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NAVAL NEWS December 2023
Navy Forces Naval Maritime Defense Security Industry |
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According to information published by Tuoi Tre News on December 17, 2023, a Vietnamese fisherman, Tran Thanh, 65, made an unusual discovery on the coast of Tinh Ky Commune in Quang Ngai Province. While fishing, Thanh found an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) washed ashore, its body covered with foreign inscriptions.
According to information published by the UK MoD on December 19, 2023, the Royal Navy destroyer HMS Diamond has recently joined Operation Prosperity Guardian, a newly formed international task force dedicated to ensuring the safety of merchant shipping in the strategically crucial Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.
According to a Tactical Report article dated December 14, 2023, the Qatar Ministry of Defense has made a decision to strengthen its naval capabilities, focusing on the revitalization of projects involving Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUVs) and Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USVs). To realize this ambition, Barzan Holdings, representing Qatari interests, initiated a collaboration with Turkish shipbuilders, known for their expertise in manufacturing these vehicles.
On December 15, 2023, the US Navy officially took over the Aegis Ashore Missile Defense System (AAMDS) from the US Missile Defense Agency. Located at the Naval Support Facility Redzikowo in Poland. This land-based adaptation of the Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) System is specifically designed for defense, enhancing NATO's capabilities against ballistic missile threats.
The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Carney has exhibited proficient counter-Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) capabilities, in the context of increased maritime threats in the Red Sea. These capabilities are a result of a combination of sophisticated weapon systems, advanced radar and sensor technology, tactical proficiency, and electronic warfare capabilities.
According to a PR published by Hanwha Systems on December 15, 2023, the South Korean defense contractor, has initiated a project to develop an advanced mine detection system that integrates big data and artificial intelligence.
According to information published by the US DoD on December 18, 2023, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III has announced the initiation of Operation Prosperity Guardian in response to the recent increase in Houthi attacks from Yemen, which have been impacting maritime security in the Red Sea.
On November 22, 2023, Thales, in partnership with Australian SMEs, received a notable contract for the support and maintenance of the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) at Garden Island, Sydney. The Minister for Defence Industry, Pat Conroy, confirmed Thales as the preferred partner for the RAN's maritime sustainment contract.
On December 16, 2023, the Turkish Ministry of Defense announced that the Aksungur Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) with tail number TCB-884 had been integrated into the Naval Forces Command. This significant development occurred during a ceremony at the Dalaman Naval Air Base Command on December 15, 2023, marking the successful completion of the Operative UAV Project by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI), with this UAV being the final unit produced.
The handover ceremony of the third MEKO® A-200 EN frigate, named "Al-Qadeer," to the Egyptian Navy by Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems took place on December 15 in Bremerhaven, Germany.
The British Royal Navy's HMS Diamond, a Daring-class air-defense destroyer and one of its most sophisticated warships, successfully intercepted and neutralized an aerial attack drone in the Red Sea. This action, which took place on December 16, 2023, involved the deployment of a Sea Viper missile to protect merchant vessels navigating the strategic waters.
The Spanish Navy has enhanced its offensive capabilities with the acquisition of Naval Strike Missiles (NSM) from Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace, a Norwegian defense contractor. This significant purchase, valued at 305 million euros, marks a substantial advancement in Spain's naval armaments. The announcement was made by Kongsberg on December 15, 2023.
The Philippine Air Force has launched the $114 million Long Range Patrol Aircraft (LRPA) Acquisition Project. This vital initiative is part of the Horizon 1 phase of the Revised Armed Forces of the Philippines Modernization Program (RAFPMP), marking a key advancement in the nation's defense capabilities. The LRPA project has seen two main contenders emerge: the ELI-3360MPA on an ATR-72 600 platform and the Airbus P-295MPA / ASW.
On December 14, 2023, information emerged on Russian social media regarding the Kingisepp Machine-Building Plant (KMZ) unveiling the first Russian kamikaze naval drone, known as 'Dandelion.' Reportedly, ten more units of these drones are slated for production by the end of 2023, constituting the initial experimental batch.
According to TASS on December 11, 2023, the Russian Navy's frigate Admiral Kasatonov completed its modernization process, allowing it to integrate Zircon hypersonic missiles. Captain Alexey Ryaboshtan, the commander of the Admiral Gorshkov-class frigate, has disclosed that the Admiral Kasatonov frigate now carries four Zircon hypersonic missiles, though test firings are pending.
Lockheed Martin recently played a pivotal role in supporting a significant government test of the Advanced Off-Board Electronic Warfare (AOEW) system's electronic attack capabilities. This groundbreaking test was conducted while the system was installed on a U.S. Navy MH-60R helicopter, marking a crucial milestone in the program's development. It was the first time that the system demonstrated its ability to perform engagement testing, effectively defeat threats, and quantitatively assess its performance while being seamlessly integrated and controlled by the target platform.
On December 13, 2023, TASS reported that Russian defense industry experts are currently engaged in the development of a new attack underwater drone, as disclosed by a source within the defense-industrial complex. This project is part of Russia's broader initiative to expand its capabilities in unmanned underwater systems and naval attack drones.
A journalist from The Times recently visited a confidential facility of Ukraine's Main Intelligence Directorate (GUR), unveiling details about the country's new generation of naval drones and their significant role in the ongoing conflict with Russia.
On December 11, 2023, Saab, the renowned Swedish defense and security company, announced the sale of a Double Eagle Semi-Autonomous Remotely Operated Vehicle (SAROV) to the Kuwait Naval Force. This strategic move is part of a contract awarded by the US Navy, underscoring the growing importance of advanced naval defense technology in international military partnerships.
On December 10, 2023, the US Navy reported that the USS Carney, an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer and part of the USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group, intercepted a total of 22 aerial threats in the Red Sea region. These threats, launched by Houthi forces in Yemen, comprised 4 cruise missiles and several attack drones and were potentially directed towards Israel.
