November 2013 Maritime Defense Industry and Naval Forces News
 
 

Thales to supply mission suite for Indonesian Navy (TNI-AL) PKR vessels
 
Thales announced the signing of a contract with the Dutch shipyard Damen Schelde Naval Shipbuilding for the delivery and installation of a full mission systems suite for the 2 PKR class vessels under construction for the Indonesian Navy.

Thales announced the signing of a contract with the Dutch shipyard Damen Schelde Naval Shipbuilding for the delivery and installation of a full mission systems suite for the 2 PKR class vessels under construction for the Indonesian Navy.

 

USS Fort Worth (LCS 3) Littoral Combat Ship Launches First MQ-8B UAV, Demonstrates Capability
 
USS Fort Worth (LCS 3) conducted dynamic interface operations on the Point Mugu Test Range Nov. 5-13 with the Navy's Vertical Takeoff Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (VTUAV) known as the MQ-8 Fire Scout. Although Fire Scouts have been used in the fleet onboard frigates, LCS is the first platform designed from the keel up to integrate and operate these unmanned helicopters.
USS Fort Worth (LCS 3) conducted dynamic interface operations on the Point Mugu Test Range Nov. 5-13 with the Navy's Vertical Takeoff Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (VTUAV) known as the MQ-8 Fire Scout. Although Fire Scouts have been used in the fleet onboard frigates, LCS is the first platform designed from the keel up to integrate and operate these unmanned helicopters.
 

Boeing Delivers 2nd P-8I Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) to Indian Navy
 
Boeing delivered the second P-8I aircraft to India today, doubling that country’s long-range maritime reconnaissance and anti-submarine warfare capabilities. Boeing is building eight P-8I aircraft for India and delivered the first in-country in May. Based on the company’s Next-Generation 737 commercial airplane, the P-8I is the Indian Navy variant of the P-8A Poseidon that Boeing has developed for the U.S. Navy.

Boeing delivered the second P-8I aircraft to India today, doubling that country’s long-range maritime reconnaissance and anti-submarine warfare capabilities. Boeing is building eight P-8I aircraft for India and delivered the first in-country in May. Based on the company’s Next-Generation 737 commercial airplane, the P-8I is the Indian Navy variant of the P-8A Poseidon that Boeing has developed for the U.S. Navy.

 

General Dynamics Receives $22 M U.S. Navy Award for Common Missile Compartment Development
 
The U.S Navy has awarded General Dynamics Electric Boat a $22.5 million contract modification for the continued development of the Common Missile Compartment for the U.S. Ohio replacement submarine and the United Kingdom’s Successor ballistic-missile submarine. Electric Boat is a wholly owned subsidiary of General Dynamics.

The U.S Navy has awarded General Dynamics Electric Boat a $22.5 million contract modification for the continued development of the Common Missile Compartment for the U.S. Ohio replacement submarine and the United Kingdom’s Successor ballistic-missile submarine. Electric Boat is a wholly owned subsidiary of General Dynamics.

 

SAAB Skeldar VTOL UAV Operationally Deployed by the Spanish Navy for Atalanta
 
Defence and security company Saab’s Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Skeldar is now operationally deployed on-board the offshore patrol vessel BAM Meteoro. Skedlar is supporting the Spanish Navy with surveillance capabilities while taking part in the EU Atalanta operation in the Gulf of Aden.
Defence and security company Saab’s Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Skeldar is now operationally deployed on-board the offshore patrol vessel BAM Meteoro. Skedlar is supporting the Spanish Navy with surveillance capabilities while taking part in the EU Atalanta operation in the Gulf of Aden.
 

Ingalls Shipbuilding’s Amphibious Ship America (LHA 6) Returns From Builder’s Trials
 
Huntington Ingalls Industries’ Ingalls Shipbuilding division’s multipurpose amphibious assault ship America (LHA 6) returned Saturday from successful builder’s sea trials in the Gulf of Mexico. Ingalls’ test and trials team started with dock trials Monday and then spent five days operating the ship at sea, where it conducted more than 200 test events.
Huntington Ingalls Industries’ Ingalls Shipbuilding division’s multipurpose amphibious assault ship America (LHA 6) returned Saturday from successful builder’s sea trials in the Gulf of Mexico. Ingalls’ test and trials team started with dock trials Monday and then spent five days operating the ship at sea, where it conducted more than 200 test events.
 

Lockheed Martin Conducts Second Successful LRASM Anti-Ship Missile Flight Test
 
Lockheed Martin’s Long Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM) recently achieved another successful flight test, with the missile scoring a direct hit on a moving maritime target. The test was conducted in support of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) and Office of Naval Research (ONR) program.
Lockheed Martin’s Long Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM) recently achieved another successful flight test, with the missile scoring a direct hit on a moving maritime target. The test was conducted in support of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) and Office of Naval Research (ONR) program.
 

Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) Surface Warfare Package Completes Live-Fire Test
 
The Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) Surface Warfare Mission Package successfully completed the second phase of its developmental testing, the Naval Sea Systems Command announced Nov. 7. USS Fort Worth (LCS 3) conducted the testing at the Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division Point Mugu range off the coast of California, October 1-25. The objective of the testing was to prove the performance capabilities for surface warfare missions, validate recent upgrades and correct problems found in previous testing.
The Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) Surface Warfare Mission Package successfully completed the second phase of its developmental testing, the Naval Sea Systems Command announced Nov. 7. USS Fort Worth (LCS 3) conducted the testing at the Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division Point Mugu range off the coast of California, October 1-25. The objective of the testing was to prove the performance capabilities for surface warfare missions, validate recent upgrades and correct problems found in previous testing.
 

Handover of aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya to take place on November 16
 
On November 16, 2013, the formal handover ceremony and transfer of the Project 11430 aircraft carrier Vikramaditya (INS Vikramaditya) to the Indian Navy will be held at the Sevmash shipyard in Severodvinsk. Vikramaditya, a retrofitted Russian Project 11434 heavy aircraft-carrying cruiser Admiral Gorshkov, will be the flagship of India’s Navy. The official Indian delegation is headed by the country’s Defense Minister Arackaparambil Kurian Antony.
On November 16, 2013, the formal handover ceremony and transfer of the Project 11430 aircraft carrier Vikramaditya (INS Vikramaditya) to the Indian Navy will be held at the Sevmash shipyard in Severodvinsk. Vikramaditya, a retrofitted Russian Project 11434 heavy aircraft-carrying cruiser Admiral Gorshkov, will be the flagship of India’s Navy. The official Indian delegation is headed by the country’s Defense Minister Arackaparambil Kurian Antony.
 

U.S. Navy celebrates delivery of 3,000th Tactical Tomahawk Cruise Missile
 
The U.S. Navy marked a significant milestone Nov. 5, as the service joined defense contractor Raytheon Missile Systems in celebrating the delivery of the 3,000th Tactical Tomahawk (TACTOM) missile. TACTOM, also known as Tomahawk Block IV, is a deep-strike, long-range cruise missile often used for land-attack warfare and employed from U.S. Navy surface combatants and U.S. Navy and United Kingdom Royal Navy submarines.
The U.S. Navy marked a significant milestone Nov. 5, as the service joined defense contractor Raytheon Missile Systems in celebrating the delivery of the 3,000th Tactical Tomahawk (TACTOM) missile. TACTOM, also known as Tomahawk Block IV, is a deep-strike, long-range cruise missile often used for land-attack warfare and employed from U.S. Navy surface combatants and U.S. Navy and United Kingdom Royal Navy submarines.
 

Hyundai Heavy Industries launched the 3rd Incheon class frigate ROKS Jeonbuk
 
Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI), the world’s biggest shipbuilder, today held a launch ceremony for its fifth frigate, ROKS Jeonbuk. The launch ceremony was attended by the Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Mr. Hwang Ki-chul, governor of Northern Jeolla Province Mr. Kim Wan-ju, Hyundai Heavy’s president & CEO Mr. Lee Jai-seong and other government and military officials in Ulsan shipyard.
Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI), the world’s biggest shipbuilder, today held a launch ceremony for its fifth frigate, ROKS Jeonbuk. The launch ceremony was attended by the Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Mr. Hwang Ki-chul, governor of Northern Jeolla Province Mr. Kim Wan-ju, Hyundai Heavy’s president & CEO Mr. Lee Jai-seong and other government and military officials in Ulsan shipyard.
 

Paramount Group buys controlling stake in South Africa based shipyard Nautic Africa
 
The merger of two of Africa’s most innovative companies should see Nautic Africa double their staff employment in the next two years. Ivor Ichikowitz, Executive Chairman of Paramount Group, said: “We are committed to the development of the South African shipbuilding industry and putting Africans at the heart of it.
The merger of two of Africa’s most innovative companies should see Nautic Africa double their staff employment in the next two years. Ivor Ichikowitz, Executive Chairman of Paramount Group, said: “We are committed to the development of the South African shipbuilding industry and putting Africans at the heart of it.
 

Indian Navy Commissions First Advanced Light Helicopter (Dhruv) Squadron
 
The X-47B Unmanned Combat Air System Demonstrator (UCAS-D) conducted flight operations aboard the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71), Nov. 10. The event, the most-recent in a series of carrier-based tests, demonstrated the integration of the latest in naval aviation technology with the most advanced and capable carrier.
The first ALH (Dhruv) Squadron was commissioned at Kochi today by Vice Admiral Shekhar Sinha, Flag Officer Commanding in Chief Western Naval Command. Dhruv is the first indigenously designed and manufactured helicopter at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited and with its multi role capabilities has proven her mettle in all the three services of the Armed Forces, Indian Coast Guard, BSF and in the inventory of foreign countries.
 

X-47B UCAS-D conducts flight operations aboard aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71)
 
The X-47B Unmanned Combat Air System Demonstrator (UCAS-D) conducted flight operations aboard the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71), Nov. 10. The event, the most-recent in a series of carrier-based tests, demonstrated the integration of the latest in naval aviation technology with the most advanced and capable carrier.
The X-47B Unmanned Combat Air System Demonstrator (UCAS-D) conducted flight operations aboard the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71), Nov. 10. The event, the most-recent in a series of carrier-based tests, demonstrated the integration of the latest in naval aviation technology with the most advanced and capable carrier.
 

NHIndustries Delivers First NH90 Step B to Italian Navy
 
NHI is proud to announce that the first NH90 NFH Step B, has been delivered today to the Italian Navy. This fully operational naval helicopter will be assigned to the 5th Helicopter Squadron of the Italian Navy at the Sarzana-Luni base. The Italian Navy has ordered 56 NH90s, 46 of which in the NFH variant.
NHI is proud to announce that the first NH90 NFH Step B, has been delivered today to the Italian Navy. This fully operational naval helicopter will be assigned to the 5th Helicopter Squadron of the Italian Navy at the Sarzana-Luni base. The Italian Navy has ordered 56 NH90s, 46 of which in the NFH variant.
 

HMS Queen Elizabeth Aircraft Carrier hull completed with last piece in place
 
Workers at the Aircraft Carrier Alliance celebrated the creation of the UK’s biggest ever aircraft carrier as the final piece of the hull’s main structure was lowered into place yesterday (November 10). Under the watchful eye of shipyard workers the Goliath crane gently manoeuvred the very front part of the aircraft ramp or ‘ski-jump’ of HMS Queen Elizabeth into place.

Workers at the Aircraft Carrier Alliance celebrated the creation of the UK’s biggest ever aircraft carrier as the final piece of the hull’s main structure was lowered into place yesterday (November 10). Under the watchful eye of shipyard workers the Goliath crane gently manoeuvred the very front part of the aircraft ramp or ‘ski-jump’ of HMS Queen Elizabeth into place.

 

ROC Navy christens Panshih fast combat support ship
 
Republic of China (Taiwan) Navy christened a locally made fast combat support ship in Kaohsiung, with the aim of putting the vessel into service by the end of the year, according to the Ministry of National Defense.
Republic of China (Taiwan) Navy christened a locally made fast combat support ship in Kaohsiung, with the aim of putting the vessel into service by the end of the year, according to the Ministry of National Defense.
 

JSDF deploys Type 88 land based mobile anti-ship missiles launchers in Okinawa
 
Japanese defense ministry officials announced that its forces are conducting an exercise that places Type-88 surface-to-ship missiles on Miyako Island. It is the first time Japan has conducted such an exercise. The strait between Okinawa and Miyako is a common access route to the Pacific by the Chinese navy.
Japanese defense ministry officials announced that its forces are conducting an exercise that places Type-88 surface-to-ship missiles on Miyako Island. It is the first time Japan has conducted such an exercise. The strait between Okinawa and Miyako is a common access route to the Pacific by the Chinese navy.
 

BAE Systems to Develop HVP Next-Generation Guided Projectile for U.S. Navy
 
BAE Systems has received a $33.6 million contract from the Office of Naval Research (ONR) to develop and demonstrate a Hyper Velocity Projectile (HVP). The HVP is a next-generation, guided projectile capable of completing multiple missions for the Electromagnetic Railgun, as well as existing 5-inch and 155-mm gun systems. This competitive award marks the initiation of Phase 1A of the program.
BAE Systems has received a $33.6 million contract from the Office of Naval Research (ONR) to develop and demonstrate a Hyper Velocity Projectile (HVP). The HVP is a next-generation, guided projectile capable of completing multiple missions for the Electromagnetic Railgun, as well as existing 5-inch and 155-mm gun systems. This competitive award marks the initiation of Phase 1A of the program.
 

New, Larger Raytheon Standard Missile-3 Moves From Design to Testing
 
A new, more powerful version of the missile-hunting Standard Missile-3 has passed from design to the testing phase, Raytheon announced during a conference in Poland on Wednesday, Oct. 30. The new Standard Missile-3 Block IIA, developed in cooperation with Japan, features a larger kinetic warhead and bigger rocket motors that allow it to defend broader areas from ballistic missile threats. The SM-3 Block IIA is also the centerpiece of the European missile defense system.
A new, more powerful version of the missile-hunting Standard Missile-3 has passed from design to the testing phase, Raytheon announced during a conference in Poland on Wednesday, Oct. 30. The new Standard Missile-3 Block IIA, developed in cooperation with Japan, features a larger kinetic warhead and bigger rocket motors that allow it to defend broader areas from ballistic missile threats. The SM-3 Block IIA is also the centerpiece of the European missile defense system.
 

USS America (LHA 6) amphibious assault ship set sail for Builder's Trials
 
The newest amphibious assault ship America (LHA 6) was christened Oct. 20 2012 at a ceremony in Pascagoula, Miss. The 844-foot ship will be a flexible, multi-mission platform necessary to quickly respond to incidents worldwide and provide forward presence and project power as part of joint, interagency, and multinational maritime expeditionary forces.
The newest amphibious assault ship America (LHA 6) set sail this morning for builder's trials. The ship was christened Oct. 20 2012 at a ceremony in Pascagoula, Miss. The 844-foot ship will be a flexible, multi-mission platform necessary to quickly respond to incidents worldwide and provide forward presence and project power as part of joint, interagency, and multinational maritime expeditionary forces.
 

General Dynamics NASSCO Lays Keel of MLP-3 in AFSB Configuration
 
General Dynamics NASSCO hosted a keel laying ceremony for the USNS Lewis B. Puller, the third ship in the Mobile Landing Platform (MLP) class. The ship is named in honor of Lewis B. Puller, the most decorated U.S. Marine in history and the only one to be awarded five Navy Crosses. Mrs. Elizabeth Glueck was the honoree for the keel-laying ceremony.
General Dynamics NASSCO hosted a keel laying ceremony for the USNS Lewis B. Puller, the third ship in the Mobile Landing Platform (MLP) class. The ship is named in honor of Lewis B. Puller, the most decorated U.S. Marine in history and the only one to be awarded five Navy Crosses. Mrs. Elizabeth Glueck was the honoree for the keel-laying ceremony.
 

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