The second multilateral maritime exercise Mare Aperto in 2018 has begun in the Mediterranean Sea, with the participation of the Italian, French and the US navies. The exercise, designed to improve combined combat capability, increase operational capacity, and strengthen relationships among exercise
Sailors from the navies of Malaysia and the US kicked off Maritime Training Activity (MTA) Malaysia 2018 in Lumut, Malaysia, October 8. As noted by the US Navy, 2018 marks a significant growth in the relationship between the US and Malaysia as both partner navies expanded their role in this year’s 2
The newly established Japan Ground Self Defense Force (JGSDF) Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade (ARDB) embarked a US Navy ship for the first time off the Philippine coast on October 2. The ARDB conducted amphibious operations with amphibious dock landing ship USS Ashland (LSD 48) during Kaagapay N
The Royal Canadian Navy has given the go-ahead for the Underwater Warfare Suite Upgrade (UWSU) of its Halifax-class frigates with a contract award to General Dynamics Mission Systems–Canada. The upgrade will modernize the underwater warfare sensor suite that is currently installed on the frigates, e
The US Office of Naval Research has contracted UK-based defense technology company QinetiQ to develop two separate systems for use in armored reconnaissance vehicles. Under the contract, Qinetiq will be responsible for developing its proprietary hub drive unit electric propulsion system and long tra
The annual IBSAMAR maritime exercise organized between the navies of Brazil, India and South Africa kicked off at Simons Town, South Africa, on October 1. The two-week exercise changes hosts every year, with the previous edition taking place in India. The exercise is designed to build interoperabili
Ships and personnel from the US, Spain, Germany and France concluded the four-day Smart Defense Exercise (SMARTEX) on September 28. SMARTEX is a NATO initiative designed to enhance interoperability and training between participating countries. During the exercise, Spanish sailors embarked aboard the
In an effort to fine-tune the 3-D printing process, the US Office of Naval Research and Lockheed Martin have teamed up to explore how to apply artificial intelligence to train robots to independently oversee—and optimize—3-D printing of complex parts. As explained by Lockheed, high-value and intrica
The new flagship of US 7th Fleet’s amphibious forces carried out a live-fire exercise in the South China Sea on September 27. Joined by the embarked 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), the USS Wasp amphibious ready group (ARG) conducted an integrated Defense of the Amphibious Task Force (DATF) dri
The US Navy has awarded two contracts totaling over $9 billion for the construction of Flight III configuration Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers. Awarded on September 27, the fiscal years (FY) 2018 – 2022 multiyear procurement (MYP) contracts will see General Dynamics Bath Iron Works (G
The US Coast Guard transferred two of its decommissioned Island-class cutters to Ukraine in a ceremony at the Coast Guard Yard in Baltimore, on September 27. The ceremony was attended by US Coast Guard Vice Adm. Michael McAllister, Ukrainian Navy chief Vice Adm. Ihor Voronchenko, and Ukraine’s presi
The US Navy carrier strike group assembled around aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan arrived at Naval Base Guam for a port visit after completing participation in exercise Valiant Shield. Sailors from the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) and the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser US
US shipbuilder Huntington Ingalls Industries has shared a video of US Navy aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) receiving a new, modernized, radar tower during the ship’s refueling and complex overhaul (RCOH). USS George Washington is the sixth Nimitz-class ship to undergo this major life
The US State Department has approved the sale of three SEAL Delivery Vehicles (SDV) MK 11 Shallow Water Combat Submersibles (SWCS) to the United Kingdom. The contract is worth an estimated $90 million and includes spares, handling and test equipment, and program support. According to the statement,
