China’s Type 055 destroyer has anti-stealth, anti-satellite capabilities

Global Times – China’s domestically developed 10,000 ton-class Type 055 guided missile destroyer can counter stealth aircraft and low-Earth orbit satellites, a state-owned media has recently revealed for the first time, leading Chinese experts to say on Sunday that the capabilities will give Chinese forces a key edge over their opponents in modern warfare.

Are the US Army and US Marine Corps competing for missions in the Pacific?

Defense News – With the U.S. military locked in on what it sees as a long-term competition with the People’s Republic of China for ascendency in the Indo-Pacific region, two services seeking to pivot away from heavy ground conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan are looking toward missiles as a ticket to relevance in a potential future conflict.

American-Made Spy Boat on Secret Mission Washes Up in Scotland

Popular Mechanics – Beachcombers on the Scottish Isle of Tiree called the local coastguard after discovering a mysterious boat-like object. They found the American-made drone wedged between two rocks, presumably after it ran aground. As of now, no one has claimed ownership of the uncrewed boat, and the details of how it washed up in Scotland remain a total mystery.

(Thanks to Alain!)

Chinese Increasing Nuclear Submarine Shipyard Capacity

USNI News – As China pushes to become a blue-water power, nuclear-powered submarines are critically important to Beijing’s plan. Historically the Chinese Navy’s (PLAN) nuclear-powered submarine fleet has been constrained by its limited construction capacity. There is only one shipyard in the country up to the task. But that yard has been undergoing a massive enlargement. And now, recent satellite imagery suggests an additional capacity expansion.

Russia Says This Is Our First Glimpse Of Its Zircon Hypersonic Cruise Missile

War Zone – The Russian Ministry of Defense has announced what it says is the first test launch of its Zircon hypersonic cruise missile against a naval target. The first-in-class Project 22350 frigate Admiral Gorshkov fired the weapon during an event that may have been timed to coincide with the birthday of President Vladimir Putin.

Saab’s A26 Submarine Program Transitioning From Design To Production

Naval News – Saab recently conducted an online Submarine Seminar, with a strong focus on the A26 program. The A26 design is the baseline on which Saab is building its next generation multi-role submarine offering. With the type already in production for the Swedish Navy, Saab is now seeking to make the A26 a world class reference in the conventional submarine market.

Why the Pentagon Should Focus on Taiwan

War on the Rocks – China is now the official “pacing threat” for the U.S. armed forces. Simply put, the Pentagon considers the People’s Liberation Army its most serious competition. This is a major and vital shift. But competing with China is a tremendously broad concept that could take any number of forms, and the reality is that China is too powerful to permit the U.S. defense establishment to fritter away money. The Defense Department needs to focus. Most of all, it needs to be capable of achieving U.S. objectives against China in a war.