September 2018 news

Naval Forces, Defense Industry, Navy Technology, Maritime Security


Northrop Grumman Corporation in collaboration with industry partners participated in the U.S. Navy’s Advanced Naval Technology Exercise (ANTX) last month in Newport, Rhode Island. The company demonstrated advanced capabilities in the command and control of future unmanned maritime missions and the ability to more effectively deliver critical information to the warfighter in contested environments.

The U.S. Navy's Tactical Airlift Program Office (PMA-207) accepted delivery of their newest commercial-derivative aircraft platform on July 30. The Gulfstream G550 AEW aircraft will be used as as a Telemetry Range Support Aircraft (TRSA) for the Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division (NAWC-WD) Sea Test Range Support, following its initial operating capability set for August 2021.

The department for state defense order will consider applications for the R&D tender to design Luchina-class modular rescue system for distressed submarines on the seabed. The design is to end a protracted crisis in Russian Navy rescue means, the Military-Industrial Courier writes.

Austal today announced that it has been awarded construction contracts by the U.S. Navy to build two additional Independence class Littoral Combat Ships. These ships will be the sixteenth and seventeenth ships in the class. The specific value of each contract is under the congressional cost cap of US$584 million per ship.

The first Centaur (Centaur-LK) fast assault craft was launched on 14 September, 2018 at 'Kuznya on Rybalsky' plant (formerly known as Lenin's Forge) in Kiev, Ukraine. This first of two vessels on order for the Ukrainian Navy was fully designed and built in Ukraine.

Belgium announced on September 14, 2018 that it is joining the « Evolved Seasparrow Missile Block 2 » program. Following the proposal of Defense Minister Steven Vandeput, the Council of Ministers has agreed on Belgium joining this international program. The goal is for the Belgian Navy (Maritime Component) to deploy this advanced anti-aircraft defense system on its future frigates.

The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force and the United States Missile Defense Agency completed a successful intercept flight test in cooperation with the U.S. Navy off the coast of Kauai in Hawaii. A Raytheon Company SM-3 Block IB missile intercepted a ballistic missile target, marking the first time Japan has tested the sophisticated interceptor as announced by MDA.

The U.S Navy has awarded General Dynamics Electric Boat (GDEB) a $480.6 million contract modification to continue the development of the lead Columbia-class submarine, the nation’s next-generation sea-based strategic deterrent. Electric Boat is a wholly owned subsidiary of General Dynamics.

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