire, at brain-melting altitudes with inaccurate maps and only primitive navigation technology. The result was a litany of both deadly crashes and astonishing feats of survival. The most chaotic of all the war's arenas, the China-Burma-India theater was further confused by the conflicting political interests of Roosevelt, Churchill, and their demanding nominal ally, Chiang Kai-shek"--

A collection of specially commissioned color profiles.This meticulously crafted book showcases a captivating collection of 40 vivid color profiles featuring the iconic Supermarine Spitfire IX, a legendary aircraft that played a pivotal role in World War II. Each profile has been meticulously created, offering an unparalleled level of detail and precision. These profiles are specially commissioned, ensuring an extraordinary visual experience for aviation enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

From the critically acclaimed author of Dünkirchen 1940, this is a groundbreaking history of the epic three-day battle for Hill 107 that changed the course of the war in the Mediterranean. In this remarkable history, we discover each of the individuals whose actions determined the outcome of the battle for Hill 107, the key event that decided the campaign to capture the vitally strategic island of Crete in May 1941. All the events are narrated through the filter of these eyewitnesses. The Allied perspective is from the summit of Hill 107. We experience the fear and the adrenalin of a lowly platoon commander, Lieutenant Ed McAra, perilously positioned at the top of the hill, alongside the combat stress and command fatigue of the battalion commander, Lieutenant Colonel Leslie Andew. In contrast, the German view is looking up from below as they cling to the slopes while simultaneous dazzled by the morning glare and decimated by defensive fire. We join the regimental doctor, Dr Heinrich Neumann, as he assumes command of one battalion and leads a daring nighttime charge towards the summit. The Hill details what was felt, heard or seen throughout the battle for both attacker and defender. Drawing upon original combat reports, diary entries, letters and interviews, the battle is brought vividly to life. The narrative reads like a Shakespearean tragedy, the soldiers revealing their stories in and around the shadows of Hill 107.

Packed with personal accounts of the action, this is a vivid narrative history of the often-overlooked USAAF campaign in North Africa and Sicily in World War II. In 1942, the Western Allies needed to take the offensive against the Axis to relieve pressure on the Soviet Union. With planning for a cross-Channel invasion beset by logistical and operational difficulties, in May 1942 President Roosevelt ordered his military leaders to prepare to support the British in the Mediterranean. This led to the first USAAF units arriving in the Middle East in July, firstly as reinforcements for the British and later as part of the Operation Torch landings in French Morocco and Algeria in November. In little over ten months from the summer of 1942, the USAAF in North Africa grew from nothing to a senior partner, providing aircraft and crews the other Allies were unable to match. The Axis forces that had controlled almost the entire southern shore of the Mediterranean had been swept from the African continent - thanks in no small part to the efforts of the USAAF.Using first-hand accounts from pilots and other aircrew, Tom Cleaver describes how the USAAF units that landed in Morocco were forced to learn their own lessons in combat with veteran Luftwaffe units, and how the experience gained in the skies over North Africa and Sicily was invaluable in developing the air forces that would dominate the skies over Europe in the latter years of the war.

Pioneer Aviators records the various stages of man's journey into the skies, taking the reader from the earliest years of experimentation, through the early age of ballooning, into heavier-than-air flight, our ventures into space and even all the way back around to modern human-powered vessels. The book introduces the reader to almost three hundred aviation pioneers and the aircraft they flew, and is illustrated throughout with photographs mostly from the author's own collection. Due to the historical importance of these aircraft - and as a tribute to those who flew them - many are now housed in museums across the world. Without the efforts and sacrifices of the pioneers, we would not have the aviation industry of today.

Pioneer Aviators records the various stages of man's journey into the skies, taking the reader from the earliest years of experimentation, through the early age of ballooning, into heavier-than-air flight, our ventures into space and even all the way back around to modern human-powered vessels. The book introduces the reader to almost three hundred aviation pioneers and the aircraft they flew, and is illustrated throughout with photographs mostly from the author's own collection. Due to the historical importance of these aircraft - and as a tribute to those who flew them - many are now housed in museums across the world. Without the efforts and sacrifices of the pioneers, we would not have the aviation industry of today.

American Bomber Aircraft of World War II is a detailed guide to all the bombers deployed by the USAAF and US Navy from 1941 to 1945. Organized chronologically, this book includes all the great types of the era, such as the B-17 Flying Fortress, which led the daylight bombing campaign against German industrial targets; the B-24 Liberator, which carried out the famous raid on the Ploesti oil refinery in Romania in 1943; and the B-29 Superfortress, the aircraft most responsible for degrading Japan's ability to wage war with its constant aerial attacks throughout 1944 and 1945.

American Fighter Aircraft of World War II is a detailed guide to all the fighter aircraft types deployed by the USAAF and US Navy from 1941 to 1945. Organized chronologically, this book includes all-time greats, such as the highly-adaptable P-51 Mustang bomber escort, the carrier-based F6F Hellcat--which outperformed the legendary Japanese A6M Zero fighter; as well as lesser-known types, such as the Boeing P-26 Peashooter and the Lockheed P-80 Shooting Star, the USAAF's only operational jet fighter during the war.

"In this report, the authors use 11 case studies to create a typology of the barriers that impede U.S. security cooperation with highly capable allies and partners; identify some of the more specific barriers in the air, space, and cyber domains; suggest mitigation strategies for each of these barriers; and propose a preliminary approach for implementing some of these mitigation strategies"--

Accounts from the fliers of the First World WarThe author of this book was a prolific writer on the subject of early aviation. As most students of the subject know, only eight years had passed since the Wright brothers had taken to the air before Italy used aircraft in warfare in Libya and less than a further three years before the great nations of Europe began fighting the conflict which became known as the Great War. So, inevitably, Middleton's focus was drawn to activities of the RFC, RAF and RNAS as its airmen fought their German and Turkish counterparts in the skies over the continent and the wider world. The principal book in this Leonaur edition was first published in 1918 and is essentially a collection of word 'sketches' describing the routines, adventures and battles of allied airmen during the war. Whilst it is decidedly partisan in its perspectives, Middleton was able to rely of first-hand experiences and access to recent records, so his work has become part of the invaluable record of that short lived period of aerial warfare fought in simple craft of timber, canvas and wire. The nineteen 'sketches' in the principal book are supported in this Leonaur edition by an extract from E. W Walters book, 'Heroic Airmen and their Exploits', which offers a host of other engaging reports on the fight for the skies from other sources.Leonaur editions are newly typeset and are not facsimiles; each title is available in softcover and hardback with dustjacket.

Accounts from the fliers of the First World WarThe author of this book was a prolific writer on the subject of early aviation. As most students of the subject know, only eight years had passed since the Wright brothers had taken to the air before Italy used aircraft in warfare in Libya and less than a further three years before the great nations of Europe began fighting the conflict which became known as the Great War. So, inevitably, Middleton's focus was drawn to activities of the RFC, RAF and RNAS as its airmen fought their German and Turkish counterparts in the skies over the continent and the wider world. The principal book in this Leonaur edition was first published in 1918 and is essentially a collection of word 'sketches' describing the routines, adventures and battles of allied airmen during the war. Whilst it is decidedly partisan in its perspectives, Middleton was able to rely of first-hand experiences and access to recent records, so his work has become part of the invaluable record of that short lived period of aerial warfare fought in simple craft of timber, canvas and wire. The nineteen 'sketches' in the principal book are supported in this Leonaur edition by an extract from E. W Walters book, 'Heroic Airmen and their Exploits', which offers a host of other engaging reports on the fight for the skies from other sources.Leonaur editions are newly typeset and are not facsimiles; each title is available in softcover and hardback with dustjacket.

Following on from Volume 1, this is a fascinating and unique first-hand account of war in the air with the RAF in Burma and along the Burma Road to China, flying Lysanders and Hurricane Mk IIs alongside the American Volunteer Group, the 'Flying Tigers'. During the chaotic British withdrawal in early 1942, the rapidly depleted RAF units frog-leapt from one makeshift landing ground to another under constant harassment by Japanese Zeros and Navy 'O's. A year later he returned to Burma with a detachment of Hurricanes in support of the disastrous Arakan Campaign.In between being shot down by friendly fire and flying the last Hurricane out of Burma before the advancing Japanese, Colin Dunford Wood details life in India, with a trip to Egypt just before El Alamein to train on the new Hurricanes IIDs.Colin had an extraordinary war. He was only one of two survivors of 60 Indian army recruits who joined the RAF in WW2 where, despite his poor eyesight and having to cheat on his medical, he went on to fight in four theatres of war: the North-West Frontier, Iraq, Burma and Germany.These diaries are a vivid portrait of war across several continents and campaigns. Rather than follow the ordered chronology of the tidy historian, who has points to make and theories to prove, the narrative follows the haphazard progress of war on the ground and in the air - encompassing fear, boredom, incompetence, luck, romance, and horror - all interlaced with a self-deprecating humour that kept the man sane.

The dispatch of an Ottoman Army by Australian-led Imperial air power in the Wadi Fara on 21 September 1918 occurred just five years after the advent of military aviation in Australia. In 1914, the fledgling Australian air service operated the flimsy Bristol Boxkite; four years later it was flying the far more advanced Bristol F2B Fighter. This leap forward represented a profound progress in technology that has typified the technical development of aviation, particularly in Australia ever since. Ironically, on 21 September 2014, 96 years after the events of the Wadi Fara, Australian squadrons were again deployed to the same part of the world where they would remain for more than three years on operations against extremist terrorism. Armageddon and OKRA contrasts these events, a century apart, in the context of the development of Australian air power. The book tracks the history where Australia has maintained a balanced air service compelling high technical, logistics and engineering standards, and effective training and command and control systems, for more than 100 years. These processes were as applicable a century ago as they are today. By examining these operational events, the author establishes the connection that access to the technology associated with air power is intrinsically linked to Australia's enduring foreign and defence policy - more so, that military power is a means to an end, and never an end unto itself.

With its iconic bubble canopy and advanced helmet-mounted displays, the F-16 Fighting Falcon is one of the supreme Fourth Generation air-superiority fighters in the world today. The F-16's versatility and durability has meant it can be adapted to a number of roles, including air superiority, reconnaissance, and ground attack. Packed with 100 vivid artworks and photographs, F-16 Fighting Falcon is a compact reference guide for lovers of this iconic aircraft and aviation enthusiasts.

A #1 AMAZON BESTSELLER!The magical, lyrical, hysterical flying adventure from the author of Memories of an Emerald World and The Jungle Express! When a sleep-deprived U.S. Air Force pilot in Panama has a vision of tropical treasure, his misfit companions set out to bring the dream to reality. So begins a dramatic and hilarious shakedown of every country south of the Texas border, from the jungles of the Yucatan peninsula to the salt flats of Bolivia, as the well-intentioned but often overeager flyers seek to collect the dream's baubles and solve the mystery behind them all. But can they do it without crashing, and without losing their wings? "A FUN READ COVER-TO-COVER... Bleriot is an excellent storyteller!"- Jeffrey Miller, author of The Panama Affair "The best flying stories since Ernie Gann's epics... Mike Bleriot "gets it." He has captured everything from the emotions to the scenery to the personalities to the cultures. There is virtually no parallel to the kind of flying these guys did..."- Dave Schlener, ATP Based on Bleriot's own experience as a counter-drug pilot in South America, Flying Naked's colorful characters, sharp dialogue, and fast pacing bring the quest to life - as do his hair-raising descriptions of flight during the Colombia war on drugs. Part memoir, part aviation history, and all action & adventure, Flying Naked is a tribute to the military crews and mechanics who operated in the Amazon in the 1990s. If you like the flying realism of Dale Brown and Vince Flynn, you'll love Flying Naked! Admirers of Ernest Gann, Richard Bach, and Antoine de Saint Exupery will also soar in this studied appreciation of the flying world!Order today with one click for Kindle or print!

Experience the gripping story of Pearl Harbor like never before with our exclusive book bundle, "Pearl Harbor." This carefully curated collection of four captivating books takes you on a riveting journey through the events leading up to the attack, the harrowing survival stories, the incredible work of the codebreakers, and the enduring legacy that reverberates to this day.Book 1: "Dawn of Infamy: The Road to Pearl Harbor" sets the stage for the pivotal events of December 7, 1941. Immerse yourself in the complex geopolitical landscape, the rising tensions, and the diplomatic struggles that shaped the road to that fateful day. Meticulously researched and brilliantly written, this book offers a comprehensive exploration of the events that led to the attack on Pearl Harbor.In Book 2: "Through the Smoke: Surviving Pearl Harbor," you will witness the heart-stopping moments of the attack itself. Through gripping firsthand accounts and harrowing narratives, you will be transported to the chaos and confusion that unfolded as brave individuals fought for survival amidst the devastation. Experience the resilience, courage, and determination of those who emerged from the smoke-filled skies of Pearl Harbor.Book 3: "The Codebreakers: Cracking the Secrets of Pearl Harbor" unveils the remarkable world of intelligence and cryptography. Discover the incredible stories of the codebreakers who unraveled the Japanese encryption systems, providing crucial intelligence that turned the tide of the war. This book takes you behind the scenes of their groundbreaking work, showcasing their unwavering dedication and their invaluable contributions to the Allied war effort.Finally, in Book 4: "The Aftermath: Reflections on Pearl Harbor's Legacy," you will explore the profound and enduring impact of the attack. Reflect on the immediate aftermath, the efforts of rebuilding and reconciliation, and the long-term consequences that shaped the course of history. This book offers poignant insights into the lessons learned and the lasting legacy of Pearl Harbor, ensuring that its significance is never forgotten.By purchasing the "Pearl Harbor" book bundle, you gain exclusive access to an immersive and comprehensive collection of books that delve deep into the history, stories, and impact of this pivotal event. With meticulous research, compelling narratives, and thought-provoking reflections, these books provide a rich and unforgettable reading experience.Whether you are a history enthusiast, a student of World War II, or simply seeking a captivating and enlightening read, the "Pearl Harbor" book bundle is a must-have addition to your library. Join us on this extraordinary journey as we revisit the events, honor the heroes, unravel the secrets, and explore the enduring legacy of Pearl Harbor.Don't miss this opportunity to own this exceptional book bundle. Order your copy of the "Pearl Harbor" collection today and immerse yourself in the profound and transformative story that shaped the course of history.

Embark on an extraordinary journey through the triumphs, challenges, and enduring legacy of humanity's most audacious quest - the Apollo missions. "Moon Landing: A Collection Of Apollo Missions" is a captivating book bundle that invites you to relive the awe-inspiring chapters of our lunar exploration. Join us as we delve into the remarkable stories, and unparalleled achievements of the Apollo program.Book 1 - First Footprints: The Historic Apollo 11 Moon LandingDiscover the iconic moment that forever changed the course of history - the legendary Apollo 11 mission. Immerse yourself in the incredible journey of Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin as they become the first human beings to set foot on the lunar surface. Experience the heart-stopping descent, the iconic words spoken, and the profound impact of this monumental achievement.Book 2 - Moonwalkers: The Untold Story Of Apollo 12's Lunar MissionUncover the untold tale of Apollo 12, the mission that followed in the footsteps of Apollo 11. Join Pete Conrad, Alan Bean, and Richard Gordon on their daring expedition to the Ocean of Storms. Witness their courage, resourcefulness, and camaraderie as they navigate unforeseen challenges and contribute their own unique chapter to the lunar exploration saga.Book 3 - Journey To Fra Mauro: Apollo 14's Lunar AdventureEmbark on a thrilling lunar adventure with Alan Shepard, Edgar Mitchell, and Stuart Roosa as they journey to the Fra Mauro highlands. Explore the scientific objectives, witness the electrifying moments of the lunar descent, and experience the awe-inspiring lunar surface operations. Discover their pioneering contributions to lunar science and their unwavering commitment to unraveling the mysteries of the Moon.Book 4 - Beyond The Blue Horizon: Exploring The Moon With Apollo 15Join David Scott, James Irwin, and Alfred Worden as they push the boundaries of exploration in the Hadley-Apennine region. Experience the breathtaking lunar rover expeditions, witness groundbreaking scientific investigations, and uncover the Moon's geological secrets. Delve into their remarkable journey of discovery and their enduring contributions to our understanding of the Moon.Book 5 - The Lunar Frontier: Apollo 16's Scientific Exploration Of The MoonEmbark on a trailblazing mission to the Descartes Highlands alongside John Young, Charles Duke, and Thomas Mattingly. Witness their daring exploration, groundbreaking experiments, and unprecedented scientific investigations. Experience the exhilaration of driving the lunar rover across uncharted terrain and unravel the mysteries of our celestial neighbor.Book 6 - The Final Steps: Apollo 17's Last Mission To The MoonBid farewell to the Moon with Eugene Cernan, Harrison Schmitt, and Ronald Evans as they embark on their historic mission. Experience their scientific exploration, lunar rover expeditions, and their profound reflections on the culmination of the Apollo program. Discover the enduring legacy of Apollo 17 and the bittersweet final steps taken on the lunar surface.Indulge your curiosity, ignite your imagination, and relive the extraordinary moments that shaped human history. "Moon Landing: A Collection Of Apollo Missions" is a treasure trove of captivating narratives, stunning imagery, and insightful accounts that celebrate the indomitable spirit of exploration. Don't miss this opportunity to immerse yourself in the remarkable odyssey of the Apollo missions and experience the wonder of our lunar adventures firsthand.Order your copy of "Moon Landing: A Collection Of Apollo Missions" today and join us on this unforgettable journey to the Moon and beyond.

Very rare and hard to find these days. IThis title makes a very nice coffee table book. Discover who resided in Roswell, New Mexico, at the dawn of the Atomic Age. Three years later, in 1947, Roswell Army Air said that they had "come into possession" of a flying saucer. The story ran in the Roswell Daily Record and on the internet. Hours later, the US Air Force in Fort Worth would release a puzzling denial, claiming that everything had been a mistake and that a weather balloon had been mistaken for an exotic, unknown aircraft! Roswell Army Air Field was known as the Roswell Army Flying School in 1943-44 in the Hudspeth City Directory for this year) as it was just before the seed was set that would permanently link Roswell's name with the enigma of UFOs and BallardFuneral Home. Home gets a line here, and the Roswell Daily Record gets a full-page ad. Several coincidences will attract the reader when reading this phone book: Geo P. Knapp, an ancestor of paranormal and UFO investigative researcher George T. Knapp, lived in Roswell. And the Fire Chief was a man named R. C. Chrisman, who was related to the legendary Fred Crisman of the Maury Island UFO incident? We will leave it up to the reader to find more coincidences! This book is a facsimile reproduction of the original Hudsepth Directory Company's ROSWELL TELEPHONE DIRECTORY 1943-44. This is an uncommon and difficult-to-find title, and obtaining a copy is nearly impossible. A must-have resource for any serious ufologist. Please copy and paste the following link into your browser: https: //saucerianbooks.blogspot.com/

RAND researchers generated four plausible near-term great power war scenarios and assessed how they could shape the postwar strategic environment.

Motivated by the future threat to air force command and control networks and forces, the authors identify the demands of future conflicts and consider alternative options for the design of wing-level command and control elements.

They Fought With What They Had, first published in 1951, is the authoritative account of the U.S. Army Air Forces in the Philippines and on Java (Indonesia) in late 1941 and 1942. Unprepared for the Japanese onslaught, American forces had to fight with what little they had in terms of functioning aircraft, adequate munitions and replacement parts, and limited manpower. In the face of these overwhelming odds, however, a valiant effort was made to resist the Japanese invaders, which served to buy time for the fresh troops and new equipment that would soon flow into the region. Author Walter Edmonds does a masterful job of incorporating army reports and hundreds of interviews conducted with the combatants into this comprehensive, highly readable account of U.S. Army Air Forces in the south Pacific at the start of World War II. Illustrated with maps.Author Walter Edmonds (1903-1998) was best known for his historical novels including Drums Along the Mohawk, published in 1936.

Air War in the Pacific, originally published in 1949 as General Kenney Reports: A Personal History of the Pacific War, is a classic account of a combat commander in action. General George Churchill Kenney arrived in the Southwest Pacific theater in August 1942 to find that his command, if not in a shambles, was in dire straits. The theater commander, General Douglas MacArthur, had no confidence in his air element. Kenney quickly changed this situation. He organized and energized the Fifth Air Force, bringing in operational commanders like Whitehead and Wurtsmith who knew how to run combat air forces. He fixed the logistical swamp, making supply and maintenance supportive of air operations, and encouraging mavericks such as Pappy Gunn to make new and innovative weapons and to explore new tactics in airpower application.The result was a disaster for the Japanese. Kenney's airmen used air power- particularly heavily armed B-25 Mitchell bombers-to savage Japanese supply lines, destroying numerous ships and effectively isolating Japanese garrisons. The classic example of Kenney in action was the Battle of the Bismarck Sea, which marked the attainment of complete Allied air dominance and supremacy over Japanese naval forces operating around New Guinea. In short, Kenney was a brilliant, innovative airman, who drew on his own extensive flying experiences to inform his decision-making. Air War in the Pacific is a book that has withstood the test of time, and which remains as the definitive work on the Pacific air campaign in World War II. This new edition includes 13 pages of maps and photographs.

"On May 3, 1943, dozens of airplanes could be seen flying in and out of Royal Air Force Bovingdon Airfield near London, England. Among the aircraft seen that day was a B-24D bomber named Hot Stuff, which carried the Commanding General of US Forces in Europe, Lieutenant General Frank M. Andrews-the officer charged with formulating a plan to invade the European continent. Speculation was that General George C. Marshall had called Andrews back to Washington, DC, leading many to believe that Marshall had another promotion in store for Andrews. Tragically, Andrews would never arrive. While attempting to land in Iceland, the bomber crashed into the side of a mountain, with no survivors other than the tail gunner; Andrews's personal papers were also destroyed. In Marshall's Great Captain: Lieutenant General Frank M. Andrews, author Kathy Wilson details Andrews's extraordinary life and career. The first biography dedicated to the namesake of Joint Base Andrews, this book sheds a light on Andrews's crucial role in orchestrating US involvement in World War II, as well as the professional relationship and rapport that Andrews and Marshall shared. Drawing on extensive research, Wilson raises Andrews's legacy to its legitimate place within the annals of both air power and World War II history and posits that there is a high probability that Andrews, rather than Dwight D. Eisenhower, was Marshall's first choice for the office of Supreme Allied Commander. Marshall recounted that Andrews was the only one he had a chance to prepare for such a command"--

Five Down and Glory, first published in 1958, is the authoritative record of America's top fighter pilots from the early 1900's through the Korean War. Beginning with a definition of the term "ace," the book details the exploits of the Lafayette Escadrille in France, the Flying Tigers in China, the Eagle Squadron in England, pilots of the U.S. Navy and Marines, the 8th Air Force in Europe, and finally, the action in the air over Korea. Included are extensive Appendices of Medal of Honor aces, lists of aces in each conflict and other details of the most successful fliers. Illustrated with 16 pages of photographs. Author Gene Gurney (1924-2011) served more than 60 years in the U.S. Air Force and NASA and was the author of numerous books on aviation history.

The Department of Defense (DoD) has hypothesized that the demand signal for uncrewed systems (UxS) in the coming years will strain the capacity of the U.S. defense industrial base (DIB). DoD asked the RAND Corporation to explore this possibility and assemble relevant risks, issues, and opportunities to support ongoing DoD activities, including complying with statutory requirements to provide annual reports to Congress. The scope of the request covered many types of UxS, including uncrewed aerial systems (UAS), uncrewed ground systems (UGSs), and maritime platforms-specifically, uncrewed surface vehicles (USVs) and uncrewed underwater vehicles (UUVs). The authors consulted a variety of data sources and conducted interviews with officials from military UxS program offices, representatives from commercial entities, and subject matter experts. They examined fragility indicators, such as financial outlook, DoD sales, the number of firms in relevant sectors, and dependence on foreign sources of supply; and examined criticality indicators, such as defense uniqueness, design requirements, skilled labor needs, facility and equipment availability, materials and components with long lead times, and availability of alternatives. This report contains an analysis of required levels of autonomous UxS to meet DIB requirements, data on DIB categories and specific component elements within those categories, an assessment of the posture of the DIB to produce and sustain levels of UxS platforms as required by DoD, the results of a comparative analysis of near-peer nation-states China and Russia, and recommendations on strengthening the DIB.