Pakistan to get 2 More Type 054A Frigates From China

Pakistan has signed a contract for two more Type 054A frigates from China, taking the total number of ships of that type ordered to four, the delivery of which is expected by 2021.

The contract was signed at the Ministry of Defense Production in Rawalpindi, in a ceremony attended by the country’s Deputy Chief of Naval Staff (Operations), Rear Admiral Faisal Rasul Lodhi and other high-ranking officials and dignitaries from both China and Pakistan.

According to news from web and blogs , Pakistan’s Type 054As will also be configured with the same weapons and subsystems as their People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) counterparts. Notable subsystems in the PLAN Type 054A include the Type 366 over the horizon (OTH) radar and Type-382 3D air search radar.

Pakistan Type 054A 03

For more about Type 054A Frigate you can read this article from Naval Technology.

Colombian Navy to get a new hydrographic multipurpose vessel

The Colombian Navy commissioned a new hydrographic multipurpose vessel into service on 14 June.

Originally built as an offshore supply vessel (OSV) by Chinese shipyard Fujian Mawei Shipbuilding, ARC Caribe was procured by Colombia in December 2017 and modified to meet navy requirements. While the ship will primarily perform hydrographic and oceanographic investigation duties, it will also be able to provide support services to Colombia’s offshore oil exploitation platforms and logistics support to the navy fleet.

ARC Caribe 02

ARC Caribe has an overall length of 59.6 m, a beam of 15.2 m, and a displacement of 2,195 tonnes. It can achieve a top speed of 12.5 kt.

For more details please visit Jane’s article.

Swedish Navy Gotland Class submarines relaunched after mid-life upgrades by SAAB

According to official press release from SAAB; Swedish Navy Gotland Class Submarine has been relaunched and is ready to start her sea trials after a comprehensive mid-life upgrade (MLU).

Due to this MLU, the Gotland submarine has capabilities that will be found in the next generation of Swedish submarines, the A26.

Gotland Class 03

The Gotland was designed and built by Kockums in Malmö in the early 1990’s and commissioned in 1996. The mid-life modification consists of upgrades of onboard systems and technology, sustaining the submarine’s operability, and ensuring service to Sweden beyond 2025.

This updated version of the Gotland will pave the way for the most modern AIP submarine under production today: the A26 for the Royal Swedish Navy. More than 20 systems on-board the new Gotland-class will be implemented in the A26. The MLU of Gotland therefore contributes to the test and qualification of some of the innovative solutions to be implemented in the future Swedish A26 submarine class.

The relaunch ceremony of the Gotland took place in Karlskrona on June 20.

South Korea to launch 2nd Dokdo-class amphibious ship

South Korea has launched 2nd Dokdo-class amphibious ship just one year after the first one commissioned.

Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) stated that the ship is expected to be commissioned in 2020, following tests and evaluations.

The vessel is named as Marado, after an offshore island, a 0.12 square mile formation off the south coast of the Republic of Korea (ROK)

DOKDO 02

The vessel has a length of 199 meters and a width of 31 meters. Displacing 18,000 tons at full load, Marado can make 23 knots and carry 10 helicopters, as well as 720 marines and associated ground combat vehicles.

Russian Navy to upgrade Kuznetsov

According to some Russian news sources a contract has been signed for a modernisation of the Russian Navy’s sole aircraft carrier.

The modernization will focus on the aircraft carrier’s flight deck, including replacement of the deck covering, tailhooks, aircraft arresting gear and other elements of the take-off system.

Admiral_Kuznetsov 02

A contract between the Russian Ministry of Defense (MoD) and state-owned United Shipbuilding Corporation (USC) for the modernization and overhaul of the Admiral Kuznetsov has finally been signed last month, following a long delay due to contractual disputes between the two sides.

Russia’s deputy defence minister for procurement, Yuri Borisov, has stated in April that the entire re-fit would be complete by the end of 2020 and the ship back in service in 2021.

Admiral Kuznetsov, commissioned in 1990, is the sole carrier of the Russian Navy and has deployed intermittently following the collapse of the Soviet Union.

 

China launched 2nd Type 055 guided-missile destroyer

According to news from internet forums; Chinese Navy (PLAN) has launched 2nd Type 055D guided-missile destroyer at the Jiangnan Changxingdao shipyard in Shanghai.

The news about the first ship has been widely serviced in all media channels by Chinese Authorities, but there was no press release or news published for the ceremony of the second one.

Janes 360 and some other channels has shared the news about the launching ceremony.

The Type 055 guided-missile destroyer class is one of the PLAN’s most ambitious shipbuilding programs to date. Measuring about 180 meters long and over 20 meters wide and displacing around 10,000-tons, the Type 055 is among the largest warships launched in East Asia after World War II.

Its principle armament is centred on 112 vertical launch missile silos expected to outload a combination of surface-to-air, surface-to-surface, torpedo-carrying anti-submarine and land-attack cruise missiles.

The ships are likely to be a key component of the PLAN’s carrier escort groups.

China Type 055D 02

Two shipyards – Changxingdao and Dalian – are constructing Type 055 destroyers. Changxingdao has been the lead yard for building destroyers for the PLAN since 2008, when the Jiangnan shipyard relocated from central Shanghai to the island at the mouth of the Yangtze River.

US Navy to christen Future USS Cincinnati (LCS-20)

The US Navy officially christened its newest Independence-variant littoral combat ship (LCS), the future USS Cincinnati (LCS 20) with a ceremony Saturday, May 5, in Mobile, Alabama.

At the mast stepping ceremony prior to the christening, Cincinnati Council Member and US Navy veteran David Mann presented a key to the city and a letter from Mayor John Cranley, along with other items. These items will be welded within the ship.

USS Cincinati ceremony

According to Cincinnati City official web news; Cincinnati has a long and proud tradition of recognition by the Navy including the naming of four other vessels. The first was a stern-wheel casemate gunboat that served during the Civil War and was sunk by Confederate fire on two separate occasions. Raised both times and returned to service, she was decommissioned following the war. The second Cincinnati was a cruiser commissioned in 1894. She served extensively in the Caribbean before, during, and after the Spanish-American War before being decommissioned in 1919. The third ship to bear the name was a light cruiser commissioned in 1924 that served around the world and earned a battle star for World War II service that included convoy escort and blockade duty. She was decommissioned in 1945 after the war ended. The fourth Cincinnati was a Los Angeles-class fast attack submarine commissioned in 1978. The boat served for 17 years before being decommissioned in 1995.

LCS

LCS is a modular, reconfigurable ship, designed to meet validated fleet requirements for surface warfare (SUW), anti-submarine warfare (ASW) and mine countermeasures (MCM) missions in the littoral region. An interchangeable mission package is embarked on each LCS and provides the primary mission systems in one of these warfare areas. Using an open architecture design, modular weapons, sensor systems and a variety of manned and unmanned vehicles to gain, sustain and exploit littoral maritime supremacy, LCS provides U.S. joint force access to critical areas in multiple theaters.

Independence class 01

The LCS class consists of two variants, the Freedom variant and the Independence variant, designed and built by two industry teams. The Freedom variant team is led by Lockheed Martin (for the odd-numbered hulls). The Independence variant team is led by Austal USA (for LCS 6 and the subsequent even-numbered hulls).

General Characteristics, Independence variant :
Builder: General Dynamics (LCS 2 and LCS 4), Austal USA (LCS 6 and follow)
Length: 421.5 feet (128.5 meters)
Height: 126.3 feet (38.5 meters)
Beam: 103.7 feet (31.6 meters)
Displacement: approximately 3,200 MT full load
Draft: 15.1 feet (4.6 meters)

Pakistan Navy OPV-I keel laid down in Damen Shipyard Galati in Romania

Keel Laying Ceremony of Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV-I) being built for Pakistan Navy was held in 24 April at DAMEN Shipyard Galati, Romania.

The event has been revealed on the official monthly magazine of Pakistan Navy.

Dutch shipbuilder Damen Shipyards has begun work on the first of two 1,900 tonne multipurpose offshore patrol vessels (OPV) for the Pakistan Navy.

Pakistan and Damen signed a contract for the construction of two OPVs in June 2017. First OPV is being built at Damen’s Galati shipyard in Romania. The second will be constructed in Pakistan at Karachi Shipyard & Engineering Works (KSEW) with material support from Damen.

Damen-OPV-1800-02

In terms of specifications, the OPVs have a hull-length of 90 m, maximum speed of 22 knots and full-load displacement of 1,900 tons. Based on the specifications, Pakistan’s OPV 1900 is a variant of the Damen OPV 1800. The OPVs have been described by the Pakistan Navy as “state-of-the-art vessels” especially suited for anti-surface, anti-air, and maritime security operations.

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Sources:

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7th FREMM frigate Federico Martinengo delivered to Italian Navy

The frigate “Federico Martinengo” was delivered to Italian Navy in April 24 at Fincantieri’s shipyard in Muggiano, La Spezia. It is the seventh of a series of 10 FREMM vessels of the FREMM program.

Carlo Bergamini 10

According to official press release; “Federico Martinengo” is the seventh unit built by Fincantieri including the combat system, the third in multipurpose configuration after the “Carlo Bergamini” and the “Luigi Rizzo”, delivered to the Italian Navy respectively in 2013 and 2017. Reaching a length of 144 meters and with a displacement at full load of approximately 6,700 tons, the FREMM frigates represent technological excellence: designed to reach a maximum speed of 27 knots and to provide accommodation for 200 people (crew and staff), these vessels are able to always guarantee a high degree of flexibility and to operate in a wide range of scenarios and tactical situations.

The FREMM program, representing the European and Italian defence state of the art, stems from the renewal need of the Italian Navy line “Lupo” (already removed) and “Maestrale” (close to the attainment of operational limit) class frigates, both built by Fincantieri in the 1970s.
Carlo Bergamini 08

The vessels “Carlo Bergamini” and “Virginio Fasan” have been delivered in 2013, the “Carlo Margottini” in 2014, the “Carabiniere” in 2015 and the “Alpino” in 2016. The Italian program has been fully implemented with the option exercised in April 2015, regarding the construction of the ninth and tenth vessel, whose delivery is scheduled after 2020.

Orizzonte Sistemi Navali (51% Fincantieri, 49% Finmeccanica) acts as prime contractor for Italy in the initiative, while Armaris (DCNS + Thales) is prime contractor for France.

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US Navy Accepts Partial Delivery of Zumwalt-class destroyer Michael Monsoor (DDG 1001)

Future USS Michael Monsoor (DDG 1001) built by General Dynamics Bath Iron Works (BIW) was delivered to US Navy with a ceremony held on April 24.

The Navy accepted the hull, mechanical and electrical (HM&E) delivery of the Zumwalt-class destroyer. DDG 1000 class ships are delivered through a two-phase approach in which combat systems are installed and activated subsequent to HM&E delivery.   Following HM&E delivery, Michael Monsoor will transit to its homeport in San Diego, California for commissioning in January 2019 and to begin Combat Systems Activation, testing and trials.

The delivery follows extensive tests and trials of the 185.9-metre ship’s hull, mechanical and electrical systems, including the boat handling, anchor and mooring systems, and demonstrations of the damage control, ballasting, navigation and communications systems.

DDG 1001 03DDG 1001 employs an integrated power system (IPS) that distributes 1,000 volts of direct current across the ship.

The IPS can allocate all 78 megawatts of installed power to propulsion, ship’s service and combat system loads from the same gas turbine prime movers based on operational requirements.

DDG 1001 04

DDG 1001 is the second ship of the Zumwalt class.  The third and final ship of the class, the future USS Lyndon B. Johnson (DDG 1002), is currently in construction at BIW’s shipyard along with Arleigh Burke class destroyers Daniel Inouye (DDG 118), Carl M. Levin (DDG 120) and John Basilone (DDG 122).

Michael Monsoor is named for Master-at-Arms 2nd Class (SEAL) Michael Monsoor, who was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor after jumping on a grenade to save his teammates in Ramadi, Iraq, during a mission in 2006.

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India revealed P-17A frigate configuration at Defexpo 2018

Controlled by the Defence Ministry and specialised in the building of naval and offshore units, Mazagon Dock Ltd unveiled the configuration of Indian Navy Stealth Frigate Project 17A at Defexpo 2018 exhibition.

Project 17A is the follow-on of Project 17, which comprised three multi-role Shivalik class stealth frigates built at MDL between 2000 and 2010, for the Indian Navy. A total of seven ships will be built at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDSL) and Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE). MDSL is building 4 ships in Mumbai while the remaining three are being constructed by GRSE in Kolkata. 

Shivalik 01 The first ship is expected to be commissioned by August 2022 and the last one is planned to be delivered to Navy in 2025. 

The project includes the construction of seven frigates of 149 meters length each and a displacement of 6,400 tonnes.

Power & PropulsionThe platform will be powered by two General Electric LM2500 gas turbines, and two MAN 12V28/33D STC diesels driving two shafts in a combined diesel or gas (CODOG) arrangement. Top speed is given as 28 kt, while range is 5,500 n miles at 16–18 kt or 1,000 n miles at 28 kt. Armament

The ship will be armed with launchers for the Indo-Israeli Barak-8 or Long Range Surface-to-Air Missile (LR-SAM) missile system, two of which are mounted forward while another two are installed with two clusters mounted forward and two mounted abaft the funnel, and one eight-cell BrahMos missile launcher unit located forward.

Anti-submarine weapons comprise a pair of rocket launchers that are an indigenous modification of the RBU 6000, and a pair of triple-tube torpedo launchers.

Armament includes a 76 mm Oto Melara gun and a pair of AK-630M close-in weapon systems sited at aft above the hangar. The ships will be equipped with two anti-torpedo decoy systems, and what appear to be four decoy launchers.

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Sources:

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HMS Magpie, the catamaran workboat, started sea trials

In May 2018, ATLAS ELEKTRONIK UK (AEUK) will deliver its first multi-role SEA Class workboat to the Royal Navy. Named HMS MAGPIE the Hydrographic Survey Motor Launch will replace HMS Gleaner after 34 years of service.

HMS MAGPIE is the largest vessel from a range of craft to be supplied by AEUK. A total of up to 38 workboats will be delivered from 2018 to 2024.

The vessel is designed for ocean research and hydrographic survey. She has an endurance of 7 days with 12 crew. HMS Magpie has 23kts maximum speed and a 1,400 mile range at 9 knots survey speed.

Leonardo – FREMM Multi-Mission Stealth Frigate Electronic & Weapon Systems Simulation

The FREMM programme was created as part of an international agreement in which Italy and France are united by a naval military cooperation agreement. In Italy, the FREMM programme is coordinated by Orizzonte Sistemi Navali, a Fincantieri (51%) and Leonardo (49%) consortium.

China Aircraft Carrier IN ACTION

The entry of China’s first aircraft carrier, the Liaoning, into service with the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) attracted considerable attention from both the Chinese press and military observers around the world. For some, the Liaoning was a symbol of China’s global power; for others, it represented a significant first step toward a more muscular and assertive Chinese navy.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R8kDMMhhrjQ

Turkish-Designed Pakistan Navy Fleet Tanker Started Sea Trials

Pakistan Navy Fleet Tanker, PNS MOAWIN, which is designed by Turkish state owned defence company STM and built by Karachi Shipyard and Engineering Works (KS&EW) has conducted her maiden voyage for sea trials.

According to official announcement by STM; the vessel left the Port of Karachi under its own power, and under the command of the Commanding Officer, exited the harbour and channel and entered the Indian Ocean. Aboard the PNFT for its first cruise were the crew and Karachi Shipyard personnel, as well as 30 personnel from STM and a number of representatives of other Turkish companies. The vessel has been named PNS MOAWIN by the Pakistan Navy.

Pakistan AOR 02

The contract signed between STM, as the main contractor, and Pakistan Ministry of Defense Production on 22 January 2013 in response to the requirements of Pakistan Navy.

Also STM stated in ist website that “This project is the first in the naval ship construction between two friendly and brotherly countries, Pakistan and Turkey, and a very important, distinguished and unique co-operation project in the field of defense and shipbuilding industry and also lead partnership in realization of similar defense projects in near future.

The Fleet Tanker (displacement of 15.600 tones, approximately length of 155 m, speed of 20 kts and with a replenishment-at-sea system (RAS / FAS) and a helicopter landing / take-off capability) will be completed in four years. The respective design activities have been performed in Turkey and shipbuilding and outfitting activities have been carried out by KS & EW in Pakistan with the kit of material transferred from Turkey.”

STM is now also close to be awarded for another contract from Pakistan Navy for 4 MİLGEM Corvette Project.

 

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Sources:

https://www.stm.com.tr
https://dailypakistan.com.pk
https://defence.pk

US & UK awarded General Dynamics a contract modification for Navy Submarine Missile Tube Components

General Dynamics Electric Boat subsidiary has received a five-year, $126.2 million contract modification from the U.S. Navy and the UK Government to obtain long-lead-time materials for the missile tube of Columbia-class and Dreadnought-class ballistic missile submarines.

The contract modification includes funding for procurement of long-lead time material for missile tubes which will be integrated into both the Navy’s new SSBN and the Royal Navy’s Dreadnought-class strategic missile submarine.

US Columbia Class 01

According to official announcement from Department of Defense on April 2;

“This is a joint U.S./United Kingdom (U.K.) Common Missile Compartment program, and this modification combines purchases for the Navy (72 percent); and the government of the U.K. (28 percent) under the Foreign Military Sales program.

Work will be performed in Quonset Point, Rhode Island, and is expected to be completed by December 2023. Fiscal 2018 shipbuilding and conversion (Navy); and U.K. funding in the amount of $79,664,255 will be obligated at time of award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.  The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, District of Columbia, is the contracting activity.”

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The First ship of Russian Navy Project 22160 Corvette Started Sea Trials

The first project 22160 corvette, Vasily Bykov, started sea trials in April to join service this year. The Black Sea Fleet is to receive six patrol ships of the class by 2020.

Project 22160 Corvette 07
JSC Zelenodolsk plant is building six patrol ships of the Project 22160 class that is named after A. M. Gorky and intended for use by the Russian Navy’s Black Sea Fleet command. The vessels are designed by Russian ship designing firm JSC Severnoye Design Bureau.

The vessels are primarily intended for duties such as patrol, monitoring and protection in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and territorial waters of Russia in open and closed seas. It can also be used to offer protection for ships in transit, water areas as well as naval bases against enemy attack in wartime.

Other missions of the patrol ship are search and rescue, assistance to disaster victims, environmental monitoring, and combat smuggling and piracy activities.

Project 22160 Corvette 06

The vessel is 94m-long, 14-m-wide, and 3.4m-high. Patrol speed: 16 knots. Maximum speed: 30 knots. Displacement:1,700-1,800 tons (according to different sources). Endurance: 60 days. Range: 6,000 miles at patrol speeds. Complement: up to 80. The sailors will be quite at home in special design cabins. They’ll have a gym with basketball nets, a library and a sauna.

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Sources:

https://thaimilitaryandasianregion.wordpress.com
https://www.strategic-culture.org

The second LST Ship has been delivered to Turkish Navy

The Turkish Navy took delivery of its second tank landing ship (LST) from ADİK Shipyard with a ceremony in İstanbul on April 07.

TCG Sancaktar delivery ceremonyThe ship has been named before as TCG SANCAKTAR with a pennant number L-403.

TCG Bayraktar Class Landing Ship Tank (LST), TCG BAYRAKTAR and TCG SANCAKTAR are two identical amphibious vessels built for the Turkish Navy by Anadolu Deniz İnşaat Kızakları Sanayi ve Ticaret (ANADOLU Shipyard). The LSTs will satisfy the current and future operational requirements of the Turkish Naval Forces Command. Both ships has been built under a contract which was signed between the shipyard and The Turkish Government in 2012. The first ship of the project, TCG BAYRAKTAR, was delivered to Turkish Navy in 2017.

TCG Bayraktar 02

The LSTs are primarily intended for amphibious missions and transportation of troops and equipment, while their secondary missions include humanitarian aid, disaster relief, medical assistance, and transportation.

Each vessel has an overall length of 139 m, a beam of 19,60 m, and a draught of less than 2m at forward and less than 5m at aft when fully loaded. The displacement of the vessel is 7,125t and the load carrying capacity is 1,180t, including a mix of vehicles or cargo on open decks.

TCG Bayraktar 01

The ship has also a platform that can accept a 15-tonne general-purpose helicopter and can accommodate four landing craft, vehicle, personnel (LCVPs) that can travel at 20+ kt and each carry an 8-tonne payload or 40 personnel.

The LST can complement a ship company of 12 officers, 51 petty officers, and 66 ratings, as well as 17 officers and 350 marines from the Joint Group Headquarters.

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Navantia cut steel for second AOR of Royal Australian Navy

Spanish shipbuilder Navantia has started the construction of the second auxiliary oiler replenishment (AOR) vessel for the Royal Australian Navy (RAN).

First steel cut ceremony was held at the company’s Fene facility in northwestern Spain on 4 April.

The AOR ships are built under a contract signed with the Australian government in May 2016. The ships are based on the Spanish Navy’s auxiliary-oiler replenishment ship ESPS Cantabria and will be delivered at a cost of $640 million.

HMS Supply 02

The Minister for Defence, Senator Hon Marise Payne, announced on 17 November 2017 the names of the Royal Australian Navy’s future support ships – Supply and Stalwart.

The contract to build these vessels was awarded in 2016 with the first ship to be delivered in 2019 and the second in 2020.

HMS-Supply-05.jpg

Navantia Australia will be responsible for the sustainment of both ships for their first five years of operation.

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Sources:

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South Korean Navy (RoKN) received third ship of Cheonwangbong Class LST Project

South Korea’s Defense Administration Program Agency (DAPA) announced on 2 April that The Republic of Korea Navy has received its Third Cheonwangbong class tank landing ship from local shipbuilder Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI).

Cheonwangbong-class landing ship tanks (LSTs) are the next-generation landing craft being built for the Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN). The vessels can support a range of missions such as the transportation of troops, supplies and heavy equipment, as well as landing of military forces to remote areas that have no port infrastructure.

Cheonwangbong Class 03The Cheonwangbong class has an overall length of 126.9 m, an overall beam of 19.4 m, and a hull draught of 5.4 m. It has a full load displacement of 7140 tonnes, and can accommodate a crew complement of 130.

Powered by four MAN 12V28/33D engines in a combined diesel and diesel (CODAD) configuration, The LST can attain a top speed of 23 kt, an economic cruising speed of 18 kt, and a standard range of 8,000 n miles at 12 kt.

Cargo capacities

The LST is manned by a crew of 130 and can accommodate up to 300 fully equipped infantrymen, two tanks, eight amphibious assault vehicles (AAVs), field and Gatling guns, as well as a variety of vehicles.

The vessel also carries three landing craft mechanised (LCM) boats, of which two are positioned on the bow deck, near the wheelhouse. Each LCM can attain a maximum speed of 20kt, while carrying a tank or approximately 100 fully equipped troops.

Flight deck

The landing ship features a flight deck on the stern of the hull. The deck can handle the operations of up to two helicopters. The embarked helicopters ensure uninterrupted airborne and seaborne ship-to-coast transport capability.

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NAVSEA selected Swiftships LLC for the LCU Program

The Navy awarded Louisiana-based Swiftships LLC an $18-million contract for the detail design and construction of the first Landing Craft Utility (LCU-1700) surface connector, a program that has seen both timeline acceleration efforts and some slow-downs over the past two years.

LCU_01

The LCU-1700 is meant to be a “modified repeat” that looks and functions much like its predecessor, the LCU-1610 that dates back to the late 1950s, with the addition of some improvements to boost reliability and maintainability, according to the service

The LCU replacement effort had been slated to start in 2018, but in late 2015 lawmakers chose to bump up the funding and get started on design efforts with Fiscal Year 2016 dollars – at that time, the average age of the 32 LCUs in the fleet was 43 years, well beyond the 25-year life the craft were built for, creating a readiness challenge for the amphibious force.

The March 30 contract award is an $18-million fixed-price incentive contract for detail design and construction of one LCU-1700 craft, which is set for delivery about 31 months from the date of the contract award. Options for up to 31 more craft are included, which, if executed, would continue LCU delivery through 2027. The contract also includes options for product support, technical manuals, engineering services and more – which, if exercised in full, would bring the value of the total contract for the LCU-1700 program to more than $429.4 million.

Courtesy of USNI News. For more details please visit news.usni.org

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Huntington Ingalls awarded lead contract for 10th National Security Cutter

Huntington Ingalls Industries has  received a $94 million contract to obtain long-lead materials needed to build the U.S. Coast Guard‘s 10th National Security Cutter.
“The advance procurement funds will be used to purchase major components for NSC 10, such as steel, the main propulsion systems, generators, electrical switchboards and major castings,” the company said in a statement this week.
US Coast Guard NSC 01“These ships are enabling the Coast Guard’s missions in not only defending our shores, but also in the detection and interdiction of drugs and other contraband,” said Ingalls president Brian Cuccias.
HII’s Ingalls Shipbuilding is currently building the seventh, eighth and ninth National Security Cutters, Kimball (WMSL-756), Midgett (WMSL-757) and Stone (WMSL-758).
US Coast Guard NSC 03
Of the Coast Guard’s white-hull patrol cutter fleet, the NSC is the largest and most technologically sophisticated in the Coast Guard.
Characteristics

  • Length:  418 feet
  • Beam:  54 feet
  • Draft:  22 feet 6 inches
  • Displacement:  4500 long tons
  • Maximum Speed:  28 knots
  • Range:  12,000 nautical miles
  • Endurance:  60- to 90-day cycles
  • Crew:  148

Features

  • Automated weapons systems capable of stopping rogue vessels far from shore
  • Large flight deck
  • State-of-the-market command and control equipment to enhance interoperability
  • Detection and defense capabilities against chemical, biological or radiological attack
  • Advanced sensors and other C4ISR equipment to contribute intelligence to a common operating picture and provide enhanced maritime domain awareness

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Leonardo chosen to lead Ocean 2020 Project

Leonardo announced that the signature of  the grant agreement for OCEAN2020, the most important project related to the initiative to boost Europe’s defence research under the European Defence Fund.

The Ocean2020 project supports maritime surveillance and interdiction missions at sea and to that end will integrate drones and unmanned submarines into fleet operations. The information acquired will be combined with conventional systems to build up a comprehensive picture of developing situations for military commanders.

The project will be run by a consortium led by Leonardo S.p.A, bringing together 42 partners from 15 EU countries. It will receive a grant of around €35 million. In 2019, the project will stage two real-life demonstrations – one in the Baltics led by the Swedish navy and one in the Mediterranean led by the Italian navy.

SAAB Drone 01

The project aims to enhance situational awareness in a maritime environment by using manned and unmanned systems and building a complete picture on the basis of many different inputs. Defence Ministries in Estonia, France, Greece, Italy, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom are involved. The industrial partners are: Indra, Safran, Saab, MBDA, PGZ/CTM Hensoldt, Intracom-IDE, Fincantieri and Qinetiq. Research centres include Fraunhofer, the Nederlandse Organisatie voor Toegepast Natuurwetenschappelijk Onderzoek (TNO), the Centre for Maritime Research and Experimentation (CMRE NATO) and the Italian Istituto Affari Internazionali (IAI).

Skeldar Drone 01

“Ocean2020 will make it possible to promote technological research in a sector of great interest and relevance for Europe and for the Mediterranean area in particular, such as maritime safety,” said Alessandro Profumo, CEO of Leonardo. “Our team has established itself in a competitive environment thanks to a technologically innovative proposal of great strategic value. This is the culmination of an intense and effective collaboration among all 42 partners of the consortium, and I would like to thank each participant for their important contributions.”

You can read the official press release here.

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Sources;

http://www.leonardocompany.com
http://europa.eu

Royal Navy stands ready to protect Brexit Britain’s fishing waters

The latest Navy Ship has been accepted by Minister of Defence of United Kingdom last month.

According to Daily Mail news, Gavin Williamson, Secretary of State for Defence of the United Kingdom, claimed that The Royal Navy ‘stands ready’ to protect Britain’s fisheries after taking delivery of the first of five OPV (Offshore Patrol Vessel)

Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson said:

“The Royal Navy has a proud tradition of protecting the UK’s coastline and keeping a close eye on our fishing waters. With these state-of-the-art, vastly capable ships we stand ready to protect our fisheries once Britain leaves the EU.”

Downing Street insisted this week Brexit would still eventually allow Britain to fully control its fishing waters for the first time in 40 years despite the transition deal effectively binding fishermen into EU rules for another two years.

River Class OPV 04The other tasks of the new class OPV will include counter-piracy, anti-smuggling, border patrol, counter terrorism and maritime defence duties. The 90 meter long, 2,000 tonnes OPV includes a modified flight deck capable of operating the latest Merlin helicopters, larger stores and more accommodation for embarked troops. As OPVs, these ocean-going boats have the size, capacity for mission endurance of 35 days, and operate at distance of 5,500 nautical miles from shore. It can develop a maximum speed of 24 knots. The ship’s flight deck supports medium helicopters up to a Merlin size, two RHIB boats and a 16-ton crane are also included. The vessel is armed with a gun turret mounting a 30mm cannon as its main armament.

HMS Forth, one of five new OPVs being delivered for the Royal Navy, will enter service this year. Her sister ships – HMS Medway, HMS Trent, HMS Tamar and HMS Spey – are all expected to enter service by 2020.

RIVER_OPV_infographic_2000

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Sources;

www.royalnavy.mod.uk

www.gov.uk

www.defense-update.com

www.dailymail.co.uk

HBB News Youtube Channel

 

HMS Ocean was decommissioned after 20 years of service

Royal Navy has announced that HMS Ocean was officially decommissioned in Devonport on 27 March.

HMS Ocean 06 Ceremony 01

The Queen was welcomed to Her Majesty’s Naval Base Devonport as guest of honour at the ceremony. She was joined by the head of the Royal Navy, First Sea Lord Admiral Sir Philip Jones and more than 500 of the ship’s company, their families and affiliates of the ship.

The ship officially leaves service with the Royal Navy this week after an eventful 20-year history. During her busy career HMS Ocean has shown she is not only a warship that can engage the enemy, but engages with the world as a symbol of UK influence.

HMS Ocean 09

In her 20 years of service, HMS Ocean has been involved in operations off Sierra Leone (2000), off Iraq (2003), off Libya (2011) and, most recently, humanitarian operations in the Caribbean.

The vessel has been sold for GBP84 million (USD118 million) to Brazil and will be handed over in June.

The new Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers will eventually take on the role as the nation’s new flagships.

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Sources:
http://www.janes.com/
https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/

Singapore launched 6th Independence Class Littoral Mission Vessel

Singapore’s ST Marine launched the Republic of Singapore Navy’s sixth Independence-class littoral mission vessel on 24 March.

The Independence-Class littoral mission vessels (LMVs) are being built by Singapore Technologies Marine (ST Marine) Benoi shipyard, for the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN). Eight LMVs are scheduled to replace the ageing Fearless-Class patrol vessels of the RSN by 2020.

The LMVs can be primarily used in coastal security, maritime patrol and surveillance missions, as well as in secondary roles, including humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, and search and rescue (SAR).

Littoral Mission Vessel 02The LMV features a full-load displacement of 1,250 tonnes, has a length of 80 m, can accommodate a baseline crew of 23 including five officers, and embark a medium-lift helicopter on its flight deck. The ship is powered by four MTU 20V 4000 M93 engines, and can attain top speeds in excess of 27 kt, and a standard range of 3,500 n miles at 15 kt.

Weapons on board the platform comprise one Oto Melara 76/62 Super Rapid naval gun, two Oto Melara Hitrole 12.7 mm remote-controlled weapon stations (one each on the port and starboard sides), and a Rafael 25 mm Typhoon gun system mounted at the aft section.

Defence against hostile aircraft and precision-guided munitions is provided by MBDA’s VL Mica anti-air missile system deployed via a 12-cell vertical launching system (VLS) in the forward section.

The network-centric ships possess advanced radars and sensors, as well as a 360 degree out-of-window view and improved sense-making systems to enhance situational awareness and accelerate decision-making.

Littoral Mission Vessel 03

The first LMV, RSS Independence, was commissioned on 5 May 2017. The second and the third ships, RSS Sovereignty and RSS Unity respectively, were commissioned on 14 November 2017. The other two previously launched LMVs, Justice and Indomitable are presently undergoing sea trials.

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Sources:

https://www.mindef.gov.sg/
http://www.janes.com/
https://navaltoday.com/
http://www.defense-aerospace.com/
https://www.naval-technology.com/

Indian Navy looking for portable systems to meet MCM requirements

The Indian Navy decommissioned three Pondicherry-class MCMVs on 23 March.

INS Cuddalore , INS Cannanore , and INS Konkan , were retired after about three decades of service. INS Kozhikode (M 71) is now India’s sole MCM ship that is still in service.

After retiring all but one of its minesweepers, the Indian Navy is now focusing on interim minesweeping and portable sonar systems as an interim measure while awaiting the acquisition of new mine countermeasure vessels (MCMVs).

Among portable systems currently employed include 12 units of the EdgeTech-supplied Littoral Mine Countermeasures Sonars (LMCS). The systems are now being deployed from a number of different platforms, including the service’s fleet of Car Nicobar-class fast attack craft.

In addition, the Indian Navy has also issued a request for information (RFI) for at least eight units of expendable underwater mine disposal systems.

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Sources:

http://www.janes.com/

UK MoD announced a contract with BAE Systems to update Type 45 destroyer propulsion system

The Ministry of Defence has announced a £160 million contract with BAE Systems to update the power and propulsion system fitted to the Royal Navy’s Type 45 destroyers.

According to official announcement; The Power Improvement Project (PIP) will enhance the resilience of the Type 45 class by installing additional power generation sources in each ship.

The contract has been awarded to BAE Systems, in collaboration with BMT Defence services and Cammell Laird. The physical conversion work will be conducted at Cammell Laird’s ship yard in Birkenhead, Merseyside.

Director Ships Support at the MOD’s Defence Equipment and Support organisation, Neal Lawson said:

“This contract demonstrates our ability to collaborate effectively with industry and I am extremely pleased with how the team at DE&S have worked rapidly to meet requirements.The PIP will ensure the fleet of highly sophisticated Type 45s can continue to be deployed successfully on operations around the globe, protecting the UK’s interests worldwide.”

Type45 02 Propulsion

As stated by SaveTheRoyalNavy.com; a feasibility study into upgrading the generators was completed by BAES and the MoD in March 2015. The funding for the “Type 45 machinery improvement package” was agreed in the November 2015 SDSR and at least the problem has finally been recognised and funds are in place. Each vessel will have to be dry-docked, large openings cut in the hull and one or possibly two new diesel generator sets slid into place.

The first of class conversion is expected to complete in 2021, with follow on ships completed during the early 2020s.

You can read the details of the propulsion problems and the whole story so far in this article by savetheroyalnavy.com

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Future Qatar Navy Vessels by Fincantieri

Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri has unveiled the new designs  which will be built for the Qatari Navy at DIMDEX 2018.

The contract that has been signed in August 2017 between Qatar Navy and Fincantieri is worth almost 4 billion euros and includes the supply of seven surface ships, four corvettes with lengths of over 100 meters, an amphibious ship, two patrol boats and support services in Qatar for more 15 years after the delivery of the units.

The steel-cutting of the lead ship is planned to commence in June 2018, with delivery scheduled for 2021. The corvettes, along with the OPVs and LPD, will be built in Italy.

The corvettes will be large, with a length of 107 m, a full load displacement of 3,250 tonnes, and crews of 112. Although the design of the superstructure has yet to be finalised, the ships will have enclosed bows as well as hangars and flight decks for the NH90 helicopters Qatar has ordered.

The two OPVs – each with a displacement of 670 tons – will have AShW capabilities through two dual-cell Exocet MM40 Block-III AShM and short-range air defence coverage through the MBDA MICA-VL (via two quad-cell VLS). It appears that the OPVs’ design elements, which emphasize low radar-cross section, make it more of a conventional corvette than a traditional OPV.

The LPD is expected to be a variant of the 9,000-ton LPD Fincantieri had built for the Algerian Navy, the Kalaat Beni-Abbes. The Kalaat Beni-Abbes has a crew of 160 and can carry 400 soldiers, 15 main battle tanks or 30 light-armoured vehicles with three medium-weight utility helicopters on its flight deck. This LPD will provide Qatar with an expeditionary element that it can apply for humanitarian and disaster relief and coalition support missions.

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Korean Navy contracts eMARINE for ASWTT maintenance

The Republic of Korea Navy (ROK Navy) has awarded a contract to eMARINE Global for the maintenance of anti-submarine war tactical training (ASWTT) simulator at Jinhae Naval Base.

The contract is valued at $706,000 and is the Navy’s first maintenance contract to be outsourced to a local company. The simulator was installed by Italian simulator manufacturer ECA Sindel ten years ago.

ROK ASW Simulator 01As part of the maintenance service, eMARINE Global has signed an agreement with ECA Sindel for technical support.

With this latest award for the ASWTT simulator maintenance, we believe we are in a favorable position to win additional training simulator supply and maintenance contracts in 2018.” stated Dr. Ung Gyu Kim, Chairman and CEO of eMARINE Global.

ASWTT simulators are expected to be implemented at other naval bases in 2018.

You can read official announcement here

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Swedish Navy SIGINT ship steel cut in Poland

Saab announced on 1 March that The Polish Nauta Shipyard has cut the first steel for the Swedish Navy’s SIGINT (Signal Intelligence) ship and started the production phase officially.

Saab, the Swedish defence group, awarded the ship construction contract to the Nauta Shipyard, a part of the Polish Armaments Group (PGZ), in 2017. This important milestone is fully in line with the project schedule for the special purpose ship, which is to be built in Poland and fitted out in Sweden for delivery to the Swedish Navy.

“The steel cutting ceremony marks the successful completion of the ship design stage and the beginning of production work. This contract for a special purpose ship, a key asset in any Naval portfolio, is very important from the point of view of the end user, the Swedish Navy and requires special handling from the shipyard doing the work. We remain in daily contact with Nauta and we are pleased the work is progressing according to plan,” says Jyrki Kujansuu, Vice President, Poland and Baltic States at Saab.

Swedish-Navy-SIGINT-Ship 01

The new vessel is set to replace the 33-year old HMS Orion which the Swedish Navy currently uses for SIGINT purposes.

You can read SAAB official press release here

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Australia awards BAE, Saab and NSM for Anzac Class Frigates maintenance and upgrade contract

Defence Industry Minister Christopher Pyne announced on March 2; the Defence Department has signed a $1.2 billion deal with a consortium of local companies to maintain and upgrade Australia’s eight frigates.

The new contract narrows a $2 billion, eight-year agreement with BAE Systems, Saab Australia and Naval Ship Management (NSM). Naval Ship Management (Australia) Pty. Ltd. is a Joint Venture between UGL and Babcock, established to execute the ANZAC Class Maintenance Contracts.

Mr Pyne said the follow-on contract would ensure the jobs of almost 1700 workers across the country, with facilities in Sydney, Adelaide and Williamstown also receiving work.

“This strategic partnership will see highly skilled jobs secured around the country, including in small and medium-sized businesses,” Mr Pyne said.

Anzac class 01

The Anzac class is based on the German Meko 200 frigate design with eight ships constructed in Australia for the Royal Australian Navy.

Anzac class is a long-range frigate capable of air defence, surface and undersea warfare, surveillance, reconnaissance and interdiction. The ships are fitted with an advanced package of air and surface surveillance radars; omni-directional hull mounted sonar and electronic support systems that interface with the state-of-the-art 9LV453 Mk3E combat data system. They can counter simultaneous threats from aircraft, surface vessels and submarines.

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Leander concept for Royal Navy Type 31e Frigate

Cammell Laird and BAE Systems have teamed up to compete for the Type 31e frigate programme with their ‘Leander’ concept. Cammell Laird will be the prime contractor with BAES providing the design and systems integration expertise.

Forming the centrepiece of the MoD’s National Shipbuilding Strategy, the Type 31e programme envisages the fast-track acquisition of a globally deployable but affordable frigate geared towards maritime security and defence engagement operations. A ceiling price of GBP250 million (USD350 million) per ship has been set for the first batch of five frigates, which are intended to enter RN service from 2023 to replace the five general purpose-roled Type 23 frigates.

CL project director, Tony Graham said  “In order to win this competition, we must be better, cheaper and faster than anyone else… fundamentally, we recognised that this ship has to work straight out of the box” MoD is expected to award the Type 31e contract in March 2019 and if the Leander bid was successful it could see steel cutting beginning on Merseyside in March 2020.

Khareef-class corvette

The Leander design is evolved from the 3 Khareef-class corvettes built by BAE Systems in Portsmouth for the navy of Oman under a £400M contract between 2009-2014

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SMD delivers two Atom Mk1 submarine rescue systems for Indian Navy

Soil Machine Dynamics Ltd (SMD) announced the delivery of two 1000m Atom Mk1 work class Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) systems to JFD Ltd, a leading underwater capability provider, serving the commercial and defence markets.

SMD’s Atom is an ultra-compact work class ROV comparable in size to an electric ROV system. Designed with ease of operation and maintenance in mind, Atom boasts the latest DVECSII distributed control, graphical displays and pilot aids coupled with proven powerful Curvetech™ components which have recently proved operational reliability at depths up to 6000m.

SMD ROV 02 ROV family

The Atom systems, equipped with ultra-compact Launch and Recovery Systems (LARS) and SMD purpose-designed control and workshop cabins, provide a complete turnkey solution which is essential for JFD in providing their customer, the Indian Navy, with reliable equipment for on time critical missions.

Optimised for submarine rescue operations, each Atom system carries three emergency life support pods for delivery to a submarine forming the Intervention element of the 3rd Generation Submarine Rescue System. For this order, JFD took advantage of Atom’s ability to carry a large payload within the compact vehicle frame.

You can read SMD official press release here.

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Gulf Island Shipyards to build new salvage ship for US Navy

The contract awarded to Louisiana-based Gulf Island Shipyards has an initial value of $63.6 million to fund the first Towing, Salvage and Rescue Ship and includes options for the construction of seven additional T-ATS vessels.

The T-ATS Class will replace two different classes of vessels in the Navy: The Safeguard Class of Salvage and Rescue Ship (T-ARS) and the Powhatan Class Fleet Ocean Tug (T-ATF).

The firm-fixed-price and fixed-price with economic price adjustment contract is worth around $63.5 million. This contract includes options for seven additional vessels which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of this contract to around $522.7 million.

USS TARS 52 02

The T-ATS will operate as the primary open ocean towing vessel for the U. S. Navy, and will have salvage operations and submarine rescue mission support capabilities. The T-ATS will be based on existing commercial towing offshore vessel designs which provide similar capabilities to those needed for U.S. Navy operations.

The vessel will be capable of performing towing, deep ocean search and recovery, mobile diving and salvage unit-embarked operations, submarine rescue vessel of opportunity, oil spill response, and humanitarian assistance.

The first ship in the class will be built at the company’s shipyard in Houma, Louisiana, and is expected to be completed by September 2020.

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Turkish Anadolu Shipyard awarded a contract to build 2 training ships for Qatar Navy

Turkey’s Anadolu Shipyard has signed an agreement to build two training warships for Qatar’s Navy.

The planned ships will have the capacity to train 72 naval cadets, shipyard chairman Sualp Urkmez told Anadolu Agency (which is the governmental news agency of Turkey)

According to Urkmez, both vessels will feature classrooms, training areas, weapons and sensors.

“Qatar needs these ships to provide its naval personnel with sufficient training,” he said, adding that both vessels would be delivered within 36 months.

Turkey, Urkmez went on to point out, is among only 10 countries worldwide that can design and build its own warships.

The agreement was signed on the sidelines of the Doha International Maritime Defense Exhibition and Conference (DIMDEX 2018)

ADIK contract ceremony 01

Capable of performing offshore patrol duties, the 90-metre vessels will displace 1,950 tonnes and feature a helipad for a medium-size helicopter.

Besides basic naval cadet training, CTS will have a helipad for medium size helicopter on stern and will be capable to provide combat management and weapon training to the trainees as well. Secondary mission such as offshore patrol duties can be carried out.

The ships will be built in Istanbul by Anadolu Shipyard who is a strategic partner of Turkish MOD for navy shipbuilding programme. The shipyard is to deliver CTS ships to QENF (Qatar Emiri Naval Forces) in 36 months.

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Leonardo presented its new Marlin40 Naval Defence System at DIMDEX2018

Leonardo presented its new Marlin 40 naval gun mount for the first time in Doha, Qatar.

According to Leonardo; lightweight, flexible and offering high performance, the Marlin 40 is the ideal choice for small and fast vessels involved in patrol operations

The new OTO Marlin 40 naval turret has been designed for Navies, which are increasingly engaged in patrol operations using fast, lightweight vessels, but still require high-performance equipment.
The Marlin 40 provides superior performance for challenging missions such as anti-missile defence, anti-aircraft warfare and ship-to-ship engagement. The gun features a dry weight of only 2,100 kg in its remotely controlled version, high maneuverability (the barrel can move at 120°/s thanks to powerful and accurate servo-systems), and the ability to fire multi-purpose programmable fused ammunition.
Marlin 40 Gun 02
More than 850 of Leonardo’s 40mm naval gun mounts are in service with 30 Navies worldwide

You can read Leonardo official press release here

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ECA Group has signed a contract to deliver steering console for third South Korean KSS-III submarine

Already providing steering consoles for 2 submarines as part of the Korean KSS-III Submarine Project, ECA Group has signed a contract to supply of another steering console for the 3rd submarine.

The first two submarines of the project will be built under the contract of South Korea’s Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering (DSME) and the third one to be built by Hyundai Heavy Industries. After this announcement ECA Group has already had contracts with both companies to supply the steering consoles for all three boats.

Download product data sheet here

ECA Steering Console 01

South Korea’s newest diesel-electric type, KSS-III, is displacing 3,400t, with the first of an expected nine boats due for delivery in 2020.

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3rd Type 26 Frigate to be named HMS Cardiff

The Royal Navy has announced the name of one of the new Type 26 warships as HMS Cardiff on St. David’s Day.

Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson said: “HMS Cardiff will be a terrific tribute to Wales and its capital city. She will bolster the United Kingdom’s defences across the seven seas – protecting our aircraft carriers and defending our waters from intensifying threats.

The ship, which will be one of the new Type 26 anti-submarine warfare frigates, is the third of eight to be named in the force’s City class and is expected to enter service in the 2020s.

HMS Cardiff will be built at the BAE Systems shipyard in Govan, Glasgow along with her sister ships HMS Glasgow and HMS Belfast and will be the second to enter production as part of the £3.7 billion contract for the three ships, announced by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) in 2017.

Type 26 03

CAE Awarded for Brazilian Navy Seahawk Helicopter Training Contract

CAE announced on March 7 that CAE USA has been awarded a contract by the United States Navy under a U.S. foreign military sale (FMS) program to provide the Brazilian Navy with a comprehensive S-70B Seahawk helicopter training system.

CAE will design and manufacture two S-70B training devices:  a fixed-base S-70B operational flight trainer (OFT) to be used for pilot training along with an S-70B weapons tactics trainer (WTT) to be used for training rear-crew sensor operators and airborne tactics officers. The two training devices can operate independently or when networked they create an S-70B Seahawk tactical operational flight trainer (TOFT) that provides a total aircrew mission training system.

seahawk01.jpg

The S-70B OFT will support training of Brazilian Navy S-70B pilots and co-pilots in normal and emergency procedures as well as a range of mission scenarios.

The S-70B WTT will replicate the back-end of the S-70B helicopter and be used to support the training of sensor operators and airborne tactics officers. The S-70B WTT will feature detailed simulations of the underwater and atmospheric environment and the aircraft weapons and sensors to prepare crew members for anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare missions.

You can read CAE official announcement here.

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SAAB to equip Trackfire RWS for Swedish Combat Boat 90

Saab has received an additional order from the Swedish Defence Material Administration (FMV) regarding Trackfire Remote Weapon Station (RWS) for the Royal Swedish Navy. Trackfire RWS will be installed on the new Combat Boat 90 (Strb90 HSM) used by the navy’s amphibian forces.

The new Combat Boat 90 will be operated by the Swedish navy’s amphibian forces.

CB90H

The order is in addition to a Trackfire RWS order received by Saab from the FMV in August 2017.

The family of Trackfire Remote Weapon Stations (RWS) builds on over 40 years of developing electro-optic fire control platforms for both the Land and Naval environments. Thus, Trackfire has designed for use on all types of military platforms including vehicles, vessels and static emplacements.

You can read SAAB original press release here

 

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KSEW delivers two Damen Stan Patrol 1605 FRP boats to Pakistan customs

Karachi Shipyard and Engineering Works handed over two new high speed boats to Pakistan Customs on 10 March. The celebration was attended by distinguished guests including Dr Miftah Ismail, advisor to the Prime Minister on Finance, Revenue & Economic Affairs, Mr. Iftikhar Ahmed, Collector Pakistan Customs, Rear Admiral Syed Hasan Nasir Shah, Managing Director of KS&EW and Mrs. Ardi Stoios-Braken, the Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.

1605 FRP Cake_Cutting_Ceremony

The vessels were built by KS&EW with technical and material support from Damen. The entire project took just eight months and was completed successfully thanks to the high level of cooperation and trust between the two partners. The patrolling boats shall be used for monitoring and enforcement activities in Pakistan’s territorial waters.

The boats measure 15.7 m in length and have a displacement of 20 tonnes with maximum speed of 33 knots. They are equipped with 7.6mm and 12.5mm machine guns at aft position. The vessels are powered by two Volvo Penta marine diesel engines and two water jets.

You can read Damen original press release here.

Lockheed Martin to supply MK 41 VLS for Royal Navy Type 26 Frigate

BAE Systems awarded Lockheed Martin a contract to equip the Royal Navy’s new Type 26 Global Combat Ship with the MK 41 Vertical Launching System (VLS).

“Lockheed Martin has a long and successful partnership with the Royal Navy, and we look forward to working with BAE Systems to integrate the MK 41 VLS with the Type 26,” said Paul Livingston, Group Managing Director of Lockheed Martin UK Rotary and Mission Systems. “The MK 41 VLS will provide the Royal Navy’s Type 26 Global Combat Ships with a proven and cost-effective vertical launching solution.”

Type 26 06 VLS Mk41

Each Type 26 will be equipped with three 8-cell MK 41 VLS modules. BAE Systems’ initial order includes nine MK 41 VLS modules, enough for the first three ships of the class.

There have been more than 3,850 successful firings worldwide. MK41 VLS has been successfully integrated and is in service with the U.S. and 12 allied navies on nearly 200 ships representing 20 ship classes.

Lockheed Martin Official Press Release here.

For additional info please visit MK41 VLS product page here.

BAE Systems to demonstrate Type 31e design at DIMDEX 2018

Visitors to DIMDEX, the Doha International Maritime Defence Exhibition & Conference, which is being held from 12-14 March in Doha, Qatar, will be able to see BAE Systems’ proposed design for the Type 31e frigate competition in the UK.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=88VUe98dSNI

BAE Systems has brought together its warship design and engineering capability and combat systems expertise with Cammell Laird, the commercial shipbuilder, in a Teaming Agreement to bid for the contract to deliver Type 31e, the UK’s adaptable general purpose frigate.
A key part of the Type 31e programme is configuring the new frigate and its Combat Management System to be attractive to potential international customers and DIMDEX is the first time BAE Systems is showcasing its proposed design outside the UK.
With a proposed top speed in excess of 25 knots and a range of more than 7,500 miles, BAE Systems’ design is equipped with some of the most modern and effective weapons systems available, and has been designed to operate in international waters, including the Gulf. It is capable of operating both independently for significant periods and as part of a task group, offering enormous value in bringing together allied maritime nations.

SAAB to deliver updated ship control system for RAN Collins Class submarines

Saab has signed a contract with ASC for supply of an updated Integrated Ship Control Management and Monitoring System (ISCMMS) for four Royal Australian Navy Collins class submarines. The contract value is AUD 24.2 million (150 MSEK).

“Saab Australia carried out design, software and hardware development work for the updated ISCMMS during the first stage of the project. Saab’s design and production work has been carried out in Australia involving over 50 Saab and local subcontractor staff.” says Andy Keough, Managing Director of Saab Australia.

ASC will integrate the new system into the remaining submarines commencing in 2019, as they complete their maintenance cycles.

Collins Class 01

ISCMMS allows the submarine crew to centrally control many submarine systems, fully integrating the management of propulsion, trim, power generation and ship services on board the submarine.

ASC Official Press Release here

SAAB Official Press Release here

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Great photos from NATO Dynamic Manta 2018 exercise

NATO’s Submarine Warfare Exercise DYNAMIC MANTA 2018 (DYMA 18) will develop between the 2nd and 16th March off the Sicilian coast. DYNAMIC MANTA remains to be one of the most challenging exercises for NATO. It provides NATO nations’ with an excellent opportunity for their forces to practice together in a pure joint environment and simultaneously provides NATO the ability to evaluate and further develop Allied Anti-Submarine tactics.

39998428384_21d0297add_k

This year submarines from Canada, Greece, Italy, Spain, Turkey, and the United States, under the control of NATO Submarine Command (COMSUBNATO), will join 9 surface ships from Belgium, France, Greece, Italy, Spain, Turkey, UK, and USA.

NATO HQ MARCOM has shared great photos from its Flicker Account (all photos courtesy of NATO HQ MARCOM and Flicker)

 

 

New Zealand frigate arrives in Canada for combat system and electronics upgrade

Canada has signed a formal contract with the New Zealand government for ship installation and trials to complete the upgrade and modernization of the ANZAC class frigates. The first of two frigates, Her Majesty’s New Zealand Ship (HMNZS) TE KAHA arrived in Victoria on March 6. 

Lockheed Martin Canada is responsible for designing and supplying the upgraded combat system for each ANZAC Class Frigate, including a new combat management system.

Her Majesty’s New Zealand Ship (HMNZS) TE KAHA arrived in Canada yesterday and HMNZS TE MANA is scheduled to arrive in 2019. Under Lockheed Martin Canada supervision and direction, Seaspan Shipyards will refit and install the new systems with an expected completion date of 2020 for the entire contract.

You can read Lockheed Martin official pres release here

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United Kingdom has finally decided to order a seventh Astute Class Submarine

The Ministry of Defence has announced it will sign a contract for Astute boat seven.

 According to the Ministry of Defence; the United Kingdom has finally decided to order a seventh boat, and the contract with BAE will be formalized this year.

Negotiations are ongoing and the contingent liabilities will come into force on signature of the contract.

The Departmental Minute describes the Contingent Liability that the MOD will hold as a result of placing the Astute Boat 7 ‘Whole Boat’ Contract, which will provide for the production and testing of the Vessel. The maximum contingent liability against the MOD is unquantifiable and will remain until the Out of Service Date of the submarine.

Within the Boat 7 contract, BAE Systems Marine Ltd limit their exposure to Product Liability to £1 billion per incident and £300 million in any 12-month period. This limits the contractor’s exposure for claims by the MOD for losses associated with the product being defective or deficient, and creates an exposure for MOD to third party claims against the contractor for losses associated with the product being defective or deficient. It is the view of the Department that the likelihood of any claim is remote.

HMS Astute 01

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Royal Canadian Navy welcomed MV Asterix

Royal Canadian Navy officially welcomed its newest vessel to the fleet during a ceremony at Her Majesty’s Canadian Dockyard in Halifax at March 6.

MV ASTERIX is a strategically enabling Naval Support Ship leased to the RCN that will provide the navy with fuels, cargo, ammunition, a floating hospital, a platform for two helicopters and quarters for humanitarian and rescue operations.

The Motor Vessel (MV) Asterix, a former civilian container ship, was extensively reconfigured by Quebec-based Davie Shipbuilding to serve as an interim resupply vessel while the navy awaits construction of two military replacements.

Resupply vessels are considered critical for conducting naval operations around the world. Not only do they carry fuel and food supplies for naval task groups, but they also have medical and maintenance facilities on board.

 

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Plasan signs contract with BAE Systems to provide armour for the Type 26 Frigate fleet

Israeli firm Plasan announced that they have signed a contract with BAE Systems, to provide armour for the Type 26 Frigate fleet.

The new Type 26 Frigate designed and built by BAE Systems is the new class selected for the replacement of eight anti-submarine frigates of the Duke class currently in service with the Royal Navy.

Plasan is expected to begin the production of armour for the first three vessels of the class this year under the arrangement.

Official press release here

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GE to deliver propulsion system for Chilean Navy icebreaker

GE’s Marine Solutions (NYSE: GE) was chosen by ASMAR Shipyards to provide the complete scope of an integrated marine propulsion system for the Chilean Navy’s new Antarctic icebreaking Polar Class vessel.

The 110-meter long vessel will have GE’s full marine propulsion system to power and propel the vessel, including diesel electric propulsion, GE’s International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Tier 3-compliant diesel engine, a complete propulsion shaft line and propeller, a tunnel thruster, SeaLyte* Dynamic Positioning (DP) and vessel automation system.

The vessel has received Lloyd’s Register PC 5 polar class notation and with an installed power of 14.5 megawatts, it will be capable of breaking 1 meter of ice at 3 knots.

You can read official press release here

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Austal delivers 7th LCS, The Future USS Manchester (LCS 14) to US Navy

Austal USA delivered its seventh Independence-variant littoral combat ship (LCS) to the U.S. Navy on 28 February 2018. Delivery marks the official transfer of LCS 14 from the shipbuilder. It is the final milestone prior to commissioning, which is planned for May in Portsmouth, New Hampshire.

The future USS Manchester is the second LCS delivered to the Navy by Austal in less than six months, following the USS Omaha (LCS 12) commissioning, which took place in San Diego earlier this year.

“We’re very happy to be delivering another LCS to the US fleet and the efficient and reliable delivery of these ships is a testament to the incredible skill and hard work of the shipbuilding professionals at Austal USA,” Austal CEO, David Singleton said.

LCS-Trials

Six LCS remain under construction at Austal’s Alabama shipyard with assembly underway on Cincinnati (LCS 20) and Kansas City (LCS 22) and modules for Oakland (LCS 24) and Mobile (LCS 26) under construction. Construction on LCS 28, recently named Savannah and LCS 30, recently named Canberra is to begin later this year.

You can read official press release here. 

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Australia’s DST to collaborate with CEA Technologies to develop advanced electronic warfare

On March 1, the Australian Minister for Defence Industry, the Hon Christopher Pyne MP, announced a five-year research and development agreement between the Defence Science and Technology Group (DST) and CEA Technologies to develop new solutions for Defence’s future requirements in radar, communications, and electronic warfare.

“This collaboration has relevance to programs such as the Future Frigates and will also help inform future programs in the aerospace, maritime and land domains” said Minister Pyne.

Australian DST Radar Development Contract 01

CEA Technologies has delivered the world’s first fourth generation Active Phased Array Radar technology for Australia’s ANZAC Class frigates.

The research agreement was signed in Canberra by the Chief Defence Scientist, Dr Alex Zelinsky, and Mr Merv Davis, CEO of CEA Technologies.

You can read official press release here.

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Boeing awarded $73m contract to modernize US Navy Super Hornets

Boeing has been awarded a contract to modernize the U.S. Navy F/A-18 fleet, extending the life of existing Super Hornets from 6,000 to 9,000+ flight hours. In the early 2020s, Boeing will begin installing initial updates to the aircraft that will convert existing Block II Super Hornets to a new Block III configuration.

The Block III conversion will include enhanced network capability, longer range with conformal fuel tanks, an advanced cockpit system, signature improvements and an enhanced communication system. The updates are expected to keep the F/A-18 in active service for decades to come.

F18 Super Hornet 02

According to company’s official announcement; “The initial focus of this program will extend the life of the fleet from 6,000 to 9,000 flight hours,” said Mark Sears, SLM program director. “But SLM will expand to include Block II to Block III conversion, systems grooming and reset and O-level maintenance tasks designed to deliver a more maintainable aircraft with an extended life and more capability. Each of these jets will fly another 10 to 15 years, so making them next-generation aircraft is critical.”

The Super Hornet Block III could incorporate a new 10” x 19” large screen cockpit display as first proposed for Boeing’s Advanced Super Hornet concept.

F18 Super Hornet 03 cockpit

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ECA Group unveils new generation mid-size A18-M AUV for MCM

ECA Group presented its latest mid-size AUV A18-M dedicated to mine counter measures.

The vehicle has been developed by ECA Group for efficient mine detection and classification in all water depths up to 300m. Like the other ECA Group AUVs A9-M and A27-M, the AUV A18-M is specifically designed to operate in close vicinity of the smartest mines without triggering them.

Due to its large endurance and payload capacity it is able to host high performance sonar payloads, such as synthetic aperture sonar, which provide unprecedented detection and classification performance.

A-18M AUV 02

“This mid-size AUV is the top trade-off between size, weight and long endurance. Its payload capacity makes it able to host high performance sonar, such as synthetic aperture sonar (SAS), providing unprecedented detection and classification performances,” said Léonie Delacou, AUV product manager at ECA Group.

For technical details you can visit official product page

For details you can read company official announcement here. 

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South African Navy gets three IPVs from Damen Shipyards

Damen Shipyards Cape Town (DSCT) has received an order from Armscor – the acquisition agency for the South African Department of Defence – for three Inshore Patrol Vessels (IPV), the company announced on 26 February.

The project aims to develop South Africa’s maritime security, ensuring that the country has the capability to respond effectively, rapidly and cost-efficiently to maritime threats such as illegal trafficking and fishing.

“We are very happy to receive this order and are looking forward to this continuation of our long-standing relationship with the South African Navy.” said Chairman Mr. Sam Montsi.

Damen_Shipyards_Cape_Town

The 62m-long, 11m-wide vessels are slated to be the first ships constructed based on the Damen Sea Axe design to enter service with the South African Navy.

You can read company official announcement here.

Northrop Grumman to demonstrate AQS-24B mine hunting system at 2018 Undersea Defence & Security Conference

The AQS-24B, the only deployed and operationally proven, high-speed mine hunting system in the world, with operational speeds of up to 18 knots, will be exhibited at the 2018 Undersea Defence & Security Conference in Portsmouth, U.K., March 20-22. It uses a high-resolution, side scan sonar for real time detection, localization and classification of mines at high coverage rates and a laser line scanner to provide precision optical identification. The AQS series minehunter is used both domestically and abroad and has logged thousands of hours of operation.

The AQS-24B is operated from both the MH-53E heavy lift helicopters from Helicopter Mine countermeasures Squadron 15 (HM-15) and from the Mine Hunting Unmanned Surface Vessels (MHU) in the Arabian Gulf. The MHU with the AQS-24 has been deployed and operated from both U.S. Navy ships, such as the recently decommissioned USS Ponce (AFSB(I)-15) and the USS Lewis B. Puller (ESB-3), as well as United Kingdom Royal Navy ships, such as the RFA Cardigan Bay (L3009).

AQS-24B Mine Hunter 02

AQS-24B Advanced Capabilities/Performance

  • The only deployed and operationally proven, high-speed airborne mine hunting system in the world
  • High-resolution, side scan sonar for real time detection, localization and classification of bottom and moored mines at high area coverage rates
  • Laser line scanner provides precision optical identification of underwater mines and other objects of interest
  • Simultaneous operation of Laser with sonar provides gap-filling capability and tactically advanced Target Detect and Target ID modes
  • Thousands of tow hours logged from a variety of platforms

High Resolution Sonar

  • High speed (18 Knot) operation
  • Object detection and classification
  • Target box cuing

Laser Line Scanner

  • High speed operation
  • Optical imagery for target I.D.
  • Field proven/COTS based

The 2018 Undersea Defence & Security Conference takes place at 20-22 March in Portsmouth.

For details please visit Northrop Grumman official product page here.

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India to procure four Admiral Grigorovich Class Frigates from Russia

India and Russia have finalized the procurement contract for 4 Admiral Grigorovich Frigates.

Two Project 11356 frigates are planned to be built at the Yantar Shipyard (a subsidiary of the United Shipbuilding Corporation) in Kaliningrad. The remaining ships will be built at the Goa Shipyard in India. The deliveries of the ships will start within four years since the sealing of the relevant contract.

Admiral Grigorovich 02 model

The Indian Navy operates six Project 11356 frigates delivered in 2004-2013. Therefore, service will get a total of ten ships of this class.

The frigates are similar to the Russian Talwar class (Project 11356) already deployed by the Indian Navy. The Talwar-class are in turn the improved versions of the Krivak III-class (Project 1135) frigates. The Project 11356 frigates to be sold to India will be likely armed with BrahMos supersonic anti-ship/land attack cruise missiles jointly developed by India and Russia.

US Navy Requests $300M in Fiscal Year 2019 to Develop Shipboard Laser Weapons

The Navy proposed spending $299 million in Fiscal Year 2019 on laser systems to protect ships against current and anticipated future threats, as part of a rapid prototyping, experimentation and demonstration initiative.

For nearly a decade, the Navy has considered laser technology a more cost-efficient and effective tool to protect ships from emerging threats such as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and small patrol craft that could swarm a surface ship

Lasers 01

Directed energy refers to weapons that emit focused energy in the form of lasers, microwaves, electromagnetic radiation, radio waves, sound or particle beams. Lasers are already widely used to guide bombs to their target, but the next step would be to use the lasers as weapons themselves.

In the upcoming fiscal year, the Navy wants to purchase four ship-mounted Surface Navy Laser Weapon Systems (SNLWS), which include a High Energy Laser with an integrated low-power laser dazzler. If successful, this system would provide ships with a new means of countering unmanned aerial vehicles, fast inshore attack craft and adversary intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) assets.

Lasers 03

You can read more details on news.usni.org

Turkish defence company STM to modernize Pakistan Navy’s second Agosta 90B submarine

Turkish defence company STM made an announcement on 28 February and stated that they have signed a contract with Pakistan Government to upgrade the Pakistan Navy’s second (of three) Agosta 90B submarine.

Accordingly, the project for the modernization of Agosta 90B class submarines was expanded by the addition of the modernization of the second submarine ship. Various additional systems, including the first submarine vessel, were added to the configuration, while all systems in the main contract were equally in the configuration of the second submarine vessel. In addition, the third submarine vessel and various additional systems with the contract amendment were also taken as options.

Khalid Class 02

Pakistan signed for the three Agosta 90Bs in 1994 with the French company Naval Group (former DCNS). The lead-ship , PNS Khalid, was delivered to Pakistan in 1999, with the PNS Saad and PNS Hamza arriving in 2003 and 2006, respectively. These will be joined by eight new Hangor-class submarines (potentially S26) acquired from China by 2028.

The first submarine will be delivered in 2020. The modernization activities will be carried out on Karachi Shipyard & Engineering Works (KSEW) owned by the Pakistan Navy.

JFD completes new Submarine Rescue System for Indian Navy

JFD, the world leading underwater capability provider, has announced that the company has successfully completed the build of the first of its two new innovative 3rd Generation submarine rescue systems, due to be delivered to the Indian Navy in March 2018.

Under the £193m contract, JFD is providing two complete fly-away submarine rescue systems to the Indian Navy, including Deep Search and Rescue Vehicles (DSRV), Launch and Recovery Systems (LARS) equipment, Transfer Under Pressure (TUP) systems, and all logistics and support equipment required to operate the service. The equipment will be designed, manufactured, integrated and tested by JFD prior to shipping in March 2018 for final commissioning and trials. The full, certified systems are due to delivered to the Indian Navy in June 2018.

DSRV India 02

JFD provides fast, safe and reliable subsea rescue services, solutions products, engineering services and training to 80 countries and 33 of the world’s navies including the Royal Navy, Australian, Singapore, and Korean Navies, as well as providing the NATO Submarine Rescue System.

You can read JFD press release here

BAE Systems awarded 40 Mk4 Naval Gun contract for Finland

BAE Systems will produce and deliver Bofors 40 Mk4 Naval Guns for the Finnish Navy and its Hamina Class Squadron 2000 fast attack craft, under a contract with Patria, the prime contractor for the vessel’s mid-life upgrade and overhaul program.

With this contract, Finland adds the 40 Mk4 to its installed base of BAE Systems naval guns, including both previous versions of 40-millimeter (mm) L/70 systems and 57-mm Mk3 systems.

The low weight and compact Bofors 40 Mk4 gun system with its high rate of fire and ability to switch between optimized ammunition types – including the intelligent 40mm 3P all-target ammunition – provides high survivability and tactical freedom at all levels of conflict.

BAE 40mm 02

In addition to Finland, more than 10 countries currently use BAE Systems Bofors 40-mm guns.

You can read BAE Systems press release here

 

Indonesian Navy received two more patrol boats

Indonesian Navy has received 2 more patrol boats with a ceremony held at Indonesian shipbuilder PT Palindo Marine in 23th of April.

The boats joined seven other vessels that has been taken into service by the Indonesian Navy in 2017.

Indonesian Patrol Boat 28m - 01

Indonesia has a coastline of 54,716 km and maritime claims include exclusive economic zone of 200 nm and 12 nm of territorial sea when measured from claimed archipelagic straight baselines. For an archipelagic nation like Indonesia, large numbers of patrol craft are essential for ensuring maritime security in inshore and offshore waters.

To achieve this goal, there are a number of patrol boat programmes underway for 28m, 40m and 60m platforms being conducted by Indonesian Navy.