Navy Lookout – The MoD has published its annual report and accounts for 2024-25. Buried amongst its 250 pages are some details of RN programmes that have been axed or written off.
Author Archives: Naval Open Source Intelligence (NOSI)
The Kamikaze Throughline—U.S. Fleet Air Defense from Imperial Japan to Drones
US Naval War College Review – Since World War II, fleet air defense has been organized around the principle of engaging threats as far out from the fleet as possible, motivated by early failures to engage the kamikaze threat. This approach remains as vital as ever and progressively more challenging in the face of the contemporary threats posed by cruise missiles and—increasingly—by drone warfare.
Australian navy sizes up high-risk submarine transitions under AUKUS
Defense News – Australia has its work cut out keeping aging Collins-class diesel-electric submarines in service as it transitions to nuclear-powered submarines, firstly to second-hand Virginia-class boats from the United States, and then to SSN-AUKUS submarines designed and built in conjunction with the U.K.
The Riparian Logic of the Montreux Convention in Turkey’s Black Sea Policy
US Naval War College Review – Turkey’s policies often appear at odds with its position in NATO and the broad direction of its allies. These polices become less mysterious when it is understood that Turkey’s strategic imperatives are driven by its unique position as gatekeeper to the Black Sea and the dynamics introduced by the tiered rights granted by the Montreaux Convention.
What it would take to build Trump’s Golden Fleet ‘battleships’
Breaking Defense – “The interesting part of this is it’s not just a kind of fleeting presidential idea, but this is, in fact, something that does kind of resonate with what the Navy’s finding it probably needs to do with the fleet through its own work,” one analyst said.
Russian Nuclear Submarine Technology Will Make North Korean Threat More Palpable
38North – South Korea and regional allies will need to up their submarine game to keep pace with the emerging threat of nuclear powered submarines in Pyongyang’s hands. The case has never been stronger for South Korea and Japan to adopt their own nuclear boats, and South Korea, in particular, has been trying to acquire the rights for .
24 British F-35 jets now embarked on HMS Prince of Wales
Navy Lookout – The largest number of UK F-35B Lightning jets yet assembled aboard a Royal Navy aircraft carrier has joined HMS Prince of Wales in the Mediterranean for Italian-led Exercise Falcon Strike.
Chinese ‘Mini Drone Carrier’ Seen Being Used As Test Ship
The War Zone – China has assembled an array of unusual open-decked ships for testing and training purposes in recent years.
Carrier USS Ford Holding Off Of North Africa As Trump Reportedly Won’t Strike Venezuela
The War Zone – Two days after passing through the Strait of Gibraltar en route to the Caribbean, the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford has not moved significantly from a position just west of Morocco in North Africa, the Navy confirmed to us Thursday. The flattop and elements of its strike group were ordered by President Donald Trump to join the ongoing enhanced counter-narcotics mission in the region, but it is unclear if plans have changed.
HMS Trent arrives to support Jamaica after Hurricane Melissa
Navy Lookout – The Royal Navy offshore patrol vessel has arrived in Jamaica to join international relief efforts after the island was devastated by Hurricane Melissa, the strongest storm ever recorded to hit the nation.
Logistics is the Achilles’ heel of China deterrence
Breaking Defense – In this op-ed, Eyck Freymann and Harry Halem lay out three areas where action is needed to avoid a logistical catastrophe in deterring China.
America Should Build Its Own Warships While Buying Tankers
War on the Rocks – Shipbuilding is having a moment in Washington. That’s great, but hype doesn’t float boats.
Royal Navy and Norwegian Navy deepen ties during global deployment
Navy Lookout – For six months, frigate HNoMS Roald Amundsen served as part of the UK’s Carrier Strike Group. The vessel hosted an embarked RN Wildcat helicopter and detachment from 815 Naval Air Squadron, an arrangement that tested full integration of air and ship operations under Norwegian command.
Amphibious Warship Returning To Caribbean, Report Claims U.S. Planning Strikes On Mexican Cartels
The War Zone – Even as the U.S. continues to build up forces in the Caribbean ostensibly for an enhanced counternarcotics operation that could include inland strikes, there are reported plans underway for attacks on cartels inside Mexico.
Russia Finally Launches The Poseidon Armed Submarine Khabarovsk
Covert Shores – After a painfully long wait, the Russian submarine Khabarovsk has finally emerged from its construction shed in Severodvinsk. The Pr. 09851 class boat is the second Poseidon carrying submarine in the Russian Navy, following the Pr. 09852 Belgorod. Khabarovsk is a smaller submarine better optimized to the role of carrying Poseidon.
Chinese Navy (PLAN) Submarine Seen Configured To Carry Minisub
Covert Shores – Now several generations of submarine behind the latest Type-039C and Type-041 classes, it seems likely that the first in class Type-039 Song is now assigned a specialized role. The submarine has been observed fitted with mountings for some sort of container or vehicle on her aft casing.
The Royal Navy’s frigate gap – how deep and how long will it last?
Navy Lookout – The RN is now in a position where ageing frigates are being decommissioned well before the replacements are available. There is little that can be done in the short term, but here we attempt to analyse if and when the situation might be recovered.
U.S. Military Task Force Provides Aid, Disaster Relief to Jamaica
USNI News – The U.S. military sent a task force to Jamaica to perform humanitarian aid and disaster relief efforts in response to a recent hurricane, U.S. Southern Command announced Friday.
U.S. Unveils Philippine Task Force to Deter Chinese Coercion
USNI News – American and Philippine defense secretaries unveiled a task force designed to deter Chinese coercion in the South China Sea and enhance alliance defense cooperation.
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South Korea’s Nuclear Submarine Ambitions Take Major Step Forward
The War Zone – South Korea has been eyeing nuclear-powered submarines for years, and hurdles could remain despite a new green light from Trump.
South Korea’s 30-year quest for nuclear subs pays off. What comes next?
Breaking Defense – Experts warned that the move could spur China or Japan to accelerate their own nuclear sub programs in return.
RFA Tidespring concludes deployment with carrier strike group after conducting 79 replenishments at sea
Navy Lookout – Royal Fleet Auxiliary tanker Tidespring has completed her contribution to Operation Highmast, enabling HMS Prince of Wales and allied vessels to operate globally. Since leaving the UK in April, Tidespring has supplied over 30,000 cubic metres of diesel and 4,200 cubic metres of aviation fuel in 79 RAS serials.
Powered Test Of Poseidon Nuclear Torpedo, Putin Claims
The War Zone – According to the Russian leader, the test saw the mysterious weapon launched from a submarine and traveling under nuclear propulsion.
China’s Coming Small Wars
CIMSEC – China will likely test its military might in small wars before embarking on a larger one. The world should take note of China’s entry and actions during a small war. When the People’s Republic of China does engage in a small war, the world will know China is preparing for the forceful reunification of Taiwan.
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