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NAVAL NEWS APRIL 2024
Navy Forces Naval Maritime Defense Security Industry |
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As reported by Meta Defense on April 11, 2024, the European company MBDA is set to introduce the Aster 15 EC, an update to the original Aster 15 short- to medium-range surface-to-air missile, promising to offer twice the efficiency of its predecessor. The Aster 15 was first utilized aboard the French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle in 2001, marking Europe's introduction to vertical launch surface-to-air missiles.
On April 9, 2024, responsibility for setting a substantial fire on the Russian Buyan-M class corvette Serpukhov, stationed at the Kaliningrad port, has been claimed by the Ukrainian military intelligence directorate, the GUR.
The integration of the AQS-20 sonar and Barracuda system into naval operations represents a strategic approach to mitigating the threat posed by underwater mines. These systems serve as critical components in the detection, classification, and neutralization of mine threats.
As maritime threats evolve, it's critical for naval forces to update their defensive technologies. The inclusion of the Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) Missile Segment Enhancement (MSE) into naval operations reflects an effort to address this need by providing a means to counter complex threats.
At SNA 2024, BAE Systems introduced its Adaptable Deck Launching System. This system, designed with a low elevation and for mounting on decks, can be adapted to various platforms and is aimed at providing air defense capabilities against missile threats.
On March 27, 2024, members from the US 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit deployed a V-BAT unmanned aerial system (UAS) from the flight deck of the USS Harpers Ferry (LSD-49), a dock landing ship. This event took place in the Pacific Ocean as part of routine operations conducted by the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group within the U.S. 3rd fleet's jurisdiction.
According to a PR published by GE Aerospace on April 9, 2024, the US company and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HD HHI) have officially inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the aim of collaborating on marine propulsion systems for upcoming International Navy Projects. This agreement was formalized at the Sea Air Space expo, an international maritime event held near Washington, DC.
According to a PR published by Damen Naval on April 4, 2024, the Dutch firm has finalized an agreement with RENK to supply gearbox systems for a new class of Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) frigates.
According to a PR published by the US DoD on April 9, 2024, Defense leaders from Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States have detailed progress made under the AUKUS partnership, aimed at enhancing defense capabilities and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
According to information published by Bloomberg on April 8, 2024, Germany is to order two additional F126 frigates from the Dutch company Damen.
According to a PR published by HII on April 8, 2024, thee Newport News Shipbuilding division of HII recently achieved a significant milestone in the refueling and complex overhaul (RCOH) of the USS John C. Stennis, a Nimitz-class aircraft carrier.
Israel has deployed its ship-mounted defense system, known as the C-Dome, for the first time against a suspicious aerial target that violated the country's airspace near the southern city of Eilat. The military confirmed this development on April 9, 2024, marking a significant milestone in Israel's defense capabilities.
Several countries around the world, even those without direct access to the Arctic, are claiming the right to develop this resource-rich region. Experts predict that in the future, the Arctic will not only become a territory of political and economic confrontations; armed clashes between countries and military blocs cannot be ruled out.
On April 8, 2024, Northrop Grumman announced the completion of its first full-scale prototype of the unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV), known as Manta Ray. This initiative is part of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Manta Ray program, which aims to test key technologies for a new class of autonomous submersible vehicles designed for prolonged missions.
According to a PR published by Chess Dynamics on April 4, 2024, has secured a contract to deliver its SeaEagle FCEO surveillance systems for the Royal Australian Navy's (RAN) new Hunter class frigates, being constructed under the guidance of BAE Systems Maritime Australia.
According to information published by Bloomberg on April 5, 2024, the Indian Navy is set to receive two Project 11356 (Talwar-class) frigates from Russia before 2025.
According to information published by City AM on April 7, 2024, the AUKUS pact, a trilateral security partnership between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States, initially focused on enhancing undersea and nuclear capabilities, is poised for a significant evolution. With its Pillar II initiative, AUKUS is extending its reach into advanced military technologies, including artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, and hypersonic weapons.
A British "Storm Shadow" missile was reportedly intercepted and destroyed by the Pantsir-M air defense system installed on the Russian Project 22800 corvette Karakut (Cyclone) near the coast of Crimea. The event, revealed by Oleg Ryazantsev, general director of NPO High-Precision Complexes during an April 7, 2024 interview on the Russian Defense Ministry's TV Zvezda channel, would represent the first confirmed use of the Pantsir-M system in a situation of real combat. Although broadcast images show a flaming object crashing to the ground and resembling the Storm Shadow, the channel has not formally confirmed that it was this missile.
According to information published by NHK on April 8, 2024, the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) has partially completed the conversion of its large escort ship, JS Kaga, into a de facto aircraft carrier, making it capable of launching and recovering fighter jets. This important development features modifications that allow the use of the Air Self-Defense Force's stealth fighter, the F-35B.
On April 4, 2024, Lockheed Martin reported from its Production Test Center in Moorestown, New Jersey, the first live track demonstration of the AN/SPY-7(V)1 radar on an Aegis System Equipped Vessel (ASEV). The demonstration showcased the SPY-7 radar's capability to track space objects, using its tactical hardware and software, which serves as an initial step towards assessing its operational readiness and begins a detailed performance evaluation phase.
