November 2014 Maritime Defense Industry and World Naval Forces News
 
 

Chinese Navy (PLAN) commissions Type 056 and Type 056A Corvettes on the same day
 
Just a few days following the commissioning of its first Type 056A ASW corvette (read our story here) the Chinese Navy (PLAN) commissioned two more corvettes simultaneously: On the same day (November 28th), the PLAN inducted Type 056 Corvette (Jiangdao class) Chaozhou (hull number 595) and Type 056A ASW Corvette Zhuzhou (hull number 594).
Just a few days following the commissioning of its first Type 056A ASW corvette (read our story here) the Chinese Navy (PLAN) commissioned two more corvettes simultaneously: On the same day (November 28th), the PLAN inducted Type 056 Corvette (Jiangdao class) Chaozhou (hull number 595) and Type 056A ASW Corvette Zhuzhou (hull number 594).
 

MBDA’s Sea Ceptor selected for Brazilian Navy’s next generation corvette programme
 
The Brazilian Navy has selected MBDA’s Sea Ceptor to provide the local area air defence for its next generation Tamandaré class corvettes. After the UK’s Royal Navy (RN) and the Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN), Brazil’s is now the third navy to have chosen Sea Ceptor. With discussions also well advanced with other leading navies around the world, Sea Ceptor is rapidly establishing a significant user community.
The Brazilian Navy has selected MBDA’s Sea Ceptor to provide the local area air defence for its next generation Tamandaré class corvettes. After the UK’s Royal Navy (RN) and the Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN), Brazil’s is now the third navy to have chosen Sea Ceptor. With discussions also well advanced with other leading navies around the world, Sea Ceptor is rapidly establishing a significant user community.
 

DSME & ROK Navy cut first steel of future KSS-III (Jangbogo III) heavy diesel-electric submarine
 
The steel cuting cutting ceremony of the first KSS-III (Jangbogo III programme) heavy diesel-electric submarine took place yesterday (November 27th) at DSME shipyard in presence of the Republik of Korea Navy (ROK Navy) Chief of Staff, Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) representatives and DSME officials.
The steel cuting cutting ceremony of the first KSS-III (Jangbogo III programme) heavy diesel-electric submarine took place yesterday (November 27th) at DSME shipyard in presence of the Republik of Korea Navy (ROK Navy) Chief of Staff, Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) representatives and DSME officials.
 

Royal Australian Navy Commissioned new Landing Helicopter Dock HMAS Canberra
 
Governor General of Australia, His Excellency General the Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove, AK, MC (Retd), together with the Prime Minister of Australia, the Hon Mr Tony Abbott, MP, were the guests of honour today as Australia’s first Landing Helicopter Dock (LHD) was welcomed into service in the Royal Australian Navy. The Australian White Ensign was raised for the first time, signaling that HMAS Canberra III was formally commissioned into the Fleet.
Governor General of Australia, His Excellency General the Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove, AK, MC (Retd), together with the Prime Minister of Australia, the Hon Mr Tony Abbott, MP, were the guests of honour today as Australia’s first Landing Helicopter Dock (LHD) was welcomed into service in the Royal Australian Navy. The Australian White Ensign was raised for the first time, signaling that HMAS Canberra III was formally commissioned into the Fleet.
 

China Delivers "NNS Centenary" First P18N Offshore Patrol Vessel to Nigerian Navy
 
According to local media, the first of two P-18N offshore patrol vessels (OPV) ordered by the Nigerian Navy was delivered today at the China Shipbuilding & Offshore International Company (CSOC)'s Wuchang Shipyard in Wuhan, China. CSOC is part of the part of the State Shipbuilding Corporation, China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation (CSIC). This OPV, reportedly nammed The Century, is the first patrol ship China has exported to West Africa.
According to local media, the first of two P-18N offshore patrol vessels (OPV) ordered by the Nigerian Navy was delivered today at the China Shipbuilding & Offshore International Company (CSOC)'s Wuchang Shipyard in Wuhan, China. CSOC is part of the part of the State Shipbuilding Corporation, China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation (CSIC). This OPV, reportedly nammed Centenary, is the first patrol ship China has exported to West Africa.
 

U.S. Navy Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 121 Launches First E-2D Advanced Hawkeye
 
Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 121, the "Bluetails," launched the squadron's first E-2D Advanced Hawkeye during a test flight from Naval Station Norfolk, Nov. 20. The flight marks the end of VAW-121's 37-year relationship with the E-2C Hawkeye, the previous model, and moving forward with the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye ahead of most other early warning squadrons.
Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 121, the "Bluetails," launched the squadron's first E-2D Advanced Hawkeye during a test flight from Naval Station Norfolk, Nov. 20. The flight marks the end of VAW-121's 37-year relationship with the E-2C Hawkeye, the previous model, and moving forward with the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye ahead of most other early warning squadrons.
 

Egypt would be interested in purchasing a FREMM multi-mission frigate from France
 
According to French financial newspaper La Tribune, Egypt would like to quickly procure a FREMM multi-mission frigate from France, following the deal the country has just signed with DCNS for four Gowind 2500 corvettes (the lead ship to be built in France and the 3 others to be built in Egypt as part of a transfer of technology). Egypt is reported to have requested a FREMM for as early as 2015.
According to French financial newspaper La Tribune, Egypt would like to quickly procure a FREMM multi-mission frigate from France, following the deal the country has just signed with DCNS for four Gowind 2500 corvettes (the lead ship to be built in France and the 3 others to be built in Egypt as part of a transfer of technology). Egypt is reported to have requested a FREMM for as early as 2015.
 

U.S. Navy deploys LaWS Laser Weapon System on board USS Ponce in the Persian Gulf
 
The U.S. Navy has deployed the LaWS Laser Weapon System prototype for operational testing on board the USS Ponce (AFSB(I)-15, interim Afloat Forward Staging Base) in the Persian Gulf. The at-sea demonstration onboard USS Ponce is part of a wider portfolio of near-term U.S. Navy directed energy programs that promise rapid fielding, demonstration and prototyping efforts for shipboard, airborne and ground systems.
The U.S. Navy has deployed the LaWS Laser Weapon System prototype for operational testing on board the USS Ponce (AFSB(I)-15, interim Afloat Forward Staging Base) in the Persian Gulf. The at-sea demonstration onboard USS Ponce is part of a wider portfolio of near-term U.S. Navy directed energy programs that promise rapid fielding, demonstration and prototyping efforts for shipboard, airborne and ground systems.
 

Second Babcock-built Irish Naval Service Offshore Patrol Vessel launched at Appledor shipyard
 
The second of the Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs) being built by Babcock for the Irish Naval Service, LÉ James Joyce, was floated for the first time yesterday, at Babcock's Appledore shipyard in North Devon, marking a significant milestone in the build programme.
The second of the Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs) being built by Babcock for the Irish Naval Service, LÉ James Joyce, was floated for the first time yesterday, at Babcock's Appledore shipyard in North Devon, marking a significant milestone in the build programme.
 

Royal Canadian Navy Successfully Completes Modernization of First Four Halifax class Frigates
 
The first four of the Royal Canadian Navy’s Halifax-class frigates have successfully completed modernization programs. The Halifax-class modernization/frigate equipment life extension (HCM/FELEX) is a $4.3 billion program to upgrade and enhance the existing fleet. The program has remained on budget and is scheduled to be completed by 2018.
The first four of the Royal Canadian Navy’s Halifax-class frigates have successfully completed modernization programs. The Halifax-class modernization/frigate equipment life extension (HCM/FELEX) is a $4.3 billion program to upgrade and enhance the existing fleet. The program has remained on budget and is scheduled to be completed by 2018.
 

Boeing Delivers Sixth P-8I Maritime Patrol Aircraft to Indian Navy
 
Boeing delivered the sixth P-8I maritime patrol aircraft to India, on schedule, on Nov. 24, arriving at Naval Air Station Rajali to join five others being used by the Indian Navy. The P-8I is part of a contract of eight awarded in 2009. The final two deliveries are scheduled for 2015.
Boeing delivered the sixth P-8I maritime patrol aircraft to India, on schedule, on Nov. 24, arriving at Naval Air Station Rajali to join five others being used by the Indian Navy. The P-8I is part of a contract of eight awarded in 2009. The final two deliveries are scheduled for 2015.
 

Official: Delivery of First Russian Mistral class LHD Vladivostok postponed "until further notice"
 
According to an official statement made by the French presidency on November 25th, the delivery of the first Mistral-class LHD, built for Russia is now on hold "until further notice". Russia and France signed a contract for two Mistral-class LHDs for $1.6 billion in June 2011. Under the contract, the first French Mistral-class amphibious assault ship, the Vladivostok, was to be delivered to Russia by the end of the year, while the second ship, the Sevastopol, is due to arrive next year.
According to an official statement made by the French presidency on November 25th, the delivery of the first Mistral-class LHD, built for Russia is now on hold "until further notice". Russia and France signed a contract for two Mistral-class LHDs for $1.6 billion in June 2011. Under the contract, the first French Mistral-class amphibious assault ship, the Vladivostok, was to be delivered to Russia by the end of the year, while the second ship, the Sevastopol, is due to be delivered next year.
 

TenCate supplies armour systems for Royal Danish Navy Iver Huitfeldt & Absalon class ships
 
TenCate Advanced Armour has secured an order from the Danish Acquisition and Logistics Organisation (DALO) for ballistic protection of the Iver Huitfeldt class frigates and Absalon class support ships of the Royal Danish Navy. The armour systems to be supplied will provide a fully engineered, lightweight solution for the protection of mission-critical areas of the Navy ships. The modular armour kits will be supplied and installed on the ships over the next months. No financial details will be provided.
TenCate Advanced Armour has secured an order from the Danish Acquisition and Logistics Organisation (DALO) for ballistic protection of the Iver Huitfeldt class frigates and Absalon class support ships of the Royal Danish Navy. The armour systems to be supplied will provide a fully engineered, lightweight solution for the protection of mission-critical areas of the Navy ships. The modular armour kits will be supplied and installed on the ships over the next months. No financial details will be provided.
 

Vector Aerospace UK announces MRO programme for French Navy Lynx Mk.4 Helicopters
 
Vector Aerospace UK, a leading provider of aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services, has announced the agreement of a long term contract to provide structural maintenance and technical support for the French Navy’s Lynx Mk.4 helicopter fleet. The company’s Fleetlands facility in Gosport, Hampshire, has the only main build/repair jig for this aircraft type in the world, making Vector the leading supplier of deep structural repairs on the Lynx platform.
Vector Aerospace UK, a leading provider of aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services, has announced the agreement of a long term contract to provide structural maintenance and technical support for the French Navy’s Lynx Mk.4 helicopter fleet. The company’s Fleetlands facility in Gosport, Hampshire, has the only main build/repair jig for this aircraft type in the world, making Vector the leading supplier of deep structural repairs on the Lynx platform.
 

Newport News Shipbuilding Lays Keel for Block III Virginia-Class Submarine Washington (SSN 787)
 
With weld shields in place and sparks flying, Newport News Shipbuilding, a division of Huntington Ingalls Industries, hosted a keel-laying ceremony Saturday for the future USS Washington (SSN 787), a Virginia-class submarine named for the Evergreen State.
With weld shields in place and sparks flying, Newport News Shipbuilding, a division of Huntington Ingalls Industries, hosted a keel-laying ceremony Saturday for the future USS Washington (SSN 787), a Virginia-class submarine named for the Evergreen State.
 

DSME signs contract to deliver 6 Missile Surface Corvettes (MSC) to Royal Malaysian Navy
 
South Korean shipyard Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering Co Ltd (DSME) announced in a statement Monday that it has obtained an order from the Royal Malaysian Navy to build six Missile Surface Corvettes (MSC). According to the statement, three vessels will be built and assembled in South Korea starting from January 2018 while the rest will be block built in South Korea and assembled in Malaysia with DSME's cooperation.
South Korean shipyard Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering Co Ltd (DSME) announced in a statement Monday that it has obtained an order from the Royal Malaysian Navy to build six Missile Surface Corvettes (MSC). According to the statement, three vessels will be built and assembled in South Korea starting from January 2018 while the rest will be block built in South Korea and assembled in Malaysia with DSME's cooperation.
 

Navantia Launches Ninth LCM-1E Landing Craft for Royal Australian Navy
 
Navantia has launched today, at 12:00 the ninth LLC fast landing craft of the series of 12 that is building for the Royal Australian Navy. The design of these ships is based in the fast landing crafts built also by Navantia for the Spanish Navy between 2006 and 2008.
Navantia has launched today, at 12:00 the ninth LLC fast landing craft of the series of 12 that is building for the Royal Australian Navy. The design of these ships is based in the fast landing crafts built also by Navantia for the Spanish Navy between 2006 and 2008.
 

USS John Paul Jones (DDG 53) Destroyer with AEGIS Baseline 9 Scores Historic Flight Test Mission
 
Sailors aboard the USS John Paul Jones (DDG 53) in partnership with U.S. Pacific Command and the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) successfully executed Flight Test Standard Missile-25 (FTM-25), the first live-fire event in the integrated air and missile defense radar priority mode to engage a ballistic missile target and a raid of cruise missile targets with its AEGIS Combat System, announced Program Executive Office Integrated Warfare Systems (PEO IWS), Nov. 20.
Sailors aboard the USS John Paul Jones (DDG 53) in partnership with U.S. Pacific Command and the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) successfully executed Flight Test Standard Missile-25 (FTM-25), the first live-fire event in the integrated air and missile defense radar priority mode to engage a ballistic missile target and a raid of cruise missile targets with its AEGIS Combat System, announced Program Executive Office Integrated Warfare Systems (PEO IWS), Nov. 20.
 

U.S. Navy Evaluates Electronic Warfare Improvement Program for Littoral Combat Ships
 
The Navy is evaluating a scaled-down version of the Surface Electronic Warfare Improvement Program (SEWIP) system for potential incorporation on future Littoral Combat Ships (LCS), Naval Sea Systems Command announced, Nov. 20. SEWIP is an evolutionary development block upgrade program for the SLQ-32 Electronic Warfare (EW) System and will be designated as SLQ-32C(V)6. Still in the early stages of development, its purpose is to provide LCS with an improved electronic warfare suite to improve the ship's defense capabilities.
The U.S. Navy is evaluating a scaled-down version of the Surface Electronic Warfare Improvement Program (SEWIP) system for potential incorporation on future Littoral Combat Ships (LCS), Naval Sea Systems Command announced, Nov. 20. SEWIP is an evolutionary development block upgrade program for the SLQ-32 Electronic Warfare (EW) System and will be designated as SLQ-32C(V)6.
 

Lockheed Martin Opens Surface Navy Innovation Center to foster collaboration, problem-solving
 
Lockheed Martin has opened the Surface Navy Innovation Center (SNIC) to support the development of new technologies for the U.S. Navy. The SNIC is a research, development and demonstration facility that brings together industry, government and academia to design the next generation of capabilities the surface fleet needs to combat evolving threats around the world.
Lockheed Martin has opened the Surface Navy Innovation Center (SNIC) to support the development of new technologies for the U.S. Navy. The SNIC is a research, development and demonstration facility that brings together industry, government and academia to design the next generation of capabilities the surface fleet needs to combat evolving threats around the world.
 

French Navy Lafayette Frigate Salvo Fires Two MM40 Block II Exocet Anti-Ship Missiles
 
The French Navy announced its Lafayette frigate (first ship of the class) salvo fired two MBDA made MM40 Block II Exocet anti-ship missile in a test earlier this week. Both missiles hit their targets with high accuracy, showing the expertise of the French Navy to implement and maintain a complex weapons system for high-intensity conflict.
The French Navy announced its Lafayette frigate (first ship of the class) salvo fired two MBDA made MM40 Block II Exocet anti-ship missile in a test earlier this week. Both missiles hit their targets with high accuracy, showing the expertise of the French Navy to implement and maintain a complex weapons system for high-intensity conflict.
 

New Generation Russian Navy Frigate "Admiral Gorshkov" Project 22350 Started Sea Trials
 
The new generation project 22350 frigate "Admiral Gorshkov" (hull number 417) for the Russian Navy started sea trials in the Gulf of Finland. This new class, intended to replace the soviet era Krivak class, is designed by the Severnoye Design Bureau of Saint Petersburg.
The new generation project 22350 frigate "Admiral Gorshkov" (hull number 417) for the Russian Navy started sea trials in the Gulf of Finland. This new class, intended to replace the soviet era Krivak class, is designed by the Severnoye Design Bureau of Saint Petersburg.
 

ROC Navy started sea trials of its new fast combat support ship AOE 532 "Panshi"
 
The Republic of China (Taiwan) Navy (ROC Navy) started the sea trials of the locally made fast combat support ship AOE 532 "Panshi" (nammed after a mountain in eastern Taiwan in the hope that it will be as strong as a rock). The vessel, fully designed in Taiwan, was laid down at the National Taiwan Shipbuilding Corporation (CSBC) shipyad in Kaoshiung in December 2012, launched in November 2013 and will be commissioned to the ROC Navy in 2015 following the trials at sea.
The Republic of China (Taiwan) Navy (ROC Navy) started the sea trials of the locally made fast combat support ship AOE 532 "Panshi" (nammed after a mountain in eastern Taiwan in the hope that it will be as strong as a rock). The vessel, fully designed in Taiwan, was laid down at the National Taiwan Shipbuilding Corporation (CSBC) shipyad in Kaoshiung in December 2012, launched in November 2013 and will be commissioned to the ROC Navy in 2015 following the trials at sea.
 

Leidos Completes At-Sea Testing of Prototype Maritime Autonomy System for future ACTUV
 
Leidos, a national security, health, and engineering solutions company, completed a total of 42 days of at-sea demonstrations of the prototype maritime autonomy system designed to control all of the maneuvering and mission functions of DARPA's Anti-Submarine Warfare Continuous Trail Unmanned Vessel (ACTUV). Using a 32-foot work boat as a surrogate vessel, Leidos installed autonomy software and sensors to mimic the configuration intended for an eventual full-size ACTUV prototype.
Leidos, a national security, health, and engineering solutions company, completed a total of 42 days of at-sea demonstrations of the prototype maritime autonomy system designed to control all of the maneuvering and mission functions of DARPA's Anti-Submarine Warfare Continuous Trail Unmanned Vessel (ACTUV). Using a 32-foot work boat as a surrogate vessel, Leidos installed autonomy software and sensors to mimic the configuration intended for an eventual full-size ACTUV prototype.
 

"Sanmenxia", first Type 056A ASW Corvette (Jiangdao class), commissioned in Chinese Navy (PLAN)
 
A commissioning, naming and flag-presenting ceremony of the new "Quanzhou" corvette (locally designated guided missile frigate) of the Chinese Navy (PLAN) was held solemnly at a naval port in Xiamen city, east China's Fujian province, on the morning of August 8, 2014, marking that the warship is officially commissioned to the PLAN.. "Quanzhou" is the eleventh Type 056 Corvette (Jiangdao class).
A commissioning, naming and flag-presenting ceremony of the new "Sanmenxia" corvette (locally designated guided missile frigate) of the Chinese Navy (PLAN) was held solemnly at a naval port in Zhoushan city, east China's Zheijang province, on November 13, 2014, marking that the warship is officially commissioned to the PLAN. "Sanmenxia" is the first Type 056A Corvette (Jiangdao class) contrary to some western media reports claiming another corvette of this type had already been commissioned.
 

DCNS opens a subsidiary in Australia to better market its SMX OCEAN SSK for the RAN
 
French naval defense group DCNS opened today a subsidiary in Australia named "DCNS Australia". The move, which coincides with an official visit to Australia by French president François Hollande with Thales and DCNS CEOs alongside, is aimed at getting closer to the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) and ultimately better marketing the SMX OCEAN submarine when the opportunity arises.
French naval defense group DCNS opened today a subsidiary in Australia named "DCNS Australia". The move, which coincides with an official visit to Australia by French president François Hollande with Thales and DCNS CEOs alongside, is aimed at getting closer to the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) and ultimately better marketing the SMX OCEAN submarine when the opportunity arises.
 

F-35C Lightning II Completes initial sea trials aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68)
 
The F-35C Lightning II carrier variant Joint Strike Fighter completed its first phase of developmental test (DT) aboard an aircraft carrier Nov. 14, three days ahead of schedule aboard USS Nimitz (CVN 68). During the DT-I event, F-35C Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) the F-35 Lightning II Integrated Test Force (ITF) from Air Test and Evaluation Squadron 23 (VX-23) located at Naval Air Station (NAS) Patuxent River in Patuxent River, Maryland, tested the carrier suitability of the aircraft and its integration with carrier air and deck operations in the at-sea environment, achieving 100 percent of the threshold test points.
The F-35C Lightning II carrier variant Joint Strike Fighter completed its first phase of developmental test (DT) aboard an aircraft carrier Nov. 14, three days ahead of schedule aboard USS Nimitz (CVN 68). During the DT-I event, F-35C Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) the F-35 Lightning II Integrated Test Force (ITF) from Air Test and Evaluation Squadron 23 (VX-23) located at Naval Air Station (NAS) Patuxent River in Patuxent River, Maryland, tested the carrier suitability of the aircraft...
 

Textron begins fabrication of first Ship to Shore Connector (SSC) for the U.S. Navy
 
Textron, Inc. began fabrication of the Navy's first Ship to Shore Connector (SSC) at its New Orleans facility Nov. 17. In October, the Navy approved Textron to start production following the SSC Production Readiness Review during which the Navy evaluated the design maturity, availability of materials, and industry's ability to start and sustain fabrication.
Textron, Inc. began fabrication of the Navy's first Ship to Shore Connector (SSC) at its New Orleans facility Nov. 17. In October, the Navy approved Textron to start production following the SSC Production Readiness Review during which the Navy evaluated the design maturity, availability of materials, and industry's ability to start and sustain fabrication.
 

BMT Design & Technology Launch Whole Life Warship Capability Management Course
 
BMT Design & Technology (BMT), an operating company of BMT Group Ltd, the leading international design, engineering and risk management consultancy, is pleased to announce its pioneering whole life warship capability management training course. Building on the long-term success of the multi-national BMT submarine training course, this four day course gives unprecedented insight into the technical processes supporting the capability systems life cycle for warships, from identification of a need, through to acquisition and sustainment.
BMT Design & Technology (BMT), an operating company of BMT Group Ltd, the leading international design, engineering and risk management consultancy, is pleased to announce its pioneering whole life warship capability management training course. Building on the long-term success of the multi-national BMT submarine training course, this four day course gives unprecedented insight into the technical processes supporting the capability systems life cycle for warships, from identification of a need, through to acquisition and sustainment.
 

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