Navies

Israel is interested in acquiring two corvette size ships to extend its naval operational capabilities. Fielding the new IAI Barak 8 Extended Range Air Defense Systems, the new vessels are expected to become the world's first 'air defense corvettes', providing the Israeli surface fleet independence of air-cover for the first time, enabling the Israeli vessels to deploy further away...

The US Navy's sixth San Antonio-class amphibious landing platform dock (LPD), USS San Diego (LPD 22), has been declared ready for combat operations following the successful completion of final contract trials (FCT). // Conducted by the US Navy Board of Inspection and Survey (INSURV), the FCT helps ensure that the USS San Diego ship meets all standards and requirements expected...

Three companies were awarded development contracts in 2010 to demonstrate conceptual designs for the Next Generation Aegis Missile (NGAM) – Boeing, Northrop Grumman and Lockheed Martin. While Raytheon, the manufacturer of all Standard Missiles has not been mentioned in relation to this future program it is likely that they will again partner with Lockheed Martin for this development. The...

Long Range Strike Missile The Defense Advanced Research Project Agency (DARPA) has awarded Lockheed Martin a contract worth $157 million for the development of an advanced long range anti ship missile (LRASM). The new anti-ship missile and its associated systems will extend the effective attack range of Navy warships beyond current or projected enemy anti-air and anti-ship capabilities. The new...

Photo above: Tichonderoga class missile cruiser CG 67 Shiloh fires a Standard Missile 3 on a missile defense test. Photo: US Navy In recent years the U.S. has increased its missile defense capability, with the introduction of enhanced capability Patriot (PAC-3) missiles, offering improved point defense against Short Range Ballistic Missiles. Sensors are also improved with AN/TPY-2 X-band radars providing detection...

Israel is interested in acquiring two corvette size ships to extend its naval operational capabilities. After analyzing the U.S. Littoral Combat Ship (LCS), Israel decided these vessels would be too costly. While each LCS would have cost $480, Israel was prepared to spend up to $300 per ship, which roughly corresponds with what the Malaysian Navy spent on a similar...

Manufacturer: Israel Aircraft Industries / Ramta Super Dvora Mk. III is the latest generation of the venerable Dvora/Dabur family of fast patrol boats (FPB). Selected again in January 2002 by the Israel Navy as its next generation FPB, the Mark III has superior operational capabilities evidenced in higher interception speeds against sea targets, increased operational ranges, incorporation of more advanced...

Paris February, 2010: The Russian Defense Ministry is negotiating procurement of additional three Mistral class amphibious assault ships from France. The estimated cost of each of the four ships is estimated at 300 - 400 million Euros. The negotiations began in September 2009 and by February 2010 French President Nicolas Sarkozy approved the sale of the first ship. Delivery of...

Boeing, Northrop Grumman and Lockheed Martin are competing on the technology development phase of the next generation Standard Missile-3 Block IIB (SM-3 IIB) ballistic missile interceptor. Designated 'Next Generation Aegis Missile' (NGAM), the new missile will be developed for the U.S. Missile Defense Agency, becoming a key component of the Obama administration's Phased Adaptive Approach for missile defense in...

2nd Article in the 2011 Flashpoint - Asia Series | A major player in the Asian scene is the Peoples Republic of China. This rising giant is already in the midst an immeasurable and unprecedented economic growth period, but creating perpetual insatiately need for a stable and secure oil supply. Beijing's main supply route is from the Persian Gulf, via...

Shaldag Mk-II class Fast Patrol Boat is the latest version of the original design, launched in 1989. Constructed of welded marine aluminum structure, 24.80 m long, and maximum beam width of 6 meters. The hull is shaped with smooth lines both above and below the water line, offering exceptional handling even at high sea state. The hull is divided...

As the U.S. Army recommends terminating the NLOS-LS Weapon System, the Navy will have to keep the program alive, securing the principal surface weapon system of the Littoral Combat Ship Above: The LCS-2 Independence - the Precision Attack Missile (insert) is the principal surface attack weapon of this vessel.Photos: General Dynamics and Raytheon Following a review of its precision fires capabilities...

Above: KD PAHANG, the Royal Malaysian Navy MEKO 100 class frigate and KD LAKSAMANA TAN PUSMAH (ASSAD) Class missile patrol boat at berth in Singapore Naval base for IMDEX. IMDEX 09 is providing a biannual hub for naval affairs, gathering leading delegations from 35 navies and coastguards from five continents represented at the show and the conference. The top brass comprises about...

Iran began today (April 22, 2010) a large scale exercise held in the Persian Gulf, south of the Hurmoz Straits. Public demonstrations held today simulated a naval assault on enemy landing craft. The assault began with a direct attack by a swarm of fast boats, attacking the target with anti-ship missiles and, by RPGs from very close range. This...