|
|
NAVAL NEWS OCTOBER 2023
Navy Forces Naval Maritime Defense Security Industry |
|
|
|
|
According to information published by the UK MoD on October 19, 2023, a significant section of HMS Dreadnought has been transported through the streets of Barrow-in-Furness. This event marks a milestone as this 'mega unit' is the largest segment of Dreadnought that has been completed so far.
On October 16, 2023, Israeli Navy engaged in combat operations targeting Hamas infrastructure and assets in the Gaza Strip, using its latest 'Sa'ar 6' class missile corvettes, the INS Oz and the INS Magen. This marks the first time these advanced warships have been used in live operations against Hamas.
According to the French Navy on October 17, 2023, a series of tests involving the deployment of the DriX Unmanned Surface Vessel (USV) took place within the framework of the Future Hydrographic and Oceanographic Capacity (CHOF) program on the Beautemps Beaupré (BHO) hydro-oceanographic vessel. These tests were conducted with the assistance of the DGA (General Directorate of Armaments) and SHOM (French Naval Hydrographic and Oceanographic Service) to identify suitable survey methods that align with the Navy's operational requirements.
According to information published by the US DoD on October 18, 2023, the United States has strategically positioned the Blue Ridge class amphibious command ships USS Mount Whitney in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea.
According to information published by the US government on October 18, 2023, Sabrina Singh has publicly confirmed that the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship and the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit currently deployed off the coast of Oman is heading for Israel.
On October 17, 2023, Argentina's Ministry of Defense announced the acquisition of four P-3 Orion aircraft from the Norwegian Defense Materiel Agency (NDMA). Aimed at fortifying its maritime capabilities, the aircraft will primarily be used for surveillance and search and rescue operations in the South Atlantic, covering Argentina's territorial waters and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
As reported on October 17, 2023, by the Acquisition Technology & Logistics Agency (ATLA), a part of the Japanese Ministry of Defense, Japan's Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) achieved a significant milestone with the successful sea-based test firing of its medium-caliber maritime electromagnetic railgun. Collaborating with ATLA, this marks the first documented sea-based railgun successful test.
The Russian government has unveiled an upgraded version of the Komar 3M47-03E naval missile system at the Interpolitex-2023 exhibition in Moscow. According to a representative from RATEP, the system's developer and a subsidiary of the Almaz-Antey defense concern, the modernized Komar system is designed for ships that cannot carry heavier air defense systems.
The South African Navy is in the final stages of commissioning its second multi-mission inshore patrol vessel (MMIPV) as part of Project Biro, with the commissioning expected at the end of October, Guy Martin reports in DefenceWeb. Project Biro, currently 71% complete, is a strategic initiative aimed at bolstering the naval capabilities of South Africa by acquiring three MMIPVs.
Saab's underwater systems played a vital role in two 'operational experimentation exercises' that brought together over 2,000 participants from 15 NATO nations, Ireland, and Sweden.
On October 17, the Australian Department of Defense reported that more than 100 people attended the West Head gunnery range at Flinders, Victoria, for the final firing and decommissioning of the 76mm medium calibre gun (MCG), marking the end of more than three decades of service at the range.
Northrop Grumman has been awarded a contract by Korea Aerospace Industries, Ltd. (KAI) to provide Airborne Laser Mine Detection System (ALMDS) solutions and technical support for the Engineering, Manufacturing and Design (EMD) phase of the Republic of Korea’s Korean Mine Countermeasures Helicopter (KMCH) program. The EMD phase is expected to be completed in 2027.
The U.S. Navy commissioned the newest Virginia-class fast-attack submarine, the future USS Hyman G. Rickover (SSN 795), on Saturday, October 14, at Naval Submarine Base New London in Groton, Connecticut.
The newest nuclear submarine missile cruiser "Generalissimo Suvorov" of project 955A ("Borey-A") arrived at its permanent deployment site in Kamchatka, topwar.ru reported on October 18 echoing the press service of the Pacific Fleet. A welcoming ceremony was held in Vilyuchinsk, where the submarine missile carrier will now be based.
Austal Australia has delivered the 6th of 8 Evolved Cape-class Patrol Boats (ECCPBs) to the Royal Australian Navy. The vessel, ADV Cape Pillar, was officially accepted by the Commonwealth of Australia at Austal’s Henderson, Western Australia shipyard.
In deep analysis, the Navy Recognition editorial team explains what are the naval capabilities of the USS Gerald R. Ford Aircraft Carrier Strike Group deployed near Israel. The recent deployment of the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier strike group off the coast of Israel marks a significant step in the assertion of American naval power. This strategic move includes not only the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier but also several other warships, each with a specific role and capabilities.
On October 12, 2023, NATO Defense Ministers, along with the Swedish Defense Minister, formally endorsed the Digital Ocean Vision. This groundbreaking initiative is aimed at bolstering NATO's awareness of maritime activities, spanning from the ocean floor to outer space.
According to the Wall Street Journal, the U.S. Navy's aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower is set to deploy to Israel, initially crossing the Atlantic into the Mediterranean. This move follows an announcement by Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby on October 11, 2023, during a press conference, stating that the Eisenhower and its strike group would be "available if needed" in the region. The deployment is particularly noteworthy given the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, as well as the presence of another U.S. aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald R. Ford, already in the Mediterranean.
On October 12, the U.S. Department of Defense announced that Lockheed Martin was awarded a $379,577,128 firm-fixed-price order against a previously issued basic ordering agreement. This order provides for the production and delivery of eight Sikorsky MH-60R helicopters for the government of Spain. Work will be performed in Owego, New York (52%); Stratford, Connecticut (40%); and Troy, Alabama (8%), and is expected to be completed in March 2027. Foreign Military Sales customer funds in the amount of $379,577,128 will be obligated at the time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity.
According to information published by the US DoD on October 12, 2023, an F-35B, piloted by a USMC Test pilot, from Air Test and Evaluation Squadron 23 (VX-23), successfully landed on the HMS Prince of Wales, a member of the U.K. Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers. This event was a component of the First of Class sea trials for the F-35B test (DT-3).
