Navy Lookout – There are a variety of projects currently underway to ensure that naval aviation capability evolves to increase mass, range, persistence, and resilience. Here we look at the Future Maritime Aviation Force (FMAF) vision for 2030.
Russian warships steam from Arctic storm to exercise in Irish waters
Barents Observer – As fears grow about a military conflict in Ukraine and escalating security turmoil in Europe, three of the largest navy ships in Russia’s Northern Fleet are currently sailing outside northern Norway on their way to war games southwest of Ireland.
Panic, Slaughter and Lies
Paul Mason – Ten concepts to understand what happens if Russia attacks Ukraine – an excellent analysis of the situation.
For Navy’s new frigate, design changes carry risks and rewards
Breaking Defense – Analysts say straying too far from a parent design can cause problems, but so can being too faithful to it.
Navy Puts Carrier Under NATO Control As Russian Ships Converge On The Mediterranean
War Zone – NATO and Russian warships mass in the Mediterranean as signs grow that the Kremlin is about to launch an invasion of Ukraine.
Putin’s Wager in Russia’s Standoff With The West
War on the Rocks – Excellent analysis of the situation in the Ukraine by Michael Kofman of the CNA.
Why Do Turkey’s Upcoming Reis-Class Submarines Have Potential To Affect Balances In The Region?
Naval News – There is no doubt that the Turkish Navy attaches a great importance to the Reis-class (Type 214 TN) submarines. In addition to increasing the power of Turkey’s submarine fleet, the €2 billion project is bound to have an impact on the region’s military balances in both the Aegean Sea and Black Sea.
2 U.S. Carrier Groups, 2 Amphibious Ready Groups Drill with F-35s, Japanese Ships in the Philippine Sea
USNI News – Two U.S carriers and two amphibious ships, along with their escorts and 26 F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighters drilled with a Japanese large deck warship last week in the Philippine Sea.
China-led upgrade of Cambodian base advances as dredgers appear
Nikkei Asia – Dredging work appears set to start in the waters surrounding Cambodia’s Ream naval base, where a Chinese-led expansion has become a growing source of geopolitical tension.
Clarifying Maritime Strategy: “Non-Traditional Security” is Just “Security”
CIMSEC – It is high time that we remove the term “non-traditional security” from our consideration of maritime affairs, and either abandon it outright or confine it to the debates of sea-blind international relations pundits. A phrase that crept into the strategic lexicon in the long, calm lee of the last Cold War, “non-traditional security” is little more than a dismissive hand-wave relegating human-centric security issues to a nebulous category with no real meaning. As a term, non-traditional security at best adds no value in either the operational realm or in the analytic sphere. At worst, particularly in the maritime domain, it skews thinking and undermines a balanced approach to dealing with the challenges we face.
Evolution of Aegis Weapon System could underpin joint all-domain operations
Defense News – Steps by Lockheed Martin to virtualize its Aegis Combat System are helping underpin the U.S. Navy’s vision for its future integrated combat system as well as the Pentagon’s vision for joint all-domain operations.
Israel’s Submarine Secret: New Dolphin-IIs Could Have VLS
Naval News – The Israeli Navy maintains a high level of secrecy surrounding its submarine capabilities. And the latest boat, the INS Dragon, is more secretive than most. This may be driven by new weapon capabilities, possibly including a vertical launch system.
Nuclear-powered submarines for Australia: what are the options?
The Strategist – The political and strategic ramifications of the AUKUS pact involving the US, UK and Australia continue to reverberate, but the details of how Australia will acquire nuclear-powered submarines (SSNs) have often been overlooked. There are daunting technical, industrial and financial challenges on the long road to joining that club.
With blade issues resolved, Navy seeking four Ship to Shore Connectors a year
Defense News – The U.S. Navy’s program office for amphibious connectors is confident it can get its Ship to Shore Connector production line up to the desired four-a-year delivery rate in 2022 — despite past technical problems that led to production line slowdowns.
China Maritime Report No. 18: Chinese Special Operations in a Large-Scale Island Landing
China Maritime Studies Institute – PLA special operations forces (SOF) would likely play important supporting roles in an amphibious assault on Taiwan. Their capabilities and training are geared towards several missions undertaken during the preparatory and main assault phases of the landing, including infiltration via special mission craft and helicopter, reconnaissance and targeting, obstacle clearance, strikes and raids, and extraction missions. While PLA SOF have made progress in recent years, several longstanding challenges could affect their performance in an island landing: integrating advanced special mission equipment for complex and dangerous missions, coordinating their operations with non-SOF supporting and supported forces, and overcoming the Chinese military’s penchant for centralized command. Even if PLA SOF are only partially effective, however, their support to the main assault force could diminish Taiwan’s ability to defend itself from a large-scale invasion.
Choosing to make a choice: Canada cautiously steps into the Indo-Pacific
Breaking Defense – Media reports indicate a major Canadian investment in the Indo-Pacific is coming, and it’s not a moment too soon.
Our First Look At Israel’s New Dakar Class Submarine Reveals A Very Peculiar Feature
War Zone – Concept art of the Dakar class reveals an unusually long sail, which may indicate an upgrade to Israel’s second-strike nuclear deterrent.
(Thanks to Alain)
Japan And Australia Strengthen Security Cooperation
Naval News – Since the signing of the Joint Declaration on Security Cooperation in 2007, Australia and Japan have grown closer through joint training exercises between the Japan Self-Defense Force (JSDF) and the Australian Defence Force (ADF). And the Australia-Japan relationship has entered a new chapter in recent years.
The presence of a Spanish military ship in Melilla arouses indignation in Morocco
Bladi.net – A Spanish Navy military ship is currently carrying out a mission in the Melilla region. Its presence in the enclave has not been viewed favourably by Morocco.
(Thanks to Alain)
Russia announces sweeping naval drills amid Ukraine tensions
AP – Russia has announced sweeping naval drills in several parts of the world this month, and claims the West is plotting “provocations” in neighboring Ukraine where the Kremlin has been accused of planning aggressive military action.
Navy wants to lure retired sailors back to service
Irish Examiner – The Naval Service is hoping to get permission to alter its regulations to entice more retired sailors back into the fold on a part-time basis to help alleviate the critical shortage of personnel.
(Thanks to Alain)
New Zealand, Australian Navies Deploy for Tongan Disaster Relief
USNI News – Australia and New Zealand have deployed ships and aircraft for humanitarian aid and disaster relief efforts following the eruption of the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai underwater volcano on Saturday.
Top Iranian commander arrives in Pakistan to discuss maritime cooperation
Daily Pakistan – A delegation led by Iranian border police commander Brigadier General Ahmad Ali Goudarzi arrived in Karachi on Wednesday to discuss cooperation on maritime and regional security issues Pakistani officials.
(Thanks to Alain)
More Russian Landing Ships Leave The Baltic Sea Amid Growing Fears Of Invasion Of Ukraine
War Zone – A trio of Russian amphibious warfare vessels has left the Baltic Sea region, a day after three other similar landing ships departed the area. These ships’ final destinations are unknown, but concerns are swirling that these naval movements could be linked to the ongoing crisis between Russia and Ukraine.
Taiwan Approves Extra $8 Bln Budget For Weapons Procurement
Naval News – On January 11, Taiwan’s parliament approved a special budget for weapons procurement including cruise missiles for sea, shore and air and surface to air missiles.
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