US Navy – Tight Budgets, Needs Alter USN Unmanned Efforts

Aviation Week and Space TechnologyTight Budgets, Needs Alter USN Unmanned Efforts

Fiscal constraints will be a major driving factor in the capabilities that the U.S. Navy will seek in unmanned vehicles in the coming years, says the chief of naval operations, Adm. Gary Roughead. However, unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and unmanned underwater vehicles (UUV) will be called upon to fill what he calls a “capability gap” in the Navy’s ability to collect intelligence in the maritime domain.

US Navy – US Navy Envisions Many Unmanned Platforms

Aviation Week and Space TechnologyUS Navy Envisions Many Unmanned Platforms

The U.S. Navy’s ambitious pursuit of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) was, if anything, simply a glimmer in the eye of a few rogues in the service just a decade or so ago. Fast forward to the present, and the Navy has emerged with funded programs, a cohesive vision and a procurement corps aggressively engaging industry—three things that any U.S. project needs to garner support, and money, from Congress.

Operations Other Than War – From Mine Sweeping to Swat Valley Rescues

Defense Technology InternationalFrom Mine Sweeping to Swat Valley Rescues

The MH-53E Sea Dragon helos of Navy Mine Countermeasures Squadron (HM-15) Detachment 2 – which arrived in Pakistan seven days ago – normally tow a mine-sweeping sled at sea level. For the fuel-eating flight from Pakistan’s Ghazi Air Force Base and the climb over the mountains, they can safely take on only about 10,000 pounds of cargo or 80 people.

Chinese Navy – China Report – No Alarmism Allowed

Defense Technology InternationalChina Report – No Alarmism Allowed

Bill Sweetman writes that the Pentagon’s new report on China’s military power is so muted that it is no longer even called that. Although the filename includes the acronym CMPR – China Military Power Report – the title is “Military and Security Developments Involving the People’s Republic of China”, which reads a little as if China’s military was expanding and modernizing all by itself. China’s leaders are not as inhibited, dropping hints in recent days that first tests are imminent of the Dong Feng 21D (DF-21D) anti-ship ballistic missile system, accompanied by artwork showing its intended mission.

US Navy – Navy's riverine patrol: Peacekeeping in a war zone

Virginian PilotNavy’s riverine patrol: Peacekeeping in a war zone

US Navy Riverine Squadron 1 is halfway through a six-month tour. Traditionally, the mission of riverines is to secure inland waterways such as rivers and swamps. They are known for their integral role in the Vietnam War, and they come well-equipped for combat. During this deployment, however, the squadron’s 200 sailors have not engaged in any firefights. Instead, like most U.S. forces in Iraq these days, their mission focuses on peacekeeping.

Chinese Navy – U.S. Sounds Alarm at China's Military Buildup

Wall Street JournalU.S. Sounds Alarm at China’s Military Buildup

In its annual report to Congress on Chinese military capabilities, the Pentagon voiced alarm over China’s military buildup, saying it was expanding its advantage over Taiwan and investing heavily in ballistic and cruise missile capabilities that could one day pose a challenge to U.S. dominance in the western Pacific.