For probably the last time in its 40-year history the Navy’s principal shield against air attack, Sea Dart missiles, have been fired by a Royal Navy warship. HMS Edinburgh launched seven of the Mach 2 missiles at target drones off the Outer Hebrides in a last hurrah ahead of a major military exercis
Spanish frigate SPS Blaz de Leso (F 103) arrived in Norfolk April 16, and Brazilian frigate BNS Independzência (F 44) arrived April 19 to participate in a composite unit training exercise (COMTUEX) with the Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 8. Guided-missile destroyer USS Jason Dunham (DDG 109) sponsored b
Cassidian, the defence and security division of EADS, has proven the superior performance of its newly developed SPEXER™ 2000 Coastal radar in an extensive series of real-scenario field tests. In challenging test runs exerted last months in France, South Africa and the Middle East, the radar showed
Award-winning Yeovilton Air Day – the main public showcase for naval aviation in 2012 – has been officially launched in Somerset, with this year’s event commemorating the 30th anniversary of the Falklands. The show, which takes place on Saturday June 23, is one of the largest one-day events in the S
The recent steel cut ceremony held at Riva Trigoso Shipyard of FINCANTIERI was not normal routine, but a very special event, under many points of view. First of all, it is the start-up of the first ‘foreign’ contract for Orizzonte Sistemi Navali. As a matter of fact, Orizzonte was born in Europe, no
One of the most senior US naval commanders in the Gulf joined HMS Daring to see what Britain’s most advanced warship can do. Rear Admiral Mike Shoemaker is in charge of two American Carrier Strike Groups – a dozen warships, over 100 aircraft and more than 12,000 souls – on patrol and visited the des
Commander, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 26, the Norfolk-based guided-missile destroyer USS Forrest Sherman (DDG 98), and the fleet replenishment oiler USNS Leroy Grumman (T-AO 195) are participating in a multinational exercise off the coast of Scotland. Exercise Joint Warrior 12-1, which runs April 1
Ships of Black Sea Naval Cooperation Task Group (BLACKSEAFOR) left Sevastopol on Apr 17 after the 4-day visit and continued joint training… (rusnavy) [mappress] Source: Russian Navy, April 19, 2012;
During the last week EU Naval Force (NAVFOR) Spanish and French frigates have ensured that much needed humanitarian aid has been delivered safely to the people of Somalia. From 5 to 11 April, Spanish frigate ESPS Infanta Elena and French warship FS Aconit took it in turns to escort World Food Progra
Dutch EU NAVFOR warship HNLMS VAN AMSTEL completed two escorts of World Food Programme (WFP) chartered merchant vessels Mary Ann Hudson and Golden Bridge, on a tour between 14 and 17 April from Berbera to Bosaso and back. Both escorts in this high risk area were carried out smoothly and without any
Caspian Flotilla (CF) task unit consisting of corvette (small-size gunnery ship) Astrakhan and attached supply vessels completes preparation for a deployment to the Caspian Sea. Basic purpose of the deployment is demonstration of Russian naval ensign and maintaining of Russia’s naval presence in key
On Saturday 14 April Spanish warship ESPS Reina Sofia, who is now operating as part of the EU’s counter-piracy mission, Operation Atalanta, stopped a Yemeni dhow that was suspected of carrying armed Somali pirates. The French Air Force Awacs E3F, FS Dixmude and her helicopters, as well as an Austral
The Navy’s Antarctic patrol ship HMS Protector ventured further south than ever before on her maiden deployment as she delivered vital supplies to polar scientists. The Portsmouth-based survey ship sailed to Rothera research base – 800 miles south of Cape Horn – allowing her sailors and marines to e
On Saturday the 14th of April the Italian Frigate ITS SCIROCCO has joined the European Naval Force to combat piracy off Somalia. ITS SCIROCCO, while being specifically equipped for anti-submarine warfare, is an effective multi-purpose frigate with an extensive experience in counter-piracy operations