Damen Shipyards Group has submitted a tender for the SEA 1180 Phase 1 Project to deliver twelve Offshore Patrol Vessels to the Royal Australian Navy. To demonstrate its commitment to on time and within specification delivery Damen submitted its response early. Damen has teamed with ASC Forgacs Shipb
The wings of the Royal Marines are ready for action with their French counterparts after a month’s training aboard the FS Mistral. Two Merlins from 845 NAS are assigned to the assault ship throughout her six-month deployment to the Indian and Pacific Oceans – the first time the green Merlins have go
Following the pirating of an Indian registered cargo dhow off the coast of Somalia on Saturday 1 April 2017, EU NAVFOR once again reiterates the need for vigilance to all ships transiting the piracy high risk area. Vessels are strongly recommended to adhere to self-protection measures laid down in t
Australia’s amphibious ships are driving responsibility and challenges to all levels of the crew, with leading seamen taking ‘commanding’ roles on the new landing craft. Leading Seaman Boatswains Mate Edward Holcombe is one of those sailors, in charge of one of HMAS Adelaide’s landing craft – critic
EU Naval Force can confirm that an Indian registered cargo dhow was seized by suspected pirates on 01 April and is now in the vicinity of Hobyo, Somalia. An EU Naval Force maritime patrol aircraft has confirmed the exact location of the dhow and has attempted to establish radio communications but wi
Navy people come from all walks of life, bringing different perspectives and traditions to the modern service – a fact not lost on many on 21 March – Harmony Day. The day aims to celebrate Australia’s cultural diversity, emphasising inclusiveness, respect and a sense of belonging. Like many Navy shi
The U.S. Naval Air Systems Command has awarded Raytheon a $199.7 million contract modification for the delivery of 317 AIM-9X Block II missiles. The Navy will receive 107 all up round tactical full-rate production Lot 17 missiles while the Air Force will get the remaining 210. In addition, this modi
Royal Australian Navy’s oldest warship HMAS Darwin departed Fleet Base West after what will probably be the frigate’s final visit before being decommissioned later this year. HMAS Darwin slipped from the wharf at Fleet Base West and set sail for Sydney recently, signalling the end of the warship’s l
The Australian government on Friday released the Request for Tender (RFT) for the Royal Australian Navy’s $35 billion Future Frigate project. The RFT was issued to the three shortlisted designers: British BAE Systems, Italy’s Fincantieri and Spain’s Navantia. Minister for Defence Industry, Christoph
South Australian Minister for Defence Industries Martin Hamilton-Smith has warned the Australian government about naval shipbuilding jobs and investment being at risk if the Federal Government does not deliver the promised 90 per cent level of local industry content. According to the minister, conce
The recent visit of the U.S. Navy’s Los Angeles class attack submarine, USS Oklahoma, to the Australian Fleet Base West coincided with the Australian Navy’s biennial Submarine Command Course. Seven prospective undersea commanding officers from the United States Navy joined their Australian colleague
Italian Navy’s Maestrale-class frigate ITS Espero has joined the EU’s counter piracy mission off the coast of Somalia. ITS Espero was welcomed to the counter-piracy task force on Saturday, March 25. Led by Commander Luigi Pirozzi, ITS Espero’s sailors and marines prepared for their mission with oper
Spanish Navy’s Aegis-equipped frigate Cristobal Colon arrived in Sydney on Friday as part of her role in preparing Australian Navy sailors for the operation of Australia’s first Aegis destroyer Hobart. The frigate was escorted into Sydney Harbour by Royal Australian Navy ships Darwin, Melbourne and
The Australian government is establishing a maritime technical college to identify, train or retrain workers for the country’s $89 billion shipbuilding program, Australian Minister for Defense industry announced on Friday. Minister Christopher Pyne said an initial $25 million would be invested into
