Boeing’s prototyping department Phantom Works has unveiled the first photos of their contender for the US Navy’s MQ-25 unmanned refueling program. This is the first time the company is displaying its unmanned aircraft system (UAS) proposed for refueling US Navy jets operating from aircraft carriers.
US Navy destroyer USS Preble (DDG 88) assisted an Iranian vessel in the Persian Gulf, stranded 60 nautical miles from nearest land with no communication capabilities. An MH-60R Sea Hawk embarked with Preble was conducting routine flight operations on December 16 when they spotted the Iranian vessel
US Navy guided-missile cruiser USS Vella Gulf (CG 72) wrapped up eight months of operations in the US 5th Fleet area of operation returning to her homeport at Naval Station Norfolk on December 15. The cruiser got underway on April 23, as an independent deployer, to support maritime security operatio
The Royal Malaysian Navy held a keel-laying ceremony for its third Gowind-based littoral combat ship on December 18. The ceremony which took place at the Boustead Naval Shipyard marks the official start of construction works. The vessel is named KD Raja Mahadi and will bear pennant number 2503. Also
Dutch shipbuilder Damen has contracted Bakker Sliedrecht to deliver its electrical auxiliary propulsion system for the Mexican Navy’s SIGMA 10514 long-range patrol vessel. The vessel is currently under construction at Damen Schelde Naval Shipbuilding (DSNS) in Vlissingen, the Netherlands, after the
Sailors aboard the US Navy’s guided-missile destroyer USS Chafee (DDG 90) and ship repair personnel in Singapore concluded ten days of repairs works on the destroyer, making sure it is ready to continue its operational deployment. The voyage repair availability took place in Singapore and was comple
The US Naval Sea Systems Command has awarded Lockheed Martin a $135.8 contract for work on the development and integration of the Aegis Baseline 9 systems for Japan Maritime Self Defense Force destroyers. The Baseline 9/BMD 5.1 variant is referred to as J7 for Japanese destroyers. The contract award
US Navy’s Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) has qualified the first nine F-35C Lightning II pilots during its underway period. The Fleet Replacement Squadron (FRS) Carrier Qualifications were successfully completed between December 7 and 11. Along with Abraham Lincoln, the “
Peruvian naval shipyard SIMA has started the modernization of the Peruvian Navy’s four Type 209/1200 submarines. The first boat to undergo the upgrades is the BAP Chipana which was recently lifted out of the water onto a dry dock for the maintenance. The Syncrolift system the company used for the pr
The US Marine Corps’ unmanned helicopter has completed a successful final flight demonstration at Marine Corps Base Quantico, the Office of Naval Research (ONR) announced. The unmanned helicopter enhances autonomy options for the Marine Corps and was developed as part of the Autonomous Aerial Cargo/
US defense contractor Raytheon announced it has completed design, development and testing of its Cooperative Engagement Capability system which will provide the Australian Navy’s new Hobart-class destroyers with enhanced air warfare capabilities. The systems are yet to be certified by the US Navy, h
Members of the US Naval Amphibious Force, Task Force 51, 5th Marine Expeditionary Brigade (TF 51/5) on December 13 started a bilateral amphibious combat rehearsal in international waters off the coast of Djibouti, Africa. They will be teaming up with the French Task Group 473.1 which is composed of
The crew of US Navy’s Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Carney (DDG 64) concluded the first port call of their forward-deployed patrol, departing Valletta, Malta, on December 12. USS Carney also became the first US Navy ship to moor in Valletta since 2014. “We are thankful for the hos
The Indian Navy is set to commission its first Scorpene-class submarine INS Kalvari in a ceremony in Mumbai on December 14. Indian prime minister Narendra Modi will have the honor of officially inducting the submarine into service in a ceremony attended by state and navy leaders. INS Kalvari was bui
