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US State Department approves sale of MH-60R helicopters to Mexico
The US State Department has approved the sale of eight Sikorsky MH-60R Seahawk multi-mission helicopters to Mexico under a deal worth an estimated $1.20 billion. The potential acquisition of the helicopters would boost Mexico’s ability to carry out anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare missions an
Australian warships “challenged” by Chinese ahead of Vietnam visit
A task group of three Royal Australian Navy ships was reportedly involved in what was termed as a “robust interaction” with Chinese PLA Navy ships in the South China Sea, according to a report by Australian Broadcasting Corp. The three Royal Australian Navy ships, frigates HMAS Anzac and Toowoomba a
First Peruvian Navy landing platform dock B.A.P. Pisco starts sea trials
B.A.P. Pisco, the lead ship of the Peruvian Navy’s landing platform dock ships, has started sea trials, the Peruvian Navy announced April 19. Pisco got underway from the Peruvian state-owned shipyard SIMA (Servicios Industriales de la Marina S.A.) in Callao, where it was launched in April 2017, afte
Royal Navy’s HMS Albion set for Indonesia visit
Royal Navy landing platform dock HMS Albion is scheduled to arrive in Indonesia on April 22, for the ship’s first port call in Southeast Asia as part of her Asia Pacific tasking. Albion will arrive in Jakarta on April 22 for a three day visit during which the ship’s crew will conduct bilateral talks
Saab contracted for Australian OPV systems deliveries
Luerssen Australia, the shipbuilder in charge of delivering of 12 new offshore patrol vessels to the Royal Australian Navy, has contracted Saab for the delivery of its systems for the new ships. Under the contract, Saab will be responsible for delivering its Situational Awareness System (SAS) and th
Eleventh San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock entering service
The US Navy’s eleventh San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock USS Portland (LPD 27) is entering service in a ceremony on Saturday, April 21, at the Port of Portland, Marine Terminal 2 in Portland, Oregon. Deputy secretary of defense Patrick M. Shanahan will deliver the ceremony’s principal addr
UK starts construction of new maritime patrol aircraft hub
The UK defense secretary cut the first turf on April 19 for a new facility at RAF Lossiemouth which will house the UK’s new fleet of Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft (MPA). The £132m site will be the future home to the country’s nine-strong, new P-8A Poseidon MPA fleet. The aircraft’s key role will
Peru hosts US, Colombia for anti-submarine warfare drill SIFOREX
Naval units from the US and Colombia are taking part in the Peru-hosted Silent Forces Exercise (SIFOREX) 2018 which began in Lima, Peru on April 16. SIFOREX is a naval exercise that focuses on anti-submarine warfare (ASW) proficiency and presents the US Navy with an opportunity to hone ASW operation
UK multinational drill Joint Warrior starting next week
The UK-hosted multinational, tri-service exercise Joint Warrior is starting next week with warships and personnel already en route to the Scottish Coasts. The exercise will be attended by 16 nations who will take part in a range of maneuvers over a course of two weeks. Before the actual at sea maneu
Austal finalizes deal for Timor Leste PPB pair
Australian shipbuilder Austal has finalized the contract for two Guardian-class Pacific Patrol Boats (PPB) to be built for Timor Leste. As informed, the additional contract is worth A$29.7 million and increases the total program from 19 to 21 vessels. The potential for the extension to the existing
US Navy forward-deploys ballistic missile defense destroyer to Japan
The US Navy announced that its ballistic missile defense (BMD)-capable guided missile destroyer USS Milius (DDG 69 is leaving her homeport of San Diego to join the US Navy Forward Deployed Naval Forces-Japan. The destroyer is getting underway on April 20 and will be forward deployed to Commander Fle
Italian Navy decommissions Soldati-class patrol vessel ITS Bersagliere
The Italian Navy decommissioned its third Soldati-class patrol ship ITS Bersagliere in a ceremony at Italian naval base La Spezia on April 17. Bersagliere was decommissioned after 23 years of service in a ceremony attended by Italian Navy Chief Admiral Valter Girardelli and other government and defe
USS Harry S. Truman arrives in Europe
US Navy aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman and ships from its carrier strike group entered the US 6th Fleet area of operations April 18 as part of their deployment to Europe and Africa. The carrier strike group arrived in European waters after getting underway from Naval Station Norfolk on April 1
BAE Systems picks Future Frigate steel suppliers
BAE Systems Australia will partner separately with each of BlueScope and Liberty OneSteel for the supply of more than 48,000 tons of Australian steel, should the company be selected to build nine Future Frigates as part of the Federal Government’s SEA 5000 program. BAE Systems is offering its Global