Brief Round up of latest info about various Navies & Equipment

[Pelican]

15.01.25

Mysterious new system aboard US aircraft carriers identified as MK24 MOD0 Radar
U.S. Navy aircraft carriers deployed in the Indo-Pacific region have recently been equipped with a mysterious new device. At first glance, it appears to be related to electronic warfare. But it actually fulfills a different role. Naval News was able to investigate and is now able to reveal the true role of the "Mk24 MOD0"
https://www.navalnews.com/event-news/sn ... od0-radar/

Indian Navy Inducts New Destroyer, Frigate and Submarine
The commissioning of three major combatants into the Indian Navy will boost its efforts to increase fleet size and capabilities amidst rapid buildup by the PLAN and modernization by Pakistan Navy.
https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/20 ... submarine/

Live Tracking Test Demonstrates SPY-7 Capability and Scalability
Lockheed Martin has conducted a successful live radar track test of its solid-state S-band AN/SPY-7(V)2 radar, the company told an online media briefing on 14 January. The system is set to be deployed first onboard the Spanish Navy’s new F-110 Bonifaz-class frigates.
https://www.navalnews.com/event-news/sn ... alability/

BAE Systems awarded contract to deliver Network Tactical Common Data Links to the U.S. Navy
In 2024, the U.S. Navy awarded BAE Systems an $85 million production contract to deliver additional Network Tactical Common Data Link (NTCDL) systems.
https://www.navalnews.com/event-news/sn ... -u-s-navy/

UAE’s first FALAJ 3 OPV launched by local shipbuilder ADSB
Emirati shipbuilder ADSB launched the first Falaj 3 offshore patrol vessel (OPV) for the UAE Navy on January 14, 2025.
https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/20 ... lder-adsb/

[Pelican]

16.01.25

Russian Ship Sinking: Spy Ship Yantar Diving on Wreck
During the forenoon of January 15th, the Russian oceanographic research vessel Yantar arrived in a position 40 nautical miles north of Oran, Algeria, and 216 nautical miles east of Gibraltar.
https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/20 ... -on-wreck/

French Navy kicks off La Perouse 2025 exercise in East Indian Ocean
The multinational La Perouse exercise, which takes place every two years, has begun in the eastern Indian Ocean around the Indonesian archipelago. Nine French allied and partner navies are participating. The focus is to train to secure strategic sea lines of communication in the Indo-Pacific.
https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/20 ... ian-ocean/

US Navy Begins Hypersonic Integration on USS Lyndon B. Johnson
Lyndon B. Johnson will be the second ship in the U.S. Navy to deploy hypersonics amid the service’s efforts to up-gun its Zumwalt-class destroyers with Conventional Prompt Strike.
https://www.navalnews.com/event-news/sn ... b-johnson/

Lockheed Martin Delivers First ASEV AN/SPY-7(V)1 Radar Antenna to Japan
Lockheed Martin successfully delivered the first AN/SPY-7(V)1 radar antenna for the Aegis System Equipped Vessel (ASEV) to the Japan Ministry of Defense.
https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/20 ... -to-japan/

[Pelican]

18.01.25

Philippines conducts live fire drills amid tensions with China
The Philippine Navy on Friday flexed its power by holding live fire drills during a "sovereignty patrol" in the disputed waters where China's "monster vessel" was spotted recently.
https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/20 ... ith-china/

U.S. Navy LCS Receive Upgraded C-UAS Hellfire Missiles
U.S. Navy LCS’ gain a new C-UAS capability amid the service’s unmanned threats in the Red Sea and search for a most cost-effective method of downing cheap drones.
https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/20 ... -missiles/

French Navy ATL2 aircraft targeted by Russian S400 SAM in Baltic Incident
In the night of Wednesday and Thursday, a French Navy Atlantique 2 maritime patrol aircraft (MPA) was subject to jamming and was locked by the fire-control radar of a Russian S400 air defense system.
https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/20 ... -incident/

General Atomics Pitches Drone Launch System for US and Allied Warships
The company is looking to deploy drones through a system derived from EMALS on land and on a number of warship types at-sea.
https://www.navalnews.com/event-news/sn ... -warships/

French Navy kicks off La Perouse 2025 exercise in East Indian Ocean
The multinational La Perouse exercise, which takes place every two years, has begun in the eastern Indian Ocean around the Indonesian archipelago. Nine French allied and partner navies are participating. The focus is to train to secure strategic sea lines of communication in the Indo-Pacific.
https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/20 ... ian-ocean/

[Pelican]

20.01.25

Arleigh Burke-class destroyer could get more firepower with AGM-179 JAGM
Lockheed Martin continuing on the path of adding more firepower to existing ships, this time adding multirole AGM-179 JAGM missiles to an Arleigh Burke-class model, replacing its RGM-84 Harpoon launchers.
https://www.navalnews.com/event-news/sn ... -179-jagm/

Naval News
[VIDEO] Lockheed Martin at SNA 2025: LCS with MK 70 launcher
Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) fitted with MK 70 Payload Delivery System.
The U.S. Army's MRC (Mid Range Capability) / Typhon missile system.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BNBuohfWITc

Belgian Navy lays keel of its fourth mine warfare mothership
Wednesday January 15 marked a symbolic milestone for the Belgian Navy and the city of Liège: the start of construction of the Liège, a mine countermeasures vessel, with a keel-laying ceremony at the Giurgiu shipyard in Romania. This event combines maritime tradition and modernity, and celebrates the men and women who will bring this project to life.
https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/20 ... othership/

Turkiye’s Bayraktar TB3 UCAV Carries Out First Munition Firing
On January 18, 2025, Turkish drone manufacturer Baykar announced the successful completion of the first firing test of the Bayraktar TB3 unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV), which is planned to be deployed onboard TCG Anadolu.
https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/20 ... on-firing/

Philippines conducts live fire drills amid tensions with China
The Philippine Navy on Friday flexed its power by holding live fire drills during a "sovereignty patrol" in the disputed waters where China's "monster vessel" was spotted recently.
https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/20 ... ith-china/

Naval News
[VIDEO] Lockheed Martin at SNA 2025: River-class Destroyer CA and F-110 Frigate ES
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SvtoiBBBZmQ

Lockheed Martin Provides Updates on Naval PAC-3 MSE and G-VLS
The U.S. Navy continues in their effort to integrate and field PAC-3 MSE on U.S. Navy destroyers. The capability would bring another layer of proven missile defense to the fleet.
https://www.navalnews.com/event-news/sn ... and-g-vls/

[Pelican]

21.01.25

NATO Builds Baltic Sentry Network Across Region
NATO is continuing to integrate assets across the operational domains, and to work with maritime operations centres (MOCs) across the Baltic Sea region, as it builds the deterrence presence generated by its ‘Baltic Sentry’ vigilance activity, according to the Commander of Standing NATO Maritime Group 1 (COM SNMG1).
https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/20 ... ss-region/

South Korea Kicks Off KDX-II Destroyer Upgrade Program
South Korea’s DAPA has initiated a major upgrade program for the KDX-II destroyers, replacing outdated systems with advanced domestic technology. The $135.93 million contract awarded to Hanwha Systems aims to enhance combat, sonar, and missile capabilities, ensuring the fleet's operational reliability and readiness.
https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/20 ... e-program/

Anadolu Shipyard lays keel of 5th I-class frigate for Turkish Navy
On January 17, 2025, Türkiye's Anadolu Shipyard laid the keel for the fifth I-class frigate in Istanbul. Although the ceremony was not officially announced by the company, images circulating on social media revealed the keel-laying of the ship.
https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/20 ... kish-navy/

Taiwan on track with Kang Ding-class Frigate Upgrade Program
Taiwan's first upgraded Kang Ding-class frigate will be delivered to the Republic of China (ROC) Navy in September 2025, as scheduled, according to local media reports.
https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/20 ... e-program/

[Pelican]

22.01.25

Gibbs & Cox MODEP concept at SNA 2025
Ray Sheldon, President of Leidos Gibbs & Cox, shares the latest on the company's MODEP Concept at SNA 2025.
The concept consists in converting surplus oil rigs into heavily armed mobile missile and resupply bases.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZT2UPdyNRAQ

Chinese Navy Commissions First Type 054B Next Gen Frigate
"Luohe" (pennant number 545) will serve with the Northern Theater Navy. Second hull likely to follow soon, but further production rate is yet to be clarified.
https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/20 ... n-frigate/

Hellenic Navy Acquires Upgraded Island-class Patrol Vessels
On Monday, January 20, 2025, the induction and naming ceremony of four upgraded Island-class coastal patrol vessels into the Hellenic Navy took place at the Salamis Shipyards.
https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/20 ... l-vessels/

SEA’s Torpedo Launcher System Selected for Latin American Frigate Programme
SEA's triple trainable Torpedo Launcher System (TLS) has been selected for a multi-million pound frigate programme in Latin America. The contract further cements SEA's weapon-agnostic launcher capability as the leading choice for the UK Royal Navy and other leading international navies in regions including North America and South-East Asia.
https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/20 ... programme/

NATO Builds Baltic Sentry Network Across Region
NATO is continuing to integrate assets across the operational domains, and to work with maritime operations centres (MOCs) across the Baltic Sea region, as it builds the deterrence presence generated by its ‘Baltic Sentry’ vigilance activity, according to the Commander of Standing NATO Maritime Group 1 (COM SNMG1).
https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/20 ... ss-region/

South Korea Kicks Off KDX-II Destroyer Upgrade Program
South Korea’s DAPA has initiated a major upgrade program for the KDX-II destroyers, replacing outdated systems with advanced domestic technology. The $135.93 million contract awarded to Hanwha Systems aims to enhance combat, sonar, and missile capabilities, ensuring the fleet's operational reliability and readiness.
https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/20 ... e-program/

[Pelican]

24.01.25

New U.S. Navy Hypersonic Missile Design Unveiled At SNA 2025
The U.S. Navy's premier hypersonic missile program, SM-6 Block IB, based on the SM-6 Block IA, has a new look, seen for the first time at SNA 2025.
https://www.navalnews.com/event-news/sn ... -sna-2025/

BAE Systems' Adaptable Deck Launching System at SNA 2025
The Adaptable Deck Launching System, or ADL, meets the need for a fixed angle, low elevation, deck-mounted ship defense launching system (SDLS) for near-term application onboard U.S. Navy and allied ships. The ADL is fully compatible with the Evolved SeaSparrow Missile (ESSM), in the Mk 25 Quad Pack Canister, as well as other canisters compatible with the Mk 41 Vertical Launching System (VLS). Launch control can be provided by the Mk 41 VLS electronics suite and other launch control systems.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=92wflwChho0

Turkish Navy to invest €350 million to Aksaz Naval Base infrastructure for TCG Anadolu and Other vessels
In the January issue of the Turkish Navy's monthly magazine, it was revealed that a significant investment of 350 million Euros is planned for the Aksaz Naval Base. This investment aims to construct new jetties to accommodate the deployment of large naval assets, including the amphibious assault ship TCG Anadolu and the fleet replenishment ship TCG Derya.
https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/20 ... t-carrier/

South Korea kicks off FFX Batch-IV frigate program
South Korea's DAPA has launched the Ulsan-class Batch-IV frigate program, the final phase of the next-generation frigate (FFX) initiative, featuring upgraded systems for enhanced efficiency and performance.
https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/20 ... e-program/

Chinese Navy Commissions First Type 054B Next Gen Frigate
"Luohe" (pennant number 545) will serve with the Northern Theater Navy. Second hull likely to follow soon, but further production rate is yet to be clarified.
https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/20 ... n-frigate/

UK Shadows Russian Ship Yantar in Demonstration of Surveillance Role in Deterring CUI threats
The UK Royal Navy (RN) has once more been shadowing a Russian vessel believed to have capabilities for mapping critical undersea infrastructure (CUI), as the vessel sailed close to UK waters for the second time in recent months.
https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/20 ... i-threats/

Babcock secures first Global Supply Chain Program contracts
Babcock Australasia (Babcock) has propelled three of its Australian suppliers into its global supply chain following a procurement request for an in-water clean on a Royal New Zealand Navy frigate in Australian waters.
https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/20 ... contracts/

Rolls-Royce signs landmark Unity contract with UK Ministry of Defence
Rolls-Royce has signed the biggest UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) contract in its history. The Unity contract stretches over eight years and brings together all elements of research and technology, design, manufacture and in-service support of the nuclear reactors that power the Royal Navy's fleet of submarines. This contract between Rolls-Royce Submarines Ltd and the UK MoD, forms a single, harmonious capability portfolio.
https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/20 ... f-defence/

Kongsberg to provide systems for Indonesia’s KCR-70M program
Kongsberg Maritime has secured a contract to supply advanced propulsion and manoeuvring technology for two new KCR-70 Fast Attack Craft for the Indonesian Navy. These vessels are currently under construction at the Sefine Shipyard in Türkiye.
https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/20 ... m-program/

GDMS wins US Navy contract for MK 54 lightweight torpedoes production
General Dynamics Mission Systems announced it won a major contract to produce new MK 54 Mod 1 lightweight torpedo kits for the U.S. Navy.
https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/20 ... roduction/

TKMS to complete IDAS submarine-launched missile development
At the end of last year, the Procurement Office of the Federal Ministry of the Interior (BAAINBw) signed the contract for the development and qualification of a guided missile system for the active self-defence of submarines.
https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/20 ... velopment/

Details on Finnish Navy participation in NATO’s Baltic Sentry activity
The Finnish Navy has announced further details regarding their participation in NATO’s enhanced Vigilance Activity (eVA) in the Baltic Sea.
https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/20 ... -activity/

U.S. Navy Brings “Offensive Capability” to LCS with Mk 70 PDS
The U.S. Navy looks to the Mk.70 PDS, a containerized VLS, to deliver SM-6 and Tomahawk cruise missile "offensive capability" to its Freedom and Independence LCS.
https://www.navalnews.com/event-news/sn ... mk-70-pds/

Australia continues to support local industry to join AUKUS submarine supply chains
The Australian Labor Government is investing an additional $262 million to support local defence industry uplift and develop Australia’s AUKUS nuclear-powered submarine supply chain.
https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/20 ... ly-chains/

Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force selects V-BAT UAS for ISR missions
Shield AI, the defense technology company building an AI-powered autonomy software platform and tools for the world, announced today that its V-BAT unmanned aircraft system (UAS) has been selected by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) as the country's first-ever maritime-based intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) platform.
https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/20 ... -missions/

[Pelican]

25.01.25

‘Back to the 80s’ for French Carrier Strike Group
From January 12 to 14, 2025, the sailors of the French Carrier Strike Group took a step back in time as part of the "Back to the 80's" exercise: They didn't use any modern communication means, reverting back to old school systems. Aircraft carrier "Charles de Gaulle" is currently taking part in an Indo Pacific deployment dubbed "Clemenceau 25".
https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/20 ... ike-group/

Naval News reposted
French defense attaché in SWEDEN
The Minehunter FS Croix du Sud has joined Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group 1 (SNMCMG1), one of Standing NATO maritime task groups.

Together with SNMG1, SNMCMG1 is participating in BalticSentry to protect critical undersea infrastructure in the Baltic Sea.
Quote
The Joint Staff - Military operations French Forces· Jan 24
Baltic Sea FS Croix du Sud joining the SNMCMG1 in support of Baltic Sentry NATO operation.

StrongerTogether to sharpen maritime presence in the Baltic Sea.
Deterrence and protection of critical undersea infrastructure.

[Pelican]

Rafael Demonstrates Compatibility of EW Decoy Rockets with SRBOC and 130mm Launchers

Rafael Advanced Defense Systems has successfully conducted a live-fire test of its Electronic Warfare (EW) decoy rockets using a standard 130mm launcher

Rafael press release

This test confirms the compatibility of Rafael’s decoy munitions with widely deployed 130mm decoy launching systems across global fleets.

Originally designed for Rafael’s proprietary fixed launchers and Elbit Systems’ trainable Deseaver launchers, this successful test broadens operational flexibility for navies worldwide, ensuring integration with standard 130mm decoy-launching systems.

Rafael’s wider EW decoy portfolio includes the operational C-GEM™ and WIZARD™ decoys. C-GEM™ is an off-board active RF decoy designed to counter advanced anti-ship missile threats. C-GEM™ employs a solid-state Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) transmitter with electronic beam steering, providing 360° azimuth coverage. It generates robust, coherent techniques based on advanced Digital Radio Frequency Memory (DRFM) to deceive sophisticated radar seekers. The WIZARD™ is a rapid-response corner reflector decoy that overcomes chaff discrimination capabilities. Deployed as a free-flight, fin-stabilized rocket, WIZARD™ features an encapsulated inflatable frame that forms corner reflectors upon deployment, creating realistic target characteristics to lure radar-guided missiles away from the protected vessel.

These decoys are integral components of Rafael’s Integrated Decoy System (IDS), offering a robust defense suite for naval vessels. The IDS is part of Rafael’s broader portfolio of naval defense solutions, which includes the C-Dome – the naval variant of the Iron Dome air defense system, providing protection against a wide range of aerial threats. Rafael also manufactures the Digital Shark, a Naval Electronic Countermeasure (ECM) system designed to autonomously detect and counter complex radar threats. Digital Shark was recently acquired by a NATO member navy, announced at Euronaval 2024.

These systems will be showcased at Aero India 2025 and NAVDEX 2025, where Rafael, together with its local industry partners and subsidiaries, will demonstrate the evolution of its defense offerings and its continued commitment to providing state-of-the-art solutions for global naval forces.

“In an era where maritime security threats are evolving rapidly, agility and adaptability are critical. At Rafael, we are committed to developing cutting-edge systems that respond dynamically to the challenges posed by advanced radar and missile technologies. This successful test not only underscores our excellence in creating innovative EW solutions but also demonstrates our ability to integrate seamlessly with existing platforms, ensuring navies remain operationally superior in the face of evolving threats.”

VP Ran Tavor, Head of Rafael’s Naval Systems Division

See https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/20 ... launchers/

[Pelican]

28.01.25

Airbus and Navantia to integrate SIRTAP Drone into Spanish Navy’s LHD
On January 28, 2024, Airbus Defence announced that they signed an agreement with the Spanish shipbuilder Navantia to explore the integration of SIRTAP unmanned aerial system into the Spanish Navy's flagship Juan Carlos I landing helicopter dock (LHD).
https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/20 ... navys-lhd/


BAE Systems to upgrade US Navy naval main guns to the Mk45 Mod 4

The U.S. Navy has awarded BAE Systems over $70 million to upgrade Mk 45 5-inch naval gun systems and ancillary equipment.

BAE Systems press release

On Sept. 30, BAE Systems received a $23.5 million modification to a $47 million contract awarded at the end of July, bringing the total value to over $70 million. Under the contract, BAE Systems will upgrade and overhaul existing systems to the Mk 45 Mod 4 configuration.

The upgrade to the Mk 45 Mod 4 configuration includes a 62-caliber barrel and a mechanically strengthened gun mount. It also features a fully digital control system that easily integrates targeting and fire control data. Together, these upgrades allow the use of modernized munitions with 50% greater firing energy and prepare for future precision-guided munitions with unprecedented ranges.

“Events in the Red Sea this year have underscored the importance of firepower aboard U.S. Navy ships. Equipped with the latest configuration of the Mk45 gun system, the men and women in the Navy have the capabilities to protect themselves at sea. We continue our commitment to providing the latest naval gun technology, including advanced munitions, to U.S. Sailors and their allies.”
Brent Butcher, vice president of Weapon Systems at BAE Systems.

Upgrades and overhauls to the Mk 45 are a cost-effective solution to ensure that U.S. Navy Sailors have the modern long-range strike and air defense capability that they require, ensuring peak performance from a deep magazine of advanced 5-inch projectiles that are easily replenished at-sea. By upgrading these platforms, Sailors will receive the latest innovative technology that will support advanced munitions and future mission capabilities at a lower cost than a new gun system.

Work on the contract will take place at the BAE Systems production facility in Louisville, Kentucky, and will be completed by the end of 2028.

Source Naval News


BAE Systems wins contract to support Royal Navy’s warships networks and CMS
BAE Systems has been awarded a £285m contract by the Ministry of Defence to support the Royal Navy’s Shared Infrastructure, Combat Management Systems (CMS) and warship networks.
https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/20 ... s-and-cms/
[See additional articles already on RN threads.]