July 2016 News - Naval Forces, Defense Industry, Navy Technology, Maritime Security
 
 

PLAN Conducted Major Naval Drills Involving close to 100 Vessels & Units in South China Sea
 
Our colleagues from Eastpendulum are reporting (quoting Chinese media) that the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN or Chinese Navy) conducted large scale naval drills in the South China Sea. The naval exercise involved close to 100 vessels, submarine, aircraft from the PLAN air force and coastal defense (land based) units during 4 days (between July 7 and 11, 2016).
Our colleagues from Eastpendulum are reporting that the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN or Chinese Navy) conducted large scale naval drills in the South China Sea. The naval exercise involved close to 100 vessels, submarine, aircraft from the PLAN air force and coastal defense (land based) units during 4 days (between July 7 and 11, 2016).
 

Spanish MoD Approved the Critical Design Review on Navantia S-80 Submarine
 
An expert panel of the Spanish Ministry of Defense has approved the Critical Design Review (CDR) of S-80 class diesel-electric submarines (SSK) being built by Navantia shipyard in Cartagena. This is a major step for the future of the program since the submarine re-design is now validated and frozen and the programme can transition back to production.
An expert panel of the Spanish Ministry of Defense has approved the Critical Design Review (CDR) of S-80 class diesel-electric submarines (SSK) being built by Navantia shipyard in Cartagena. This is a major step for the future of the program since the submarine re-design is now validated and frozen and the programme can transition back to production.
 

1st Project 955A SSBN Knyaz Vladimir & 1st Project 885M SSGN Kazan to join Russia’s Navy in 2018
 
The Project 955A Borei-A class nuclear-powered submarine Knyaz Vladimir and the Project 885M Yasen-M class nuclear-powered submarine Kazan will join Russia’s Navy in 2018 or one year later than planned, a source in the defense and industrial sector told TASS.
The Project 955A Borei-A class nuclear-powered submarine Knyaz Vladimir and the Project 885M Yasen-M class nuclear-powered submarine Kazan will join Russia’s Navy in 2018 or one year later than planned, a source in the defense and industrial sector told TASS.
 

Video: German Navy’s First F125 Frigate Baden-Württemberg in Sea Trials
 
The German Navy (Deutsche Marine) released a nice video showing the first F125 frigate conducting sea trials. Viewers can see the “Baden-Württemberg” being put through several maneuvers (high speed turns, man-overboard maneuver) to verify the control of the ship. The crew German Navy sailors and civilian engineers are also testing systems onboard such as the TRS-4D radar system.
The German Navy (Deutsche Marine) released a nice video showing the first F125 frigate conducting sea trials off the coast of Denmark. Viewers can see the “Baden-Württemberg” being put through several maneuvers (high speed turns, man-overboard maneuver) to verify the control of the ship. The crew consisting of German Navy sailors and civilian engineers are also testing systems onboard such as the TRS-4D radar system.
 

Independence-class Littoral Combat Ship USS Jackson (LCS 6) Completes Full Ship Shock Trials
 
In June, the U.S. Navy began conducting Full Ship Shock Trials (FSST) for the Independence variant Littoral Combat Ship USS Jackson (LCS 6) off the coast of Florida. The purpose of FSST is to validate the operational survivability of new construction ships after exposure to underwater shock. Three tests were scheduled for the ship and each test was conducted with a 10,000-pound explosive charge.
In June, the U.S. Navy began conducting Full Ship Shock Trials (FSST) for the Independence variant Littoral Combat Ship USS Jackson (LCS 6) off the coast of Florida. The purpose of FSST is to validate the operational survivability of new construction ships after exposure to underwater shock. Three tests were scheduled for the ship and each test was conducted with a 10,000-pound explosive charge.
 

Rosatom’s subsidiary makes innovative nuclear fuel for Project 22220 icebreaker Arktika
 
The Machine-Building Plant, a subsidiary of the TVEL Fuel Company within Russia’s nuclear power corporation Rosatom, has manufactured the first batch of fuel elements for the reactor core of the Project 22220 versatile nuclear-powered icebreaker, the TVEL Company’s press office said.
The Machine-Building Plant, a subsidiary of the TVEL Fuel Company within Russia’s nuclear power corporation Rosatom, has manufactured the first batch of fuel elements for the reactor core of the Project 22220 versatile nuclear-powered icebreaker, the TVEL Company’s press office said.
 

Russian Navy receives 47 Kalibr cruise missiles, 72 surface-to-air missiles in earlier 2016
 
The Russian Navy has taken delivery of almost 50 Kalibr (NATO reporting name: SS-N-27 Sizzler) cruise missiles, 72 surface-to-air missiles and a Gamma-S1M radar during the first six months of the year, Russian Armed Forces Chief of Armament Anatoly Gulyayev said on the Common Military Equipment Acceptance Day.
The Russian Navy has taken delivery of almost 50 Kalibr (NATO reporting name: SS-N-27 Sizzler) cruise missiles, 72 surface-to-air missiles and a Gamma-S1M radar during the first six months of the year, Russian Armed Forces Chief of Armament Anatoly Gulyayev said on the Common Military Equipment Acceptance Day.
 

Hyundai Heavy Industries to Supply Ice Capable Tanker to Royal New Zealand Navy
 
New Zealand's Defence Minister Gerry Brownlee announced that Hyundai Heavy Industries of South Korea won a contract to build and deliver a new tanker for the Royal New Zealand Navy. The tanker will be ice-strengthened for Antarctic operations, winterised, and will be the largest vessel ever operated by the Royal New Zealand Navy.
New Zealand's Defence Minister Gerry Brownlee announced that Hyundai Heavy Industries of South Korea won a contract to build and deliver a new tanker for the Royal New Zealand Navy. The tanker will be ice-strengthened for Antarctic operations, winterised, and will be the largest vessel ever operated by the Royal New Zealand Navy.
 

Video: SINKEX of Decommissioned USS Thach (FFG 43) Frigate during RIMPAC 2016
 
Live fire from ships and aircraft participating in the Rim of the Pacific 2016 exercise sank the decommissioned USS Thach (FFG 43) at 7:25 p.m. today in waters 15,000 feet deep, 55 nautical miles north of Kauai, Hawaii. Units from Australia, the Republic of Korea and the U.S. participated in the sinking exercise (SINKEX), which provided them the opportunity to gain proficiency in tactics, targeting and live firing against a surface target at sea.
Live fire from ships and aircraft participating in the Rim of the Pacific 2016 exercise sank the decommissioned USS Thach (FFG 43) at 7:25 p.m. July 14, 2016 in waters 15,000 feet deep, 55 nautical miles north of Kauai, Hawaii. Units from Australia, the Republic of Korea and the U.S. participated in the sinking exercise (SINKEX), which provided them the opportunity to gain proficiency in tactics, targeting and live firing against a surface target at sea.
 

UK MoD Confirmed Procurement of Nine P-8A Poseidon Maritime Patrol Aircraft
 
The Ministry of Defence has confirmed the deal to purchase nine P-8A Poseidon Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) for the Royal Air Force (RAF). The new aircraft, which will be based at RAF Lossiemouth in Scotland, will play a vital role in protecting the UK’s nuclear deterrent and the UK’s two new aircraft carriers. They will also be able to locate and track hostile submarines, and will enhance the UK’s maritime Search and Rescue (SAR) capability. This capability will also bring economic benefits to Scotland and the wider UK, with an additional 400 personnel based at RAF Lossiemouth.
The Ministry of Defence has confirmed the deal to purchase nine P-8A Poseidon Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) for the Royal Air Force (RAF). The new aircraft, which will be based at RAF Lossiemouth in Scotland, will play a vital role in protecting the UK’s nuclear deterrent and the UK’s two new aircraft carriers. They will also be able to locate and track hostile submarines, and will enhance the UK’s maritime Search and Rescue (SAR) capability...
 

Admiral Christophe Prazuck is the new Chief of the French Navy
 
Admiral Christophe Prazuck was appointed as the new Marine Nationale's Chief of Navy (CEMM for chef d’état-major de la marine - chief of staff of the navy) during a ceremony wich took place on July 12, 2016 aboard aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle. Admiral Prazuck succeeds to Admiral Rogel who held this position for the past 5 years and has launched a major transformation of the French Navy with the plan "Horizon Marine 2025".
Admiral Christophe Prazuck was appointed as the new Marine Nationale's Chief of Navy (CEMM for chef d’état-major de la marine - chief of staff of the navy) during a ceremony wich took place on July 12, 2016 aboard aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle. Admiral Prazuck succeeds to Admiral Rogel who held this position for the past 5 years and has launched a major transformation of the French Navy with the plan "Horizon Marine 2025".
 

China's 7th & 8th Type 903A Fleet Replenishment Oilers Commissioned Into PLAN South Sea Fleet
 
The People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN or Chinese Navy) commissioned two Type 903A Fleet Replenishement Oilers on July 15 2016 with China's South Sea Fleet. A commissioning, naming and flag-presenting ceremony was held solemnly at the Zhoushan naval base in east China’s Zhejiang province for the new vessels: Honghu (hull number 963) and Luomahu (hull number 964).
The People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN or Chinese Navy) commissioned two Type 903A Fleet Replenishement Oilers on July 15 2016 with China's South Sea Fleet. A commissioning, naming and flag-presenting ceremony was held solemnly at the Zhanjiang naval base in South China’s Guangdong province for the new vessels: Honghu (hull number 963) and Luomahu (hull number 964).
 

Third and Last Chinese-Built C28A Corvette Delivered to the Algerian Navy
 
The third and last C28A Corvette on order for the Algerian Navy has been delivered by Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding, a wholly owned subsidiary of China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC, the largest shipbuilding group in China). Algeria signed a contract with China Shipbuilding Trading Co (CSTC) for construction of three C28A corvettes in March 2012.
The third and last C28A Corvette on order for the Algerian Navy has been delivered by Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding, a wholly owned subsidiary of China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC, the largest shipbuilding group in China). Algeria signed a contract with China Shipbuilding Trading Co (CSTC) for construction of three C28A corvettes in March 2012.
 

US Navy Awards Raytheon Contract for Production of AIM-9X Sidewinder Block II Missiles
 
The U.S. Navy has awarded Raytheon Company a $291 million contract award for production of the AIM-9X Sidewinder® missile, one of the most advanced infrared-tracking, short-range, air-to-air and surface-to-air missiles in the world. The contract is for All Up Round Tactical Full Rate Production Lot 16 of the Block II missiles for the U.S. Navy, Air Force, Army and the governments of Japan, Norway and Taiwan.
The U.S. Navy has awarded Raytheon Company a $291 million contract award for production of the AIM-9X Sidewinder® missile, one of the most advanced infrared-tracking, short-range, air-to-air and surface-to-air missiles in the world. The contract is for All Up Round Tactical Full Rate Production Lot 16 of the Block II missiles for the U.S. Navy, Air Force, Army and the governments of Japan, Norway and Taiwan.
 

Polish Navy First Kormoran II-class Mine Countermeasures Vessel Started Sea Trials
 
Remontowa Shipbuilding started sea trials of ORP Kormoran, the Polish Navy new generation mine countermeasures vessel (MCMV) (Kormoran II programme). The vessel is designed by Remontowa shipbuilding (Gdanska Stocznia "Remontowa" im. J. Pilsudskiego S.A.) based in Gdansk.
Remontowa Shipbuilding started sea trials of ORP Kormoran, the Polish Navy new generation mine countermeasures vessel (MCMV) (Kormoran II programme). The vessel is designed by Remontowa shipbuilding (Gdanska Stocznia "Remontowa" im. J. Pilsudskiego S.A.) based in Gdansk.
 

Network-Enabled Standoff Weapon JSOW C-1 Ready for US Navy Fleet
 
Raytheon Company and the U.S. Navy have completed all operational tests for the Joint Standoff Weapon (JSOW) C-1 making this newest variant of the guided glide weapon ready for US Navy fleet release and declaration of Initial Operational Capability.
Raytheon Company and the U.S. Navy have completed all operational tests for the Joint Standoff Weapon (JSOW) C-1 making this newest variant of the guided glide weapon ready for US Navy fleet release and declaration of Initial Operational Capability.
 

Admiral Valter Girardelli is the new Chief of the Italian Navy
 
The handover/takeover ceremony took place on July 12, 2016 between Vice Admiral Giuseppe De Giorgi (outgoing) and Vice Admiral Valter Girardelli (upcoming). Following a wreath laying at the Altar of the Homeland and accompanied by the performance of the Italian Navy Band, the Chief of Navy handover ceremony was held in the presence of the Italian Defence Minister, senator Roberta Pinotti, the Defence Chief of Staff, General Claudio Graziano, the Minister of the Interior, Honorable Angelino Alfano, and top civilian and military authorities.
The handover/takeover ceremony took place on July 12, 2016 between Vice Admiral Giuseppe De Giorgi (outgoing) and Vice Admiral Valter Girardelli (upcoming). Following a wreath laying at the Altar of the Homeland and accompanied by the performance of the Italian Navy Band, the Chief of Navy handover ceremony was held in the presence of the Italian Defence Minister, senator Roberta Pinotti, the Defence Chief of Staff, General Claudio Graziano, the Minister of the Interior...
 

Tu-142MR planes to be upgraded as part of advanced submarine communications development
 
Russia's Naval Forces' Tu-142MR (NATO reporting name: Bear-J) VLF-band radio communications relay aircraft derived from the Tu-142M long-range antisubmarine warfare aircraft, will be upgraded as part of the development of a sophisticated submarine communication system, according to the Izvestia daily.
Russia's Naval Forces' Tu-142MR (NATO reporting name: Bear-J) VLF-band radio communications relay aircraft derived from the Tu-142M long-range antisubmarine warfare aircraft, will be upgraded as part of the development of a sophisticated submarine communication system, according to the Izvestia daily.
 

Rheinmetall to supply Royal Canadian Navy with decoy ammunition for the next thirty years
 
At the recent CANSEC show in May 2016 in Canada, the Canadian government and ammunition suppliers Rheinmetall and General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems–Canada signed a licence agreement to produce Omnitrap decoy ammunition for the Canadian Navy. Worth a mid-range eight-figure euro amount over the course of its thirty-year lifetime, the contract encompasses the supply of core components by Rheinmetall for Omnitrap decoy ammunition. Rheinmetall will provide technical assistance in setting up the assembly line at the General Dynamics facility in Repentigny, QC, where final assembly will take place.
At the recent CANSEC show in May 2016 in Canada, the Canadian government and ammunition suppliers Rheinmetall and General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems–Canada signed a licence agreement to produce Omnitrap decoy ammunition for the Canadian Navy. Worth a mid-range eight-figure euro amount over the course of its thirty-year lifetime, the contract encompasses the supply of core components by Rheinmetall for Omnitrap decoy ammunition...
 

Russia offers construction of Project 23000E Storm nuclear-powered aircraft carrier to Indian Navy
 
Russia has offered the Indian Navy to build a Project 23000E Storm-class nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, a source in the Indian Ministry of Defense told the Defense News weekly. According to the source, the offer was made during the visit of a Russian delegation to India several days ago.
Russia has offered the Indian Navy to build a Project 23000E Storm-class nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, a source in the Indian Ministry of Defense told the Defense News weekly. According to the source, the offer was made during the visit of a Russian delegation to India several days ago.
 

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