Naval News – On March 23, the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) formally disbanded its long-standing “Fleet Escort Force” (護衛艦隊) and established a new “Fleet Surface Force” (水上艦隊), marking its most sweeping organizational overhaul since 1954.
Putin’s favorite submarine returns to service, fueling Arctic nuclear buildup
The Barents Observer – Karelia is the submarine on which Vladimir Putin – then acting president – spent a night at a depth of 50 metres in the Barents Sea in April 2000. Now upgraded, the vessel is preparing for deterrence patrols and is expected to remain in service until 2038.
Statement for the Record—U.S.-China Economic & Security Review Commission Hearing—“Part of Your World: U.S.-China Competition Under the Sea”
Andrew Erickson – Andrew S. Erickson, Statement for the Record for Hearing on “Part of Your World: U.S.-China Competition Under the Sea,” U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission, Washington, DC, 2 March 2026.
Royal Navy Gibraltar Squadron supports French seizure of Russian shadow fleet tanker
Navy Lookout – HMS Cutlass of the Royal Navy Gibraltar Squadron has assisted French forces in the boarding of a suspect tanker in the western Mediterranean. The operation highlights growing coordination between European navies in enforcing sanctions at sea.
Defence funding chaos puts Royal Navy future fleet programmes at risk
Navy Lookout – The Times reports that the Type 83 destroyer programme could be delayed due to the large funding gap in the MoD’s Equipment Plan. Here, we consider how the RN is likely to face very difficult trade-offs between programmes due to funding constraints.
What Boots On The Ground In Iran Could Entail, According To Former CENTCOM Commander
The War Zone – Joseph Votel offers insights on securing Iran’s uranium, seizing Kharg Island, dwindling stocks of missile interceptors, and how long Epic Fury will last.
Iran fires missiles towards UK-US base on Diego Garcia
The Guardian – Both weapons, fired after Starmer authorised US to carry out further attacks from British bases, failed to hit Chagos Island target.
China Not Committed to 2027 Taiwan Invasion, U.S. Intel Report Says
USNI News – Washington has determined that China does not plan to invade Taiwan in 2027, according to the U.S. intelligence community’s 2026 Annual Threat Assessment report published this week.
A-10 Warthogs Are Prowling For Iranian Boats In The Strait Of Hormuz
The War Zone – A-10s are executing one of the lesser-known missions they’ve trained to do for decades, hunting down Iranian fast attack boats and mine layers in the strait.
Former CENTCOM Commander’s Candid Take On The Situation In The Strait Of Hormuz
The War Zone – Retired Army General Joseph Votel offers unique insights into what it will take to wrestle the Strait of Hormuz from Iran’s clutches.
Royal Navy and Norway explore joint commando craft programme
Navy Lookout – The UK and Norway have launched a joint effort to define a new generation of high-speed armed commando craft, intended to support littoral operations in contested environments.
Ukraine Moves Beyond the Black Sea With New Ocean-Going Drone Fleet, Zelenskyy Says
United 24 – Ukraine is working on a new generation of naval drones capable of operating in open ocean conditions, marking a potential expansion of its unmanned maritime capabilities beyond the Black Sea.
Four Reasons Japan Is Pouring Money into Its Submarine Fleet
National Interest – Diesel-electric submarines like the Taigei class offer Japan a fearsome weapon against China—at a fraction of the cost of cutting-edge American ones.
Navy Juggles Its Aircraft Carrier Plans To Stay Afloat
The War Zone – One carrier was already tired before it had a fire, another saw its service life extended for the second time, while the delivery of a third is delayed.
Australian mine countermeasures approaches minimal viable capability
Naval News – The Royal Australian Navy (RAN) has just two of an original six Huon-class minehunters left in service. Plus, two years ago, the service suspended renewal of its mine countermeasures capability that was to be delivered via Project Sea 1905. Looking at this evidence, some analysts believe Australia’s naval mine countermeasures (MCM) capability is atrophying. However, top brass in the RAN are satisfied that the navy will maintain a satisfactory capability against sea mines and underwater threats.
Forty years of Royal Navy mine warfare in the Gulf
Navy Lookout – Tensions in the Gulf have prompted the United States to call on allies to help protect shipping in the Strait of Hormuz from Iranian threats, including mines. In this historical overview, Tony Carruthers recalls how the RN responded to a similar request almost forty years ago, deploying a squadron of Hunt-class Mine Counter Measures Vessels.
Navy E-2D Hawkeyes Appear To Be Rushing To The Middle East
The War Zone – The E-2D is America’s most capable platform for spotting drones and other low-flying Iranian threats that are wreaking havoc on Gulf Arab States.
Iran’s Black Hole Kilo-Class Submarines Are ‘Out Of Action’ Against The U.S. Navy
1945 – Defense expert Dr. Brent M. Eastwood evaluates the operational neutralization of the Islamic Republic of Iran Navy (IRIN) submarine fleet. During the second week of Operation Epic Fury, U.S. CENTCOM and the IDF established total air superiority, targeting the “Black Hole” Kilo-class boats.
(Thanks to Alain)
UK says it remains in talks over escorting ships through strait of Hormuz
The Guardian – Officials say military planners liaising with US Central Command but situation remains too dangerous for anything to happen soon.
U.S. Navy to increase production of anti-submarine mines
Defence Blog – The U.S. Navy plans to increase production of the Hammerhead anti-submarine mine system through a contract modification with General Dynamics Mission Systems. The Hammerhead system is designed to detect, classify, and engage submarines and could be deployed by unmanned underwater vehicles to counter increasingly capable Russian and Chinese submarine fleets.
(Thanks to Alain)
EA-18G Growlers Carrying Mixed Load Of Old And New Jamming Pods Are Flying Iran Missions
The War Zone – A Pentagon report says the new pods are still having significant teething issues even though they are being used in active conflicts.
If called upon, what assets could the Royal Navy send to the Gulf?
Navy Lookout – Donald Trump has called for allies to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz (SOH). Here, we consider whether the UK is equipped to make a meaningful contribution and what a realistic Royal Navy response might look like.
The US has several options to counter Iranian mines. These are some key assets
Defense News – The U.S. military possesses several capabilities that it could wield to combat naval mine warfare in the Strait of Hormuz.
Allies Push Back On Trump’s Demand They Send Warships To Strait Of Hormuz
The War Zone – Germany on Monday flatly rejected Trump’s demand that NATO allies send naval vessels to help protect shipping in this strategic waterway.
U.S. Navy Minesweepers Assigned To Middle East Have Been Moved To Pacific
The War Zone – Two of the three Littoral Combat Ships that had taken over the minesweeping role in the Middle East have just appeared in Malaysia.
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