Vessels
ECA Group unveils new USV INSPECTOR 120
ECA Group has released a new INSPECTOR 120 unmanned surface vehicle (USV) as a part of its robotic and autonomous systems portfolio for naval applications. As explained by the company, the 12-meter USV has been developed to automatically deploy the ECA Group unmanned systems (UUVs) such as autonomou
US Navy contracts Qinetiq for armored reconnaissance vehicle research
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
Assault ship HMS Albion arrives in Oman for major exercise Saif Sareea
Royal Navy amphibious assault ship HMS Albion has arrived in Oman ahead of the start of an exercise that will see the involvement of over 4,000 British personnel. Exercise Saif Sareea (Swift Sword) is the largest combined military exercise for UK forces since 2002 and HMS Albion will be in charge of
US Coast Guard NSC home after seizing 10 tons of cocaine
US Coast Guard’s national security cutter USCGC Strato returned home after a deployment in which operations spanned from the Arctic Ocean to the coasts of South America. Stratton’s crew began their deployment in the Arctic Ocean in support of Coast Guard District Seventeen and operation Arctic Shiel
Second Royal Navy aircraft carrier receives navigation bridge
The Royal Navy’s second Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carrier – the future HMS Prince of Wales – received its navigation bridge, five months ahead of schedule. The Aircraft Carrier Alliance which is in charge of constructing the two carriers said the delivery of the bridge was originally planned fo
US Navy to christen new guided-missile destroyer this week
The US Navy will christen the newest guided-missile destroyer, the future USS Frank E. Petersen Jr. (DDG 121), at a ceremony at Huntington Ingalls Industries shipyard in Pascagoula, Mississippi, on October 6. Launched in July this year, the future Frank E. Petersen Jr. will be the 71st Arleigh Burke
Royal Navy’s new tanker RFA Tidesurge begins trials
At the beginning of October, the third of Royal Fleet Auxiliary’s new tankers headed to sea to begin military trials. RFA Tidesurge (A138) — one of four Tide-class ships built to support the new carriers and their battle groups — has already proven her seakeeping abilities courtesy as she arrived in
First Royal Saudi Navy MH-60R arrives at Mayport for flight crew training
The first of ten future Royal Saudi Arabian Navy MH60-R Seahawk helicopters landed at Naval Station Mayport on October 2. Saudi pilots and crew are expected to spend the next three years training with HSM 40, a helicopter squadron based out of Naval Station Mayport. “This is an exciting day!” said L
Australia awards BAE Systems first Hunter-class frigate contract
The Australian government announced on October 4 the signing of an interim contract with BAE Systems Australia for the Royal Australian Navy’s Hunter-class frigate program. The Advanced Work Arrangement (AWA) will cover ongoing work on the $35 billion program, ahead of agreeing the head contract. Au
South Africa hosts sixth edition of three-nation IBSAMAR drill
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
F-35Bs ace night-time landings on HMS Queen Elizabeth trials
F-35 Lightning jets achieved another milestone during flight trials on board the Royal Navy aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth by completing first night-time landings. Britain’s biggest warship is currently conducting flight testing off the east coast of the United States and part of that is pract
Navantia bags Spain-based US destroyer maintenance contract extension
Spanish shipbuilder Navantia announced it has received a contract extension for the maintenance of four US Navy destroyers forward-deployed to the Spanish Navy base Rota. The original contract first entered into force in November 2013 and includes one-year extension options until November 2020. Acco
SA Shipyards contracts Unique Group for hydrographic newbuild components
Southern African Shipyards has awarded subsea and offshore solution specialist Unique Group a contract to deliver dynamic positioning systems and navigational equipment for its hydrographic newbuilds. Through its Marine & Subsea division, Unique Group will be delivering the equipment for multiple –
USNS Comfort ready for 11-week medical assistance mission in South America
US Navy hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) is ready to start Enduring Promise, an 11-week medical assistance mission conducted with host-nation health and government partners in Ecuador, Peru, Colombia, and Honduras. Comfort is scheduled to depart Norfolk on October 11, en route to South America a