The War Zone – As U.S. Navy destroyers continue to shoot down Iran-backed Houthi militant drone and missile barrages in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, a new Navy recounting of the first of those engagements, which involved the USS Carney (DDG-64), highlights a seldom discussed secondary application for the ship’s Mark 45 5-inch main deck gun — shooting down aerial threats.
Dark Ocean
CIMSEC – A FICINT short story.
Lessons Learned
CIMSEC – a FICINT short story.
Basing U.S. Vessels in the Indian Ocean: Pros and Cons
Center for Maritime Strategy – The U.S. Navy should consider basing ships in the Indian Ocean to ensure this vast expanse of water (stretching more than 6,200 miles from east to west at its widest point) to ensure it can quickly respond to threats in the region.
Japan to Transfer Coastal Radars, Small Boats to Philippine Military in Latest Defense Aid Package
USNI News – The Philippine Navy and Air Force are set to receive small boats and radars from Japan through a $10.6 million Official Security Assistance grant that Tokyo says will strengthen Manila’s capabilities in the South China Sea and Luzon Strait.
The Impending Tide
CIMSEC – A FICINT short story.
Our Best Look At Russia’s Shadowy Zircon Hypersonic Missile
The War Zone – recent drill by the Russian Armed Forces in the Mediterranean has provided us with a more detailed view of the shadowy Zircon hypersonic missile, a weapon that has only been glimpsed in the past and shown up in the form of fragments after being combat tested in Ukraine.
New Details On Japan’s MQ-9B SeaGuardian Procurement For JMSDF
Naval News – Japan has selected the MQ-9B SeaGuardian remotely piloted aircraft system to equip the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF). Naval News reached out to the JMSDF to find out more about this procurement.
Veins of Valor
CIMSEC – A FICINT short story.
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China Maritime Report No. 43: Shadow Force, A Look Inside the PLA Navy Reserve
China Maritime Studies Institute – The PLA Navy Reserve is an important and understudied element of PRC maritime power that could augment the active-duty force and improve its ability to undertake global operations and wage a protracted war.
The PLAN Reserve appears to be transitioning from a substandard backup force to an increasingly well-trained complement to the active-duty force.
In the past, the PLAN Reserve suffered from low morale and lackluster participation. Training scandals occurred in which navy reservists did not muster up when recalled for training. It is unclear to what extent these problems persist today.
The overhaul of the PLAN’s reserve components, specifically the integration of the PLAN Reserve into a centralized command structure and the introduction of new legislative and policy reforms, constitutes a serious effort to enhance operational effectiveness, increase mobilization speeds, and improve readiness.
The PLAN Reserve is remarkably opaque. While little has been publicly revealed about this shadowy force, future research may offer opportunities to develop early-warning indicators and help reveal plans, intentions, and capabilities.
Aleutian Ambush
CIMSEC – A FICINT short story
South Korea’s New Destroyer Is Designed To Fire Ballistic Missiles
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.
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.
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