The War Zone – The Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN) recently commissioned the first of its new KDX-III Batch 2 destroyers, ROKS Jeongjo the Great — the service’s largest. Among the many advanced features incorporated in these warships, the latest version of the Korean Vertical Launch System — KVLS-II — is especially interesting. While initially expected to accommodate long-range surface-to-air missiles, the launchers are also planned to add ballistic missiles, which are a growing area of interest for South Korea.
Yearly Archives: 2024
A Chinese-Flagged Ship Cut Baltic Sea Internet Cables. This Time, Europe Was More Prepared
Carnegie Endowment – Complex security challenges to undersea communications infrastructure are forcing NATO, the EU, and individual European governments to adapt, yet many efforts remain in their infancy.
Struggles to Secure Baltic Sea Dominates NATO’s ‘Freezing Winds ’24’
Marine Technology News – The 12-day ‘Freezing Winds’ drill was part of a push to step up the transatlantic defence alliance’s protection of infrastructure in waters that carry 15% of global shipping traffic and are seen as increasingly vulnerable to attack.
Advanced Russian Attack Submarine Operating in the East China Sea
USNI News – Russian Navy Improved Kilo class submarine RFS Ufa (B-588) is now operating in the East China Sea following a passage between Japanese islands in the southwest region in order to exit the Philippine Sea and enter the South China Sea.
Colombian Navy uncovers new Australian drug trafficking route after seizing 225 tonnes of cocaine
ABC – The Colombian Navy has seized 225 tonnes of cocaine during a six-week operation that included the interception of a semi-submersible vessel in the Pacific Ocean. Colombian authorities arrested more than 400 people and say they have uncovered a new drug trafficking route operating from South America to Australia.
(Thanks to Alain)
‘Poor Material Condition’ of Navy Amphib Fleet Prevents Marine Deployments, Training, Says GAO
USNI News – Delayed and skipped amphibious warship maintenance has prevented Marine Corps units from training and deploying on schedule, reads a new Government Accountability Office report released on Tuesday.
NVL Group Starts Building German Navy Reconnaissance Ship
The Defense Post – NVL Group has cut the steel for the German Navy’s first reconnaissance ship, marking the official start of construction of the new Type 424 intelligence-gathering vessels (AGIs).
(Thanks to Alain)
Rendezvous
CIMSEC – A FICINT short story.
Iran’s New Drone Carrier Starts Sea Trials
Covert Shores – The Iranian IRGC’s (Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps) latest ambitious naval project, the drone carrier Shahid Bagheri (C-110-4), has sailed.
(Thanks to Alain)
2 key senators urge Navy to change course on large USV program
Breaking Defense – The top two senators overseeing the Pentagon are urging the Navy’s leadership to rethink its plans for the Large Unmanned Surface Vessel (LUSV) over concerns the vessel’s size and complexity will rival that of a manned frigate.
Detailed Deck View Emerges Of China’s Mysterious Aircraft Carrier-Like Ship
The War Zone – Additional photos provide a more detailed look at the mysterious Chinese flattop that TWZ was first to report on, and which recently went to sea, apparently for its first trials. While the exact function of this vessel remains murky, the recently published photos do confirm that it’s intended to operate rotary-wing aircraft (perhaps in addition to fixed-wing drones), but there are no obvious signs of catapults or arrester cables of the kind that would be used for operating heavier fixed-wing types. There is also no indication that the vessel has a floodable well deck like those found on many amphibious warfare ships.
Philippine Coast Guard Deploys Two Cutters to Protect Fishermen from Chinese Forces at Iroquois Reef
USNI News – The Philippine Coast Guard deployed two patrol vessels to protect Philippine fishermen at Iroquois Reef following reports of harassment from a Chinese Navy helicopter at the disputed South China Sea maritime feature.
Qatar’s Strange New Warship Combines Air Defense Frigate And Amphibious Assault Ship Roles
The War Zone – The ‘unique’ Al Fulk has vertical launch systems, a big flight deck, a deck gun, and a well deck, all in a relatively efficient package.
False Flag
CIMSEC – A FICINT short story.
RAND: A Historical Analysis Of A True Invasion Of Taiwan
Naval News – Dr. Scott Savitz, a senior engineer at the RAND Corporation, returns with this historical analysis of France’s invasion of Taiwan in 1884-85, where the defenders were Chinese. If Taiwan resists any future invasion by China, these historical lessons might pave the way to future deterrence, battlefield tactics, and strategies.
Canadian Frigate Destroys Target in Joint U.S.-Navy Littoral Missile Shoot
USNI News – The Canadian warship HMCS Regina (FFH-334) visited California last month for something of a sailor’s ideal day: Killing a target at sea.
First Signs Russia Is Evacuating Navy Ships From Syria
Naval News – The Russian Navy’s base at Tartus in Syria is crucial to its support of the Assad regime, and its ambitions on the world stage. The dramatic shift in the front lines in Syria now puts the base at risk. There are indications that Russia may be evacuating its naval vessels.
America Must Get Its Mind Right to Defeat China
National Interest – James Holmes writes that as the U.S. Navy faces the return of great power competition, especially with China’s maritime rise, it must overcome decades of post-Cold War neglect and reforge its strategic and operational capabilities.
CMSI Note #11: Admiral Miao Hua’s Fall: Further Navy Fallout?
China Maritime Studies Institute – Pending investigation, Xi Jinping’s protégé Admiral Miao Hua (苗华) has been suspended from his duties as a member of China’s Central Military Commission (CMC) and Director of the CMC Political Work Department. This decision was made by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP)’s Central Committee, Defense Spokesperson Senior Colonel Wu Qian announced at the scheduled monthly PLA press briefing on 28 November 2024, because Miao is “suspected of serious violation of discipline.”2 By the time such CCP investigations become public, conviction is a foregone conclusion. Miao’s fall thus raises three principal questions: Why is he being removed, will his cronies suffer similarly, and what does it mean for China’s navy and military?
Upgrading Royal Navy anti-submarine weapons
Navy Lookout – The Sting Ray lightweight anti-submarine torpedo, the RN’s primary ASW weapon, is being upgraded to Mod 2 standard. In this article, we look at this programme and aspirations for various torpedo delivery methods.
Sweden asks China to co-operate over severed cables
BBC – Sweden has formally asked China to co-operate with an investigation into damage to two cables in the Baltic Sea after a Chinese ship was linked to the incidents.
Crashed NZ navy ship was left on autopilot, inquiry finds
BBC – A New Zealand naval ship which crashed into a coral reef before it caught fire and sank had been left on autopilot, an official inquiry has found.
Sweden Requests Chinese Bulk Carrier To Stay in Swedish Water as Investigation Into Undersea Fiber-Optic Cables Continues
USNI News – Sweden’s prime minister asked a Chinese bulk carrier, suspected of cutting two undersea fiber-optic cables in the Baltic Sea, to return to its water as Stockholm’s investigation continues.
Australian F-35 Tests Expeditionary Base Concept
The War Zone – The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) has experimented with a new, rapidly laid temporary airfield surface, which should make it easier to conduct expeditionary aircraft operations, something that is of increasing relevance across the Indo-Pacific region.
Submarine Presence In Guam Gets Boost With Its First Forward-Based Virginia-Class
The War Zone – The U.S. military’s plans to build up its forces on the island of Guam received some added firepower Tuesday with the arrival of the Virginia-class attack submarine USS Minnesota (SSN-783), the first of its class to be forward-based at the United States’ vital outpost in the Western Pacific.
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