Sensors & Combat Systems
USS Shamal Completes 4th Fleet Patrol
Cyclone-class patrol coastal USS Shamal (PC 13) returned April 20 from her second 45-day patrol in the U.S 4th Fleet area of operations. Shamal deployed Dec. 9, 2015 and again March 8 to conduct counter illicit trafficking operations in support of Operation Martillo. Operation Martillo, a joint, int
USS Zumwalt starts Navy’s acceptance trials
The U.S. Navy’s future guided-missile destroyer USS Zumwalt (DDG 1000) departed Bath, Maine to conduct acceptance trials with the Navy’s Board of Inspection and Survey (INSURV) on April 20. While underway, many of the ship’s key systems and technologies including navigation, propulsion readiness, au
Belgian frigate BNS Louise Marie completes two year modernization program
Belgian Navy’s multi-purpose frigate Louise Marie F931 has returned to its homeport in Zeebrugge, Belgium, after undergoing modernization in the Netherlands. The frigate was docked in Den Helder, where she was fitted with new weapons and communications. BNS Louise Marie will now be performing operat
RV Belgica undergoes electrical overhaul
Dutch electrical systems provider Alewijnse Marine Systems was awarded a contract for the refit of key electrical systems on board RV Belgica, an oceanographic research vessel owned by the Belgian state. Back in 2015, Alewijnse completed electrical repairs on the vessel and launched a year-long rese
Erapsco lands US Navy sonobuoy contract
The U.S. Navy has awarded Erapsco, a joint venture of Ultra Electronics Holdings and Sparton Corporation, a $101,1 million contract for sonobuoy manufacturing. A sonobuoy is a device used to detect and identify objects moving in the water. Sonobuoys are mostly used to detect submarines by either lis
USS John P. Murtha wraps up acceptance trials
The U.S. Navy has informed that its future amphibious transport dock John P. Murtha (LPD 26) successfully completed acceptance trials on April 15. The trials consisted of a series of in port and underway tests that validate the functionality of ship’s systems. They are conducted by the Navy’s Board
DALO, Kongsberg renew maritime simulator cooperation
The Danish Defence Acquisition and Logistics Organization (DALO) and Kongsberg have renewed their maritime simulation co-operation with the March 2016 signing of a new framework agreement, including a ten year ‘Long Term System Support Program’ (LTSSP) extension. Under the contract DALO will have ac
Mine-hunters test their skills during IMCMEX
Sailors aboard the U.S. Navy’s mine counter measures ship USS Sentry (MCM 3) successfully piloted an unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) mounted with live explosives to destroy a training mine during International Mine Countermeasures Exercise (IMCMEX). Run every couple of years, IMCMEX is often dubbe
Australian Hobart destroyer revs main engine for first time
Australian Shipbuilding Corporation (ASC) and the Air Warfare Destroyer (AWD) Alliance marked a major milestone in the construction of the Hobart-class destroyers when one of the main engines that will drive the propellers of NUSHIP Hobart was started. The large 5650kW Bravo V16 Propulsion Diesel en
French frigate ‘Aconit’ joins CTF 152
French Navy frigate Aconit has joined Combined Task Force 152 (CTF 152) whilst carrying out maritime security operations in the Arabian Gulf. CTF 152 is one of three task forces that make up Combined Maritime Forces and is charged with ensuring maritime security and freedom of navigation in the Arab
HMAS Parramatta to undock next week
Royal Australian Navy’s Anzac-class frigate HMAS Parramatta (FFH 154) is to be undocked next week in Henderson, Western Australia, BAE Systems announced. Parramatta is the sixth Anzac-class frigate to undergo the anti-ship missile defense upgrade initiated by the Australian government in 2007. In to
New US Navy research ship joins the fleet
U.S. Navy’s new research vessel R/V Neil Armstrong recently arrived at its new home at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution in Massachusetts. During a pierside ceremony featuring remarks from former astronaut Neil Armstrong’s widow, Carol, current astronaut Sunita Williams, and Frank Herr, head
Danish frigates to receive air and missile defense upgrades
Danish Defence Acquisition and Logistics Organization (DALO) has signed a contract with Danish company Terma for Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD) upgrades for its Iver Huitfeld-class frigates. Under the contract Terma will provide DALO with study and advisory support within the Ballistic Mi
HMAS Adelaide in first unit readiness drill
One of Royal Australian Navy’s largest ever warships, landing helicopter dock HMAS Adelaide, has departed Sydney Harbor and is engaged in her first unit readiness work-up. The ship’s company had little time to appreciate the significance of the milestone with Adelaide’s work-up beginning in earnest