DECEMBER 2019 news

Naval Forces, Defense Industry, Navy Technology, Maritime Security


Seven months after reaching initial operational capability, U.S. 2nd Fleet achieved full operational capability on December 31, 2019. Since its reestablishment in August 2018, Vice Adm. Andrew Lewis, 2nd Fleet (C2F) commander, has led the resurgence of the Navy’s newest numbered Fleet, amid a return to great power competition as outlined in the National Defense Strategy.

The U.S. Navy awarded a Lockheed Martin-led team, which includes Fincantieri Marinette Marine (FMM), a multi-billion dollar (USD) order for the construction of four Multi-Mission Surface Combatants ships, as part of the country’s Foreign Military Sales program. These ships will be for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Working in close cooperation, Damen Shipyards Group, the Mexican Navy, subcontractors and suppliers have completed successful sea trials of the Mexican Navy’s POLA-class ARM Reformador. The programme of sea trials was comprehensive, including testing of platform and combat systems in addition to training of Mexican Navy crews.

China’s first home-grown aircraft carrier, the Shandong, officially entered into service last week, making China one of only a handful of countries to have more than one carrier. According to a publication issued by the Chinese Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers, the following aircraft are expected to be deployed on the warship.

The launch of the first serial nuclear submarine (NPS) of project 885M Yasen-M Novosibirsk will take place on December 25. This was announced to TASS by the head of Sevmash Mikhail Budnichenko before the start of the solemn meeting dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the enterprise celebrated on Saturday.

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