February 2016 News - Naval Forces, Defense Industry, Navy Technology, Maritime Security
 
 

Schiebel Camcopter S-100 Conducts Flight Tests with New airborne Detect and Avoid System
 
Schiebel and the Netherlands Aerospace Centre (NLR), the Netherlands Coastguard and the Royal Netherlands Air Force conducted a series of successful flights with a newly developed airborne Detect and Avoid System at the airport of Den Helder in December 2015. The AIRICA (ATM Innovative RPAS Integration for Coastguard Applications) project marks a major step forward in the process of safe integration of RPAS (Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems) into all classes of airspace.
Schiebel and the Netherlands Aerospace Centre (NLR), the Netherlands Coastguard and the Royal Netherlands Air Force conducted a series of successful flights with a newly developed airborne Detect and Avoid System at the airport of Den Helder in December 2015. The AIRICA (ATM Innovative RPAS Integration for Coastguard Applications) project marks a major step forward in the process of safe integration of RPAS (Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems) into all classes of airspace.
 

Elbit Systems Introduces Seagull Unmanned Surface Vehicle for Maritime Warfare Missions
 
Drawing on world class know-how derived from generations of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) design, development and operation and its naval capabilities, Elbit Systems’ newest offering in the unmanned platform field is Seagull - an organic, modular, highly autonomous, multi-mission Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV) system.
Drawing on world class know-how derived from generations of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) design, development and operation and its naval capabilities, Elbit Systems’ newest offering in the unmanned platform field is Seagull - an organic, modular, highly autonomous, multi-mission Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV) system.
 

France Should Deliver Mistral Class LHDs to Egypt in June and September
 
The French presidency just announced that Egypt will acquire the two Mistral LHDs originally intended for Russia. "President of the French Republic met with the President Abdel Fattah Al Sissi. They agreed on the principle and terms of the purchase by Egypt of two Mistral class amphibious vessels" according to the official statement of the French presidency.
According to AFP, citing an unnamed source, the two Mistral class LHDs will be delivered to the Egyptian Navy in June and September respectively. Contacted by Navy Recognition a DCNS representative would not comment on the delivery dates but explained that the Egyptian sailors will all be in France by the end of March to achieve their formation.
 

Republic of Korea Navy Fired Warning Shots at North Korean Patrol Boat
 
The Republic of Korea (ROK or South Korea) Navy fired warning shots at a DPRK (North Korean) patrol boat. According to the South Korean defense ministry, the patrol boat crossed the disputed Yellow Sea border just before 7am (2300 GMT Sunday). It “quickly retreated” at 7.15am after five warning shots were fired by a naval gun, a ministry official said.
The Republic of Korea (ROK or South Korea) Navy fired warning shots at a DPRK (North Korean) patrol boat. According to the South Korean defense ministry, the patrol boat crossed the disputed Yellow Sea border just before 7am (2300 GMT Sunday). It “quickly retreated” at 7.15am after five warning shots were fired by a naval gun, a ministry official said.
 

South African Navy Welcomes New Damen ATD Tug 2909 into Fleet
 
On 4 February 2016 the South African Navy took delivery of a second South African-built Damen ATD Tug 2909 at the naval base in Simon’s Town. Escorted by SA Navy's existing six tugs, Inyathi was welcomed into the naval fleet with a traditional sail past.
On 4 February 2016 the South African Navy took delivery of a second South African-built Damen ATD Tug 2909 at the naval base in Simon’s Town. Escorted by SA Navy's existing six tugs, Inyathi was welcomed into the naval fleet with a traditional sail past.
 

Russian Shipbuilders May Start Constructing Project 636.3 Submarines for Pacific Fleet in 2017
 
Russian shipbuilders may start constructing a series of six Project 636.3 (NATO reporting name: Improved Kilo-class) conventional submarines for Russia’s Pacific Fleet in 2017, a source in the defense and industrial sector said on Friday. "A decision will be made in the imminent future. The construction [of Project 636.3 conventional submarines] may start in 2017," the source said.
Russian shipbuilders may start constructing a series of six Project 636.3 (NATO reporting name: Improved Kilo-class) conventional submarines for Russia’s Pacific Fleet in 2017, a source in the defense and industrial sector said on Friday. "A decision will be made in the imminent future. The construction [of Project 636.3 conventional submarines] may start in 2017," the source said.
 

Recent Flight Tests Demonstrate Range Versatility and Capability of SM-6 Fleet Defense Missile
 
The U.S. Navy successfully executed four flight tests of the surface-to-air Standard Missile-6 Block I (SM-6 Blk I) off the Hawaiian coast between Jan. 11 and 22. These tests, designated Alpha, Bravo, Delta, and Golf, are part of the SM-6 Blk I Follow-on Operational Test and Evaluation (FOT&E) events planned to assess missile performance.
The U.S. Navy successfully executed four flight tests of the surface-to-air Standard Missile-6 Block I (SM-6 Blk I) off the Hawaiian coast between Jan. 11 and 22. These tests, designated Alpha, Bravo, Delta, and Golf, are part of the SM-6 Blk I Follow-on Operational Test and Evaluation (FOT&E) events planned to assess missile performance.
 

Testing Times Ahead for the Royal Navy F-35B Lightning II Fighter
 
The Royal Navy’s strike fighter of tomorrow will be tested to the limit by BAE – without ever leaving the ground. Scientists and experts on Humberside will be putting strains and stresses on the F-35 Lightning II – the aerial punch of HMS Queen Elizabeth and Prince of Wales – to ensure the stealth fighter-bomber is up to a lifetime of demanding operations.
The Royal Navy’s strike fighter of tomorrow will be tested to the limit by BAE Systems – without ever leaving the ground. Scientists and experts on Humberside will be putting strains and stresses on the F-35 Lightning II – the aerial punch of HMS Queen Elizabeth and Prince of Wales – to ensure the stealth fighter-bomber is up to a lifetime of demanding operations.
 

US Navy Commander of CSG 8 & Harry S. Truman CSG Visit French Navy Aircraft Carrier
 
The French Navy (Marine Nationale) announced that on 30 January 2016, U.S. Navy Rear Admiral Bret C. Batchelder, Commander of Carrier Strike Group 8 (CSG 8) and Harry S Truman Carrier Strike Group visited French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle to meet his counterpart, French Navy Rear Adm. Rene-Jean Crignola, Commander Task Force (CTF) 50.
The French Navy (Marine Nationale) announced that on 30 January 2016, U.S. Navy Rear Admiral Bret C. Batchelder, Commander of Carrier Strike Group 8 (CSG 8) and Harry S Truman Carrier Strike Group visited French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle to meet his counterpart, French Navy Rear Adm. Rene-Jean Crignola, Commander Task Force (CTF) 50.
 

China's 1st Overseas Naval Logistics Support Outpost in Djibouti Will Help PLAN Fleet Operations
 
China's first overseas naval logistics support outpost-expected to be built in Djibouti-is needed to handle difficulties encountered by Chinese peacekeeping fleets, the Foreign Ministry told China Daily on Thursday. The ministry's remarks came after senior Djibouti officials and Chinese experts said some media reports about the outpost had been unnecessarily hostile.
China's first overseas naval logistics support outpost-expected to be built in Djibouti-is needed to handle difficulties encountered by Chinese peacekeeping fleets, the Foreign Ministry told China Daily on Thursday. The ministry's remarks came after senior Djibouti officials and Chinese experts said some media reports about the outpost had been unnecessarily hostile.
 

Australian Minister for Defence Opens New CEA Technologies Facility
 
The Australian Government had provided "First Pass approval" for project SEA 1448 Phase 4B – ANZAC Air Search Radar Replacement. The project intends to replace the ageing long-range radar onboard the ANZAC class frigates with significantly more capable radar, with integrated and upgraded IFF capability, currently under development by CEA Technologies in Canberra.
Australian Minister for Defence, Senator the Hon Marise Payne, has today officially opened a major extension to CEA Technologies’ premises in Canberra. The new facilities will significantly enhance CEA’s radar and communication systems manufacturing, testing and research and development capabilities.
 

Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey for U.S. Navy COD Mission Receives Official Designation: CMV-22B
 
In February 2015, the U.S. Navy announced the Carrier Onboard Delivery, commonly referred to as COD, platform of the future would be a maritime variant of the V-22 Osprey. Until recently, that aircraft was referred to as the Navy variant. Now, that V-22 has an official designation: CMV-22B.
In February 2015, the U.S. Navy announced the Carrier Onboard Delivery, commonly referred to as COD, platform of the future would be a maritime variant of the V-22 Osprey. Until recently, that aircraft was referred to as the Navy variant. Now, that V-22 has an official designation: CMV-22B.
 

1st Flight of Thales SEARCHMASTER radar on French Navy Atlantique 2 Maritime Patrol Aircraft
 
Thales announced the first flight of the SEARCHMASTER radar, developed as part of France’s Atlanitique 2 (ATL2) maritime patrol aircraft (MPA) upgrade programme, and available for export. According to Thales, this major milestone for the ATL2 upgrade and the SEARCHMASTER is proof of the advanced state of development and maturity of the radar, just two years after the contract was awarded.
Thales announced the first flight of the SEARCHMASTER radar, developed as part of France’s Atlantique 2 (ATL2) maritime patrol aircraft (MPA) upgrade programme, and available for export. According to Thales, this major milestone for the ATL2 upgrade and the SEARCHMASTER is proof of the advanced state of development and maturity of the radar, just two years after the contract was awarded.
 

NH Industries Delivers the 6th NH90 Helicopter to Norway, the 1st in NFH Configuration with Sonar
 
NHI is pleased to announce the delivery of the sixth NH90 helicopter to the Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency (NDMA).This event took place in Tessera (Italy), Finmeccanica Helicopter Division facility, in presence of Mr Vittorio Della Bella Managing Director of NHIndustries and Colonel Nils Frøisland from Norway. The Helicopter took off today from Tessera.
NHI is pleased to announce the delivery of the sixth NH90 helicopter to the Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency (NDMA).This event took place in Tessera (Italy), Finmeccanica Helicopter Division facility, in presence of Mr Vittorio Della Bella Managing Director of NHIndustries and Colonel Nils Frøisland from Norway. The Helicopter took off today from Tessera.
 

ROK Navy Deploys Two KDX-III Aegis Destroyers to Monitor North Korea's Planned Satellite Launch
 
The Republic of Korea (ROK or South Korea) Navy announced it has deployed two of its three KDX-III Aegis destroyers on a mission to detect and track North Korea's planned rocket launch. The communist nation has informed international maritime, aviation and telecommunication agencies that it will launch a rocket to put satellite 'Kwangmyongsong' into orbit, taking a preparatory step to launch a long-range missile.
The Republic of Korea (ROK or South Korea) Navy announced it has deployed two of its three KDX-III Aegis destroyers on a mission to detect and track North Korea's planned rocket launch. The communist nation has informed international maritime, aviation and telecommunication agencies that it will launch a rocket to put satellite 'Kwangmyongsong' into orbit, taking a preparatory step to launch a long-range missile.
 

Russia’s Project 877 Conventional Submarine Vladikavkaz Performs 1st Long Voyage After Upgrade
 
The Project 877 Paltus-class (older generation Kilo class SSK) conventional submarine Vladikavkaz has returned to the Northern Fleet’s base in the town of Polyarny in north Russia after a long-distance voyage, the fleet’s press office said on Wednesday.
The Project 877 Paltus-class (older generation Kilo class SSK) conventional submarine Vladikavkaz (B 459) has returned to the Northern Fleet’s base in the town of Polyarny in north Russia after a long-distance voyage, the fleet’s press office said on Wednesday.
 

China Coast Guard Gets New Patrol Vessel Based on PLAN's Type 056 Corvette
 
China's Coast Guard (CCG) received a new patrol vessel following a ceremony held on the morning of Jan. 29, 2016 in east China's Zhejiang province. Based on the PLAN (Chinese Navy) Type 056 Corvette, the CCG vessel 33103 is over 90 meters in length with more than 1,600 tons of full load displacement. The ship can sail at a speed of more than 20 knots.
China's Coast Guard (CCG) received a new patrol vessel following a ceremony held on the morning of Jan. 29, 2016 in east China's Zhejiang province. Based on the PLAN (Chinese Navy) Type 056 Corvette, the CCG vessel 33103 is over 90 meters in length with more than 1,600 tons of full load displacement. The ship can sail at a speed of more than 20 knots.
 

Drumgrange Wins UK MoD Contract for the Support of Sonar Systems
 
Drumgrange is pleased to announce it has been awarded a contract for the support and advancement of Sonar Systems, Sonar Calibrations and related equipment for the JC026 Project. The contract was awarded by the UK MoD's Defence Equipment and Support Organisation (DE&S) and is valued at approximately £4.8 million over 3 years.
Drumgrange is pleased to announce it has been awarded a contract for the support and advancement of Sonar Systems, Sonar Calibrations and related equipment for the JC026 Project. The contract was awarded by the UK MoD's Defence Equipment and Support Organisation (DE&S) and is valued at approximately £4.8 million over 3 years.
 

Russia Delivers Fifth of Six Project 636 Diesel-Electric Submarines Ordered by Vietnam
 
The fifth Project 636.1 (NATO reporting name: Kilo-class) diesel-electric submarine out of the six ordered by Vietnam has been delivered to Cam Ranh in central Vietnam from the Admiralty Wharfs Shipyard in St. Petersburg onboard the Dutch lighter carrier Rolldock Star.
The fifth Project 636.1 (NATO reporting name: Kilo-class) diesel-electric submarine out of the six ordered by Vietnam has been delivered to Cam Ranh in central Vietnam from the Admiralty Wharfs Shipyard in St. Petersburg onboard the Dutch lighter carrier Rolldock Star.
 

U.S. Navy Extends General Dynamics’ Fire Control Systems Work for U.S. & U.K. SSBN Submarines
 
The U.S. Navy recently awarded a follow-on, omnibus contract to General Dynamics Mission Systems that continues a broad scope of work for fire control systems and subsystems aboard U.S. Navy and United Kingdom’s Royal Navy nuclear ballistic-missile submarines (SSBN). The contract has a total potential value of $440 million over the next seven years.
The U.S. Navy recently awarded a follow-on, omnibus contract to General Dynamics Mission Systems that continues a broad scope of work for fire control systems and subsystems aboard U.S. Navy and United Kingdom’s Royal Navy nuclear ballistic-missile submarines (SSBN). The contract has a total potential value of $440 million over the next seven years.
 

The Royal Navy’s New Strike Fighter Will Make its UK Debut at the Royal International Air Tattoo
 
The F-35B Lightning II stealth jet – destined to fly from the Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers – is due to appear at the Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford in July. Royal Navy personnel are currently testing and evaluating the new jets as part of 17(R) Squadron at Edwards Air Force Base in California.
The F-35B Lightning II stealth jet – destined to fly from the Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers – is due to appear at the Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford in July. Royal Navy personnel are currently testing and evaluating the new jets as part of 17(R) Squadron at Edwards Air Force Base in California.
 

Russian K-300P Bastion Mobile Coastal System's Radar Signature Reduced by 15-20 Times
 
The Bastion-P (NATO reporting name: SS-C-05 Stooge) coastal mobile missile system`s (CMMS) radar signature has been reduced by 15 to 20 times, owing to the usage of composite materials (CM) in the related operational and support systems. It was revealed by a representative of the Belorussian OKB TSP Research and Production Association.
The Bastion-P (NATO reporting name: SS-C-05 Stooge) coastal mobile missile system`s (CMMS) radar signature has been reduced by 15 to 20 times, owing to the usage of composite materials (CM) in the related operational and support systems. It was revealed by a representative of the Belorussian OKB TSP Research and Production Association.
 

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