Vessels
Royal Thai Navy launches second Krabi-class OPV
Thailand’s Bangkok Dock has launched the Royal Thai Navy’s second Krabi-class offshore patrol vessel, the future HTMS Prachuap Khiri Khan (552). The ship, which was built under a licensing agreement with UK’s BAE Systems, was launched on August 2. It is based on the River-class OPVs currently being
Donated ROK Navy corvette setting sail for the Philippines
The ship was commissioned into Philippine Navy service on August 5.
US Coast Guard receives 35th fast response cutter
Bollinger Shipyards delivered the 35th fast response cutter (FRC), Angela McShan, to the US Coast Guard in Key West, Florida, on August 1. The cutter will be the third of three FRCs stationed in Cape May, New Jersey. Angela McShan, the cutter’s namesake, was the first African-American woman to be pr
Royal Navy frigate escorts Chinese Type 052C destroyer through English Channel
Royal Navy frigate HMS Westminster escorted a Chinese Type 052C destroyer through the English Channel as it was returning from Russia’s annual Navy Days event in St Petersburg. Fresh from a five-month patrol with NATO in the waters of northern Europe, Portsmouth-based HMS Westminster was activated t
Australian LHD deploys M1A1 MBT for first time
Royal Australian Navy landing helicopter dock HMAS Canberra has completed trials to transport an M1A1 main battle tank and large vehicle loads ashore using an LHD landing craft. The tests, carried out with the Australian Army’s 3rd Brigade, 2nd Cavalry Regiment and 3rd Combat Service Support Battali
Freedom-variant LCS Billings entering service in Florida
The Fincantieri Marinette Marine-built Freedom-variant littoral combat ship (LCS) USS Billings (LCS 15) is scheduled to enter US Navy service during an August 3 ceremony in Key West, Florida. The ship is named in honor of Billings, the largest city in Montana, as well as the people and military vete
Citing synergies, Germany chooses NH90 as Sea Lynx successor
After choosing the NHIndustries-developed NH90 to replace its old Sea King search and rescue helicopters, the German Navy now announced that it has picked the NH90 as replacement for the Sea Lynx Mk 88A helicopters. The navy said the decision to have a single aircraft type adjusted for performing bo
LCS USS Montgomery joins drill with Indonesian Navy
A littoral combat ship taking part in an Asia-Pacific exercise for first time since late 2017.
US command ship returns to Italian homeport after Baltic deployment
USS Mount Whitney supported a major milestone by the re-established US 2nd Fleet.
Final Tide-class tanker joins Royal Navy fleet
Almost a year after arriving in the UK for military customization and armament, Tide-class tanker RFA Tideforce entered service. Tideforce is the final of four ships in the class acquired to support Royal Navy, NATO and ally ship operations by providing fuel and fresh water. After receiving military
Jet suit man dashes between Royal Navy boats at sea
A Royal Marine Reservist who developed his own jet-powered body suit headed into the Solent with fast patrol boat HMS Dasher and a couple of boats to test his invention over the water for the first time. Richard Browning has demonstrated the potential of his jet-powered suit to the Royal Marines, jo
Japan Maritime Self Defense Force eyeing purchase of 20 unmanned helicopters
The Japanese government intends to acquire around 20 unmanned helicopters for its Maritime Self Defense Forces (JMSDF), local media reports have said citing unnamed officials. According to the Yomiuri Shimbun, the acquisition of a yet unspecified large, unmanned helicopter fleet would be in response
Standing NATO groups welcome new flagships in Spain
NATO’s two standing maritime groups welcomed new flagships in a ceremony at naval station Rota, Spain, on July 26. SNMG1, the group that mainly operates in the North and Baltic Sea, has a US Navy ship at its helm again as USS Gravely (DDG 107) was relieved by sister destroyer USS Gridley (DDG-101).
Indian Navy commissions sixth landing craft utility
The Indian Navy has commissioned its sixth landing craft utility (LCU 56) in a milestone for both the navy and shipbuilder Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Limited (GRSE). LCU 56 is the sixth of eight units in the class and the 100th navy ship to be delivered by the shipbuilder since 1961. Th