Navies

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...

 

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...

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...

One of the largest fleets in NATO, the German Navy appears to have escaped most of the recent cuts imposed by the government’s austerity plan, since construction of the new vessels and upgrades for existing platforms seems to continue. However, the planned reduction of 60 percent in its defense budget could have negative effect in the future, if the government decides to press on with the cuts.

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...

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...

As the first Littoral Combat Ship USS Freedom was delivered to the US Navy on September 18, 2008, marking the completion of the final sea trials phase, began on July 28, 2008 in Lake Michigan. While the US Navy suspended further acquisition of LCS class ships, Israel formally requested to buy up to four such light frigates built by Lockheed Martin....

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...

Last December Iran staged a six day of naval exercise in the Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz. Admiral Qasem Rostamabadi told state radio that the naval forces taking part in the wargame included 60 combat vessels covering over an area of 50,000 square miles, including the Sea of Oman off Iran's southern coast. Iran has previously said it could...

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...

The Lockheed Martin built Freedom class Littoral Combat Ship (LCS-1) is already in service, and could be deployed for its first mission as early as next year (early 2010) – two years ahead of its scheduled maiden deployment. The second vessel, USS Independence has completed builders sea trials last week and is awaiting inspection by the customer, prior to...

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...