Vessels
UK to retire warship trio after century of combined service
The Royal Navy has decided to retire two Type 23 frigates, HMS Richmond and HMS Iron Duke, and minehunter HMS Chiddingfold, after the three warships delivered more than a century of combined operational service.
GABLER, FLANQ complete sea trials of submarine-launched USV
German companies GABLER and FLANQ have completed Sea Acceptance Tests (SAT) for their torpedo-tube-launched uncrewed surface vessel (TTL USV).
Lithuania eyes Norwegian-developed standardized vessel for its naval fleet
Norway and Lithuania have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cooperation related to standardized vessels, paving the way for Lithuania’s potential participation in Norway’s Standardised Vessel Program and possible procurement of Norwegian-developed platforms.
Netherlands and Belgium to transfer seven minehunters to Bulgaria
The Netherlands, Belgium and Bulgaria have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen maritime security in the Black Sea through the transfer of seven mine countermeasure vessels to the Bulgarian Navy.
France orders 24 new coastal patrol vessels for Maritime Gendarmerie
France’s Defence Procurement Agency (DGA) has awarded a contract to French shipbuilder Couach for the construction of 24 new coastal surveillance patrol vessels for the Maritime Gendarmerie.
Fincantieri inks two MoUs with Croatian shipbuilders for corvette program
Italian shipbuilding major Fincantieri has signed two Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with Croatian shipbuilding companies Brodotrogir Cruise and Iskra Shipyard as part of the company’s participation in the naval acquisition program for two multi-role corvettes (MRC).
WATCH: World’s first USV airdrop completed using military transport aircraft
A ‘world-first’ capability demonstration has seen an uncrewed surface vessel (USV) airdropped from a military transport aircraft, proving a new method for rapidly deploying maritime systems into contested or difficult-to-access operating environments.
Germany clears purchase of four MEKO A-200 frigates, eyes more warships
The Budget Committee of the German Bundestag has approved the procurement of four MEKO A-200 DEU-class frigates for the German Navy.
UK, Netherlands sign £2.4B deal for next-generation amphibious transport ships
The UK and the Netherlands have signed a £2.4 billion agreement to jointly procure a new class of amphibious transport ships.
Four NATO members order up to five MQ-4C Triton UAVs
Denmark, Finland, Germany, and Norway have decided to buy up to five Northrop Grumman MQ-4C Triton high-altitude, long-endurance unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to strengthen NATO’s Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) Force.
UK launches strike drone from experimentation ship at sea
The Royal Navy has launched a strike-capable drone from its experimentation ship XV Patrick Blackett, during recent trials off the south coast of England.
Denmark orders four marine environmental protection and minelaying vessels
The Danish Defence Acquisition and Logistics Organization (DALO) has signed a contract with Orlogsskibe Danmark, a consortium comprising OSK Design, Karstensens Skibsværft, and Hvide Sande Shipyard, for the construction of four marine environmental protection and minelaying vessels.
QinetiQ introduces additive manufacturing capability for UK submarine maintenance
QinetiQ has introduced an onsite additive manufacturing capability at HM Naval Base Clyde to help accelerate maintenance and repair work for the Royal Navy’s submarine fleet.
Poland orders three A26 submarines from Saab
Swedish defense company Saab has signed a contract with the Polish State Treasury Armaments Agency and received an order for the production and delivery of three A26-type submarines.