December 2014 Maritime Defense Industry and World Naval Forces News
 
 

Engine Issues for Latest Russian Navy Class Frigate "Admiral Gorshkov" (Project 22350)
 
Russian Navy's latest generation frigate (Admiral Gorshkov-class / Project 22350) is reported to have serious engine problems. According to flotprom.ru, the Severnaya Verf Shipyard in St. Petersburg announced on December 17 a tender worth 24 million rubles for "disassembly and fault detection of a gas turbine engine with its subsequent equipment on order number 921 of project 22350" (Admiral Gorshkov, the first ship of the new class which started sea trials in November).
Russian Navy's latest generation frigate (Admiral Gorshkov-class / Project 22350) is reported to have serious engine problems. According to flotprom.ru, the Severnaya Verf Shipyard in St. Petersburg announced on December 17 a tender worth 24 million rubles for "disassembly and fault detection of a gas turbine engine with its subsequent equipment on order number 921 of project 22350" (Admiral Gorshkov, the first ship of the new class which started sea trials in November).
 

Second Project 636.3 Varshavyanka class SSK Enters Service with Russian Navy Black Sea Fleet
 
"Rostov-on-Don" (B-237), the second Project 636.3 (or Varshavyanka class) diesel-electric submarine (SSK) designed for the Russian Black Sea Fleet was officially taken into naval service, an official of Admiralty Wharfs told Russian news agency ITAR-TASS on Tuesday.
"Rostov-on-Don" (B-237), the second Project 636.3 (or Varshavyanka class) diesel-electric submarine (SSK) designed for the Russian Black Sea Fleet was officially taken into naval service, an official of Admiralty Wharfs told Russian news agency ITAR-TASS on Tuesday.
 

US Navy Littoral Combat Ship USS Fort Worth (LCS 3) Arrives in Singapore
 
USS Fort Worth (LCS 3) arrived in Singapore Dec. 29 as part of a 16-month rotational deployment to 7th Fleet in support of the Indo-Asia-Pacific rebalance. As part of an initiative to deploy up to four LCS to the region on a rotational basis, Fort Worth will operate out of Singapore as a maintenance and logistics hub from which the ship will conduct patrols and train with regional navies during exercises like Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training.
USS Fort Worth (LCS 3) arrived in Singapore Dec. 29 as part of a 16-month rotational deployment to 7th Fleet in support of the Indo-Asia-Pacific rebalance. As part of an initiative to deploy up to four LCS to the region on a rotational basis, Fort Worth will operate out of Singapore as a maintenance and logistics hub from which the ship will conduct patrols and train with regional navies during exercises like Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training.
 

Third Russian Naval Aviation An-140-100 Delivered by Aviation Plant "Aviacor"
 
JSC "Aviacor - Aviation Plant" delivered the third An-140-100 aircraft for the Russian Navy on December 25th. The aircraft with registration RF-08853 (serial number 14A005) was handed over during a ceremony in Samara (south western Russia). «The aircraft is delivered in strict accordance with the delivery date specified in the state contract», - CEO of Aviacor, Alexey Gusev, said during the handover ceremony.
JSC "Aviacor - Aviation Plant" delivered the third An-140-100 aircraft for the Russian Navy on December 25th. The aircraft with registration RF-08853 (serial number 14A005) was handed over during a ceremony in Samara (south western Russia). «The aircraft is delivered in strict accordance with the delivery date specified in the state contract», - CEO of Aviacor, Alexey Gusev, said during the handover ceremony.
 

Russia's Sevmash Shipyard Laid Down Sixth Borey Class SSBN "Generalissimus Suvorov"
 
The sixth Borei-class nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN) was laid down on Friday during a ceremony at the Sevmash shipyard in Severodvinsk, northern Russia. (Sevmash is part of OCK the United Shipbuilding Corporation). Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin attended the ceremony.
The sixth Borey-class nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN) was laid down on Friday during a ceremony at the Sevmash shipyard in Severodvinsk, northern Russia. (Sevmash is part of OCK the United Shipbuilding Corporation). Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin attended the ceremony.
 

Future Polish Navy Offshore Patrol Vessel ORP SLAZAK Launched at Gdynia Navy Shipyard
 
Our colleagues from polish website Defence 24 (M. Dura) reported that the future Polish Navy OPV ORP Slazak was "test launched" on December 14. According to the official press release “one of the aims of the launching operation was to verify the current weight of the vessel via a capacity test, and to prepare the ship for installation of the propellers”.
Our colleagues from polish website Defence 24 (M. Dura) reported that the future Polish Navy OPV ORP Slazak was "test launched" on December 14. According to the official press release “one of the aims of the launching operation was to verify the current weight of the vessel via a capacity test, and to prepare the ship for installation of the propellers”.
 

Royal Australian Navy Celebrates 30 Years of Operating the AS350BA ‘Squirrel’ helicopter
 
For the venerable AS350BA ‘Squirrel’ helicopter and the men and women of Royal Australian Navy (RAN) 723 Squadron, 2014 proved to be a remarkable year. The Squadron achieved significant flying hours undertaking aircrew training and fleet support tasking in the ‘Squirrel’. But what made their achievements all the more impressive, is the fact that the Squirrel fleet celebrated its 30th birthday with the RAN this year.
For the venerable AS350BA ‘Squirrel’ helicopter and the men and women of Royal Australian Navy (RAN) 723 Squadron, 2014 proved to be a remarkable year. The Squadron achieved significant flying hours undertaking aircrew training and fleet support tasking in the ‘Squirrel’. But what made their achievements all the more impressive, is the fact that the Squirrel fleet celebrated its 30th birthday with the RAN this year.
 

Elbit Systems U.S. Subsidiary Will Upgrade C-1A Aircraft for the Brazilian Navy
 
Elbit Systems announced today that its wholly-owned U.S. subsidiary, Elbit Systems of America, LLC Elbit Systems of America, received a directed subcontract from the Brazilian Navy for the upgrade of four Grumman C-1A aircraft. The prime contract is held by Marsh Aviation Company of Mesa, Arizona. The subcontract, valued at $106 million, will be performed by Elbit Systems of America over a five-year period.
Elbit Systems announced today that its wholly-owned U.S. subsidiary, Elbit Systems of America, LLC Elbit Systems of America, received a directed subcontract from the Brazilian Navy for the upgrade of four Grumman C-1A aircraft. The prime contract is held by Marsh Aviation Company of Mesa, Arizona. The subcontract, valued at $106 million, will be performed by Elbit Systems of America over a five-year period.
 

DDG 51 Arleigh Burke-Class Guided Missile Destroyer Modernization Program Meets Key Milestones
 
The U.S. Navy's DDG 51 modernization program has met two key milestones Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) announced Dec. 22. The milestones involve the successful installation and testing of the new Aegis baseline 9 combat system on two DDG 51 destroyers, and a hull, mechanical and electrical (HM&E) modernization to a third. The modernization program ensures Arleigh Burke-class ships keep pace with evolving threats while meeting service life requirements and future operational commitments.
The U.S. Navy's DDG 51 modernization program has met two key milestones Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) announced Dec. 22. The milestones involve the successful installation and testing of the new Aegis baseline 9 combat system on two DDG 51 destroyers, and a hull, mechanical and electrical (HM&E) modernization to a third. The modernization program ensures Arleigh Burke-class ships keep pace with evolving threats while...
 

Vladimir Monomakh Third Borey Class SSBN Joined Russian Navy
 
Russia's third Borey-class nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine, the Vladimir Monomakh, was officially inducted in the Russian Navy on Friday, the Sevmash shipyard reported. "The ceremony of raising the Russian Navy colors on the Vladimir Monomakh submarine on Friday, December 19, at Sevmash," the shipyard's press-service said in a statement.
Russia's third Borey-class nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine, the Vladimir Monomakh, was officially inducted in the Russian Navy on Friday, the Sevmash shipyard reported. "The ceremony of raising the Russian Navy colors on the Vladimir Monomakh submarine on Friday, December 19, at Sevmash," the shipyard's press-service said in a statement.
 

Northrop Grumman MQ-8C Fire Scout VTOL UAV completes first ship-based test period with US Navy
 
The U.S. Navy’s new, larger MQ-8C Fire Scout unmanned helicopter returned from a five-day test period aboard USS Jason Dunham (DDG 109) Dec. 19 after successfully completing its first ship-based flights off the Virginia coast. The Fire Scout test team and Sailors aboard Dunham conducted dynamic interface testing with the MQ-8C to verify the system’s launch and recovery procedures before the system undergoes operational test next year.
The U.S. Navy’s new, larger MQ-8C Fire Scout unmanned helicopter returned from a five-day test period aboard USS Jason Dunham (DDG 109) Dec. 19 after successfully completing its first ship-based flights off the Virginia coast. The Fire Scout test team and Sailors aboard Dunham conducted dynamic interface testing with the MQ-8C to verify the system’s launch and recovery procedures before the system undergoes operational test next year.
 

Last JSF Delivered in 2014 is the First F-35C Carrier Variant for the U.S. Marine Corp
 
The Department of Defense accepted its final F-35 Lightning II aircraft delivery for 2014 today meeting the program production goal of 36 aircraft. With the last delivery for this year, the government, Lockheed Martin and industry team has delivered 109 operational aircraft to the U.S. and partner nations since the program's inception. The 36th delivery, known as CF-19, was the first F-35C carrier variant delivered to the Marine Corps.
The Department of Defense accepted its final F-35 Lightning II aircraft delivery for 2014 today meeting the program production goal of 36 aircraft. With the last delivery for this year, the government, Lockheed Martin and industry team has delivered 109 operational aircraft to the U.S. and partner nations since the program's inception. The 36th delivery, known as CF-19, was the first F-35C carrier variant delivered to the Marine Corps.
 

Chinese Navy Fifth Type 052C Destroyer Commissioned (plus update on Type 052D Destroyers)
 
The Chinese Navy (PLAN) commissioned its fifth Type 052C Destroyer (Luyang II class) Jinan (hull number 152) on December 22nd according to the Chinese military official daily publication PLA Daily. Jinan is the fifth of six Type 052C Destroyers ordered by the PLAN. Meanwhile, the Type 052D Destroyer (Luyang III class) programme continues.
The Chinese Navy (PLAN) commissioned its fifth Type 052C Destroyer (Luyang II class) Jinan (hull number 152) on December 22nd according to the Chinese military official daily publication PLA Daily. Jinan is the fifth of six Type 052C Destroyers ordered by the PLAN. Meanwhile, the Type 052D Destroyer (Luyang III class) programme continues.
 

Terma SCANTER 4100 radar to be fitted on board Royal Navy River class Offshore Patrol Vessels
 
Terma’s SCANTER 4100 radar system has been selected and ordered by BAE Systems for integration on board the Royal Navy’s three new River class Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPV). The latest version of the SCANTER 4103 proven 2D Naval Air & Surface Surveillance Radar features the latest in software and powerful processing electronics resulting in improved performance.
Terma’s SCANTER 4100 radar system has been selected and ordered by BAE Systems for integration on board the Royal Navy’s three new River class Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPV). The latest version of the SCANTER 4103 proven 2D Naval Air & Surface Surveillance Radar features the latest in software and powerful processing electronics resulting in improved performance.
 

First Prototype of Indian Made Naval Fighter LCA Navy Completes First Ski-Jump Test
 
The first prototype of India's indigenous light combat aircraft (LCA) Tejas in its naval version — LCA NP1 — completed its maiden flight as part of the carrier compatibility tests off the shore-based test facility (SBTF) at the INS Hansa naval air station in Goa on December 20th. According to a Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) statement the aircraft had a perfect flight with results matching the predicted ones to the letter.
The first prototype of India's indigenous light combat aircraft (LCA) Tejas in its naval version — LCA NP1 — completed its maiden flight as part of the carrier compatibility tests off the shore-based test facility (SBTF) at the INS Hansa naval air station in Goa on December 20th. According to a Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) statement the aircraft had a perfect flight with results matching the predicted ones to the letter.
 

United States Coast Guard Investigating the use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems from Ships
 
For more than a decade, the U.S. military has employed unmanned aircraft systems, or UAS, to patrol the skies over targets and areas of interest, providing critical surveillance capabilities without putting pilots and crew in harm’s way. With the recent demonstration of hand-launched UAS on board a Sector Miami Fast Response Cutter, the Coast Guard is continuing its evaluation of UAS capabilities and potential incorporation into future cutter operations.
For more than a decade, the U.S. military has employed unmanned aircraft systems, or UAS, to patrol the skies over targets and areas of interest, providing critical surveillance capabilities without putting pilots and crew in harm’s way. With the recent demonstration of hand-launched UAS on board a Sector Miami Fast Response Cutter, the Coast Guard is continuing its evaluation of UAS capabilities and potential incorporation into future cutter operations.
 

GDEB Awarded $36 Million for Development of Advanced Submarine Technologies
 
General Dynamics Electric Boat has been awarded a $36.5 million contract modification from the U.S. Navy to develop advanced submarine technologies for current and future undersea platforms. Electric Boat is a wholly owned subsidiary of General Dynamics.
General Dynamics Electric Boat has been awarded a $36.5 million contract modification from the U.S. Navy to develop advanced submarine technologies for current and future undersea platforms. Electric Boat is a wholly owned subsidiary of General Dynamics.
 


First Stan Patrol 3007 Long range patrol vessel for Bahamas at Damen Shipyards Gorinchem
 
The first Damen Stan Patrol 3007 has arrived at Damen Shipyards Gorinchem in the Netherlands for outfitting. The vessel is one of nine that the Royal Bahamas Defence Force has ordered from Damen Shipyards. The order features four Stan Patrol 4207 vessels, one RoRo 5612 and a further three Stan Patrol 3007 vessels.
The first Damen Stan Patrol 3007 has arrived at Damen Shipyards Gorinchem in the Netherlands for outfitting. The vessel is one of nine that the Royal Bahamas Defence Force has ordered from Damen Shipyards. The order features four Stan Patrol 4207 vessels, one RoRo 5612 and a further three Stan Patrol 3007 vessels.
 

Kongsberg signs NSM Coastal Defence contract valued at NOK 1,3 Billions with Poland
 
Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace (KONGSBERG) has signed a contract with the Polish Ministry of National Defence for an NSM (Naval Strike Missile) Coastal Defence System valued at NOK 1.3 Billion. The scope of delivery is a Squadron-size unit similar to the contract won with Poland in 2008.
Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace (KONGSBERG) has signed a contract with the Polish Ministry of National Defence for an NSM (Naval Strike Missile) Coastal Defence System valued at NOK 1.3 Billion. The scope of delivery is a Squadron-size unit similar to the contract won with Poland in 2008.
 

French Procurement Agency DGA orders 20 Transport Boats for Liaison Duties from SOCARENAM
 
The French Procurement Agency (DGA) announced it awarded a contract to french company SOCARENAM on December 10th for 20 transport boats (VLI - Vedettes de Liaison). These boats will primarily conduct liaison duties: Transportation of Navy personnel inside naval bases and harbors.
The French Procurement Agency (DGA) announced it awarded a contract to french company SOCARENAM on December 10th for 20 transport boats (VLI - Vedettes de Liaison). These boats will primarily conduct liaison duties: Transportation of Navy personnel inside naval bases and harbors.
 

FMS of MK 41 Vertical Launch Systems May Indicate Purchase of LCS or DDG by Saudi Arabia
 
The recent announcement by the U.S. Department of Defense of a Foreign Military Sale (FMS) of MK 41 Vertical Launching Systems (VLS) to Saudi Arabia could possibly be an indication of the procurement of Littoral Combat Ships or DDG-51 type (Burke class) Destroyers by the Royal Saudi Navy. Here is Navy Recognition's take on it.
The recent (and very low profile) announcement by the U.S. Department of Defense of a Foreign Military Sale (FMS) of MK 41 Vertical Launching Systems (VLS) to Saudi Arabia could possibly be an indication of the procurement of Littoral Combat Ships or DDG-51 type (Burke class) Destroyers by the Royal Saudi Navy. Here is Navy Recognition's take on it.
 

All 4 SPY-1 Radar Arrays installed on Royal Australian Navy Hobart Class Air Warfare Destroyer
 
The Australian Air Warfare Destroyer (AWD) Alliance announced that all 4 AN/SPY-1D(V) radar arrays have been installed on the first vessel of the class, the future HMAS Hobart. SPY-1 is the primary air search radar of the Aegis Combat System. The S-band multi-function phased array radar system is designed to meet the most demanding requirements and environments. SPY-1 can automatically track multiple targets simultaneously while maintaining continuous surveillance...
The Australian Air Warfare Destroyer (AWD) Alliance announced that all 4 AN/SPY-1D(V) radar arrays have been installed on the first vessel of the class, the future HMAS Hobart. SPY-1 is the primary air search radar of the Aegis Combat System. The S-band multi-function phased array radar system is designed to meet the most demanding requirements and environments. SPY-1 can automatically track multiple targets simultaneously while maintaining continuous surveillance...
 

Royal Netherlands Navy purchases Thales’s new NS100 surveillance radar for Rotterdam class LPD
 
The Netherlands Defence Materiel Organisation (DMO) and Thales have signed a contract for the delivery of a NS100 dual-axis multi-beam surveillance radar. The system will be installed on HNLMS Rotterdam, to replace its 30-year old DA08 radar system. The NS100 will be installed in the second semester of 2017, in line with the ship’s maintenance schedule.
The Netherlands Defence Materiel Organisation (DMO) and Thales have signed a contract for the delivery of a NS100 dual-axis multi-beam surveillance radar. The system will be installed on HNLMS Rotterdam, to replace its 30-year old DA08 radar system. The NS100 will be installed in the second semester of 2017, in line with the ship’s maintenance schedule.
 

Navantia signs Contract to support Royal Australian Navy LHD HMAS Canberra
 
On the 16/12/2014, Navantia has signed with BAE Systems a contract to support the sustainment of the Australian LHDs. Through this contract Navantia will support the Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS) and the Diesel Generator system as well as technical assistance in the sustainment of the ships.
On the 16/12/2014, Navantia has signed with BAE Systems a contract to support the sustainment of the Australian LHDs. Through this contract Navantia will support the Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS) and the Diesel Generator system as well as technical assistance in the sustainment of the ships.
 

Ultra Electronics to Supply Sea Sentor Torpedo Defence systems to Royal New Zealand Navy
 
Ultra Electronics Maritime Systems Inc. (Ultra) is pleased to announce that it will supply towed arrays to its sister company, UK-based Ultra Electronics Sonar Systems, that will ultimately be used by the Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN), as reported on 21st July 2014.
Ultra Electronics Maritime Systems Inc. (Ultra) is pleased to announce that it will supply towed arrays to its sister company, UK-based Ultra Electronics Sonar Systems, that will ultimately be used by the Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN), as reported on 21st July 2014.
 

US Navy Tests MQ-8B Fire Scout VTOL UAV aboard US Coast Guard Cutter Bertholf (WMSL 750)
 
The U.S. Navy completed an MQ-8B Fire Scout demonstration aboard U.S. Coast Guard Cutter (USCGC) Bertholf (WMSL 750) on Dec. 12 as part of the Coast Guard’s ongoing efforts to assess the potential for future unmanned air system (UAS) operations from the 418-foot National Security Cutter class.
The U.S. Navy completed an MQ-8B Fire Scout demonstration aboard U.S. Coast Guard Cutter (USCGC) Bertholf (WMSL 750) on Dec. 12 as part of the Coast Guard’s ongoing efforts to assess the potential for future unmanned air system (UAS) operations from the 418-foot National Security Cutter class.
 

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