Navy Lookout – Here we look at the French Navy’s ambitious project to construct a 75,000-tonne nuclear-powered, conventional aircraft carrier for delivery in the late 2030s.
Yearly Archives: 2024
The Voyage of the Meishan and Xiushan – China’s Template For a Blue Water Coast Guard
War on the Rocks – The voyage of the Meishan and Xiushan marked another breakthrough, that, while less obvious, may be even more important. It was the first time the China Coast Guard had ever conducted a “blue-water” paranaval operation. The composition of the task force (modified naval frigates), its leadership (a career naval officer), and the secrecy that attended its activities all differed from out-of-area coast guard patrols of the past. These facts, combined with Chinese framing of the mission, suggest that Beijing regarded the deployment as an operation to defend and advance its overseas interests, making it more “gray” (that is, naval) than “white” (coast guard).
Martlet missile gives Royal Navy Wildcat helicopter proven air-air capability
Navy Lookout – During a recent trial, a Wildcat helicopter of 815 Naval Air Squadron shot down a Banshee target drone. The is the first time a Wildcat has detected, tracked, and engaged a drone without outside assistance, giving the aircraft an important air-air capability.
Japan Launches First Amphibious Ship for New Unit
USNI News – The Japanese Self-Defense Force launched a new class of amphibious vessels on Tuesday to serve a new unit focused on maritime logistics to resupply and reinforce its southwestern islands.
French Navy’s Carrier Strike Group About To Set Sail For Indo-Pacific Deployment
Naval News – The French Navy’s Carrier Strike Group (CSG) is set to depart for a major and long deployment to the Indo-Pacific. Dubbed “Clemenceau 25”, the mission is expected to set sail this month.
‘Alarming’ but ‘not surprising’: Australia reportedly left with 1 operational sub amid repairs, upgrades
Breaking Defense – Five of Australia’s six aging Collins-class submarines are undergoing repairs or are awaiting upgrades, according to a new report here, leaving only one fully operational boat to prowl the Pacific. It’s a development that could hobble Canberra’s ability to project power in the region and one that analysts said was “alarming” if not predictable.
US to deploy B-52s, warships to Middle East as aircraft carrier departs
Reuters – The United States said on Friday it will deploy B-52 bombers, fighter jets, refueling aircraft and Navy destroyers to the Middle East, in a readjustment of military assets as the Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group prepares to leave the region.
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Two New Versions Of China’s J-15 Carrier Fighter Now Appear To Be Operational
The War Zone – The new Chinese jets appeared during unprecedented dual-carrier operations in the strategically important South China Sea.
Navy Extending Service Lives of 12 Flight I Arleigh Burke Destroyers
USNI News – Twelve Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers will remain in the fleet past their initial service lives, the Navy announced on Thursday.
India boosts submarine fleet as region’s warship traffic picks up
Defense News – As India eyes the prospect of more Chinese and Pakistani warships and submarines traversing the Indian Ocean, Delhi is boosting its nuclear-powered submarine fleet. India is now working on a new class of attack submarines (SSN) after the government approved 400 billion rupees (US$4.8 billion) for the construction of an initial two 6,000-ton boats.
Portugal’s First Under-Ice Patrol Demonstrated Importance For NATO Of Conventional Submarine Operations In Arctic
Naval News – The Portuguese Navy’s first deployment of a submarine to the Arctic – and under the Arctic ice – earlier in 2024 demonstrated the key contribution diesel-electric submarines (SSKs) can make to NATO underwater operations in the region, the navy has told Naval News.
Reviving Letters of Marque
Center For Maritime Strategy – As it becomes increasingly likely that Washington will be forced to make hard choices as to where and when to commit forces, an old solution to insufficient naval forces merits reconsideration. Congress should explore reviving letters of marque as a stopgap measure to counter nonstate or quasi-state actors in secondary theaters. Letters of marque could also be a valuable tool for countering China’s hybrid and unconventional activities worldwide, such as cyber espionage or illegal fishing fleets.
Iron Leadership – A Conversation With RADM Mike Studeman USN (ret)
CIMSEC – I recently had the opportunity to correspond with Rear Admiral Mike Studeman (Ret.), who retired after over 35 years of distinguished service as a naval intelligence officer. He has authored a compelling book on leadership entitled, Might of the Chain: Forging Leaders of Iron Integrity. What stood out to me was how he skillfully wove personal experiences into his leadership lessons. The book not only offers valuable insights into leadership, but also provides a rare, humanizing glimpse into his personal journey. Our discussion explores both the practical advice and the personal stories that have shaped him, offering a deeper understanding of the leader behind the lessons.
Our Best Look At Taiwan’s New Uncrewed ‘Smart Dragon’ Submarine
The War Zone – The torpedo tube-equipped Huilong is apparently intended as a test craft, but could well help shape Taiwan’s future underwater fleet.
Navigation Plans Need Leadership and Resources to Get the Navy Truly Underway
CIMSEC – On September 18, the Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Lisa Franchetti released her Navigation Plan (NAVPLAN) laying out the course ahead for the Navy. The main takeaway is that the Navy must be ready to deter a militarily confident China by 2027. Achieving this is a tall order. NAVPLANs have been used by senior naval officers to provide guidance and caution against potential pitfalls along a course. CNO Admiral Jonathan Greenert began using these documents in 2015 to inform the path to rebuilding the Navy. In recent years, the Navy’s NAVPLANs have taken on urgency to deter a rapidly expanding Chinese fleet. That said, these plans have been ineffective for the better part of 10 years.
U.K. Firm DEEP FLIPs Over Former Navy Research Station, Rescues Platform from Scrapyard
USNI News – The former Navy research platform R/V FLIP has been described variously from its launch in 1962 to retirement in 2023 as a giant baseball bat, huge caterpillar, soda straw or floating bottle. “Spar buoy” was the term the builder and the Navy used to described its shape. And now Research Vessel, Floating Instrument Platform as it is best known, which officially retired after more than 50 years of naval service, has been rescued from a Mexican scrapyard for a new mission.
Russia’s Arctic Rise
USNI News – U.S., Allies Wrestle with an Unpredictable Kremlin as the Arctic Grows More Complex.
Canada’s New Submarine Project and the Geopolitical Stakes of the Arctic and Indo-Pacific
Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada – A modernized submarine fleet is not just a defence priority for Canada — it is essential to maintaining its status as a key player in Arctic and global maritime security.
(Thanks to Alain)
The U.S. Navy Could Soon Get Patriot Missiles
National Interest – The U.S. Navy is experimenting with deploying Army Patriot Advanced Capability-3 Missile Segment Enhancement (PAC-3 MSE) surface-to-air missiles aboard surface combatants fitted with the Mk 41 vertical launch system (VLS), in effect, a block of siloes embedded in a warship’s main deck.
New Chinese Mystery Flattop Emerges
The War Zone – The vessel, which appears to have been built very quickly, has features in line with an amphibious assault ship or small carrier.
A demonstration of strength? Royal Navy exercise Strike Warrior 2024
Navy Lookout – Here we examine the recent exercise Strike Warrior, which served as a certification exercise for the UK Carrier Strike Group and a valuable training opportunity. While there were some notable achievements, this exercise also highlighted some underlying concerns about the state of the force.
Turkish Navy Unveils MUGEM: A Fully Indigenous Aircraft Carrier
Naval News – At SAHA EXPO 2024, the Turkish Navy showcased the mockup of its future aircraft carrier, MUGEM, for the first time. “MUGEM” stands for Milli Uçak Gemisi, meaning “National Aircraft Carrier,” highlighting Turkiye’s ambition to develop the carrier without foreign assistance. This project represents a significant milestone in the country’s ongoing efforts toward self-reliance in naval defense capabilities. The conceptual design phase for MUGEM is still underway, but Turkish officials have made it clear that the carrier will be built entirely domestically, reflecting Turkiye’s growing expertise in the naval shipbuilding sector.
Taiwan unveils plans to cope with potential Chinese military blockade
VOA – Taiwan is stepping up efforts to strengthen its capabilities to respond to a potential military blockade by China, as Beijing increases military pressure on the democratically ruled island.
TRANÇA Mini Attack Submarine Breaks Cover In Turkey
Naval News – TRANÇA is designed with advanced mobility in mind, capable of being transported via low-bed trailers and launched into the water from cranes, eliminating the need for permanent bases or specialized crews in remote regions
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