The upcoming test will reportedly utilize Lockheed’s new vertical launch system called the Quad Launcher, which will allow the missiles to be fired from medium and large surface vessels.

The company recently showcased a model of a generic vessel equipped with four JAGM Quad Launchers, indicating its readiness for the much-awaited integration.

Lockheed did not provide a specific date for the planned live-fire demonstration.

If successful, the test could allow for the official integration of Quad Launchers on surface vessels to defeat maritime threats.

“We are still in the development phase of the vertical launch capability and demonstrating to [the] US [Department of Defense] is our near-term goal,” said Patrick Sweeney, Lockheed’s senior manager for international business development.

Potential Applications

The sea-launched JAGM test is part of a broader initiative to transform the munition into a multi-domain weapon system capable of addressing a wide variety of threats.

It can be used to engage uncrewed surface vessels and drones, similar to those used by Iran-backed Houthi rebels in the Red Sea.

Currently, the US Navy employs AGM-114 Longbow Hellfire missiles for targeting small surface vessels.

The existing version of the JAGM only allows for launch on aerial platforms, such as the AH-1Z Viper attack helicopter.

Lockheed plans to offer the sea-launched JAGM to the US military and the Australian Defence Force.

The post Lockheed Braces for First Sea-Launched JAGM Missile Test appeared first on The Defense Post.

The partnership seeks to create “new possibilities” for enhancing naval drone defenses amid rising geopolitical tensions.

According to Rheinmetall, both companies bring “complementary skills” in developing and integrating laser weapon technologies.

The two firms previously worked together on a laser demonstration onboard a German Navy frigate, successfully firing over 100 test shots at representative targets.

With the new collaboration, Rheinmetall and MBDA hope to introduce a maritime product to the defense market within the next five to six years.

Low-Cost Solution

There have been increasing calls for more affordable solutions to neutralizing drone threats, with a Pentagon official acknowledging that the costs of firing counter-drone weapons and munitions are becoming “too high.”

Iran-backed Houthi rebels have mocked the US for using $2-million air defense missiles to intercept drones that cost only $2,000.

Even US Department of Defense undersecretary for acquisition William LaPlante admitted that current military efforts to eliminate enemy drones now exceed $100,000 per shot.

Laser weapons present a cost-effective alternative, with the UK saying its DragonFire can shoot down drones at $13 per shot.

Israel’s Rafael also claims its 100-kilowatt Iron Beam ground-based laser air defense system has “almost zero cost per interception.”

While promising, laser weapon development poses challenges, as it requires extensive research and design processes.

The post Rheinmetall, MBDA to Jointly Develop Maritime Laser Weapon appeared first on The Defense Post.

The vehicles passed a series of tests conducted by the Royal Thai Navy and were deployed to the RTMC’s Assault Amphibian Vehicle Battalion in Sattahip, about 116 miles (187 kilometers) away from Bangkok. 

This delivery is part of the 448 million Thai baht ($13.5 million) contract signed in August 2023 for the vehicle’s development, construction, testing, and delivery scheduled within one year. 

Chaiseri AWAVs

Powered by a 711 hp engine, the amphibious vehicle has a maximum speed of 105 kilometers (65.2 miles) per hour on land and 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) per hour on water, with a combat range of 600 kilometers (372.8 miles). 

Each AWAV is equipped with the Spanish company Escribano Mechanical & Engineering’s Guardian 1.5 Remote Weapon Station, which operates a 12.7 mm machine gun.

Additionally, it has 76 mm smoke grenade launchers as secondary armaments. 

It has a ballistic protection level of STANAG 4569 Level 3 and Level 3a/3b for mine protection to withstand threats in hostile environments. 

Each AWAV is 9.2 meters long (30.2 feet), 3 meters tall (9.8 feet), 3.1 meters wide (10.2 feet), and around 25.7 tons.

It can carry 11 troops, plus a crew of three comprising a gunner, commander, and driver.

The vehicles were developed based on the prototype model unveiled at the Defense & Security 2023 exhibition in Bangkok and will serve in the RTMC’s current fleet together with its other amphibious platforms. 

The post Thai Marines Receive Seven Amphibious Vehicles From Chaiseri appeared first on The Defense Post.

This is part of the 2024 Navigation Plan (NAVPLAN) for America’s Warfighting Navy, which Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Lisa Franchetti described as “overarching strategic guidance to make our Navy more ready.”

Project 33 aims to help in “prioritizing raising our level of readiness for potential conflict with the People’s Republic of China by 2027 while also enhancing the Navy’s long-term warfighting advantage.”

Project 33

The seven key areas start with readying the force by eliminating ship, submarine, and aircraft maintenance delays.

Next comes scaling robotic and autonomous systems “to integrate more platforms at speed,” as the US Navy created a new job focused on drones and robotics warfare in February this year and commissioned a new unit for unmanned operations in the Middle East in January.

The remaining key areas include creating command centers for success on a distributed battlefield, recruiting and retaining talented people, delivering quality service, investing in warfighter competency, and restoring critical infrastructure that sustains and projects the fight from shore. 

The NAVPLAN was released at the Naval War College on September 18.

The post US Navy Unveils ‘Project 33’ to Prepare for Conflict With China in 2027 appeared first on The Defense Post.

The package includes twelve V32/44CR propulsion engines, six L32/44CR generator sets, MAN SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) for each engine, three twin-screw Alpha CP propellers, and plant auxiliaries.

It will contribute “to some key requirements of the FSS ships essential for naval applications such as shock resistance; cyber security; nuclear, biological, chemical; Integrated Logistic Support; efficiency; low-emissions and reliability,” the German engine manufacturer stated.

“Navantia UK and our partners in Team Resolute for the FSS programme are proud to partner MAN in order to provide world class propulsion technology for the FSS vessels,” FSS Liaison Programme Manager at Navantia UK Jose Luis Viguera said.

Fleet Solid Support

Harland & Wolff and BMT Group are the other two partners of the consortium building the vessels under a 1.6-billion-pound ($1.97 billion) contract awarded by the UK government.

BMT is providing naval design, while Harland & Wolff and Navantia are building the vessels, with the first vessel expected to be delivered by 2028 and the last within four years afterward.

A support ship replenishes items on naval vessels required to sustain large-scale naval operations far away from home such as ammunition, spare parts, replacement jet engines, food, and provisions.

“Navantia is a highly reputable and important partner for navies around the world and we are proud to be chosen to participate in this significant FSS programme for the Royal Fleet Auxiliary,” Head of Sales, Navy at MAN Energy Solutions Andreas Junginger said.

The post MAN Propulsion to Power Royal Navy’s Fleet Support Ships appeared first on The Defense Post.

Wellington Koo, a strong advocate for building a multi-level deterrence capability, acknowledged on Wednesday that the country may not have enough time to respond to a “potential sudden contingency.”

He noted that the scale of Beijing’s military activities around Taiwan is getting larger, making it difficult to detect signs of an impending attack.

To address this, Koo said that Taipei needs to quickly “differentiate between peacetime and wartime” and develop the ability to respond to sudden attacks.

The Taiwanese military has already simulated a scenario in which China suddenly escalates one of its regular military drills into a full-scale invasion.

In the first three quarters of 2024, the Ministry of National Defense reported a record 2,076 “illegal” incursions by China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA).

Observe PLA Behavior

The largest PLA incursion occurred on July 9 when 66 Chinese military aircraft were detected inside Taiwan’s air defense identification zone.

Earlier this month, Beijing also conducted one of its largest amphibious landing drills on a coast opposite Taiwan, a move widely seen as a rehearsal for an invasion.

The Asian military superpower previously stated that its drills around Taiwan were meant to test its ability to seize power over the self-ruled island.

Koo suggested that the Taiwanese military needs to enhance its monitoring of PLA behavior to detect potential attacks and develop scenarios for its own exercises.

In July, the defense ministry pledged to conduct “unscripted” drills to develop capabilities for a swift response in real combat situations.

The post China’s Growing Military Activities Hinder Taiwan From Spotting Invasion: Minister appeared first on The Defense Post.

The LCAC 110’s arrival follows the completion of its acceptance trials under the naval inspection and survey authority, which validated the hovercraft’s capability and readiness.

Once operational, the ship will be used for amphibious troop landing and deployment as well as logistical support.

“This new craft will provide the Navy and Marine Corps team with unparalleled capability in amphibious warfare, ensuring we remain agile and responsive to emerging threats and global challenges,” US Navy Amphibious Assault and Connectors Programs Manager Capt. Jason Grabelle stated.

“The introduction of LCAC 110 into our fleet marks a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to maintain and enhance operational readiness.”

Upgrading LCAC Fleet

The navy’s Ship-to-Shore Connector expansion effort is part of the US Department of Defense’s objective to replace the country’s older LCACs, operational since the late 1980s.

The new platforms have improved functions, faster transport features, and modern weapon systems.

Textron accepted the initial $213-million contract in 2012 to initiate the Ship-to-Shore Connector production at its center in New Orleans, Louisiana.

In 2020, the firm received a follow-on agreement to manufacture 15 additional vessels for the program.

Currently, Textron is engaged in the serial production of LCAC 111 to 123.

The Ship-to-Shore Connector

The US Navy’s Ship-to-Shore Connector measures 92 feet (28 meters) and has a 48-foot (14.6-meter) beam.

It is operated by a crew of four, including a pilot, co-pilot, loadmaster, and engineer, while its 1,608-square-foot (149 square meters) deck can accommodate up to 74 tons of payload.

The hovercraft is powered by four Rolls-Royce MT7 gas turbines that are derivatives of engines installed in Bell V-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft for a top speed of 35 knots (65 kilometers/40 miles per hour).

The boat can be armed with naval gun mounts, machine guns, and grenade launchers,

The post Textron Hands Over Latest Ship-to-Shore Hovercraft to US Navy appeared first on The Defense Post.

“This is the first time that an aircraft carrier belonging to the Chinese Navy has been confirmed to have sailed through the waters between Yonaguni and Iriomote,” the defense ministry’s joint staff said in a statement.

The Liaoning carrier and “two Luyang III-class missile destroyers” were seen sailing southwards between the islands in southern Okinawa region from Tuesday to Wednesday, it said.

Public broadcaster NHK and other media, citing unnamed defense sources, reported that it was the first time a Chinese aircraft carrier had entered Japan’s contiguous waters.

Contiguous waters are a 12-nautical-mile band that extends beyond territorial waters. The ministry was unable to immediately confirm these news reports.

Taipei’s government also said a Chinese naval formation led by the Liaoning sailed through waters northeast of self-ruled Taiwan on Wednesday and continued towards Japan’s Yonaguni Island.

China’s growing economic and military clout in the Asia-Pacific region and its assertiveness in territorial disputes — most recently with the Philippines — has rattled the United States and its allies.

Tense incidents have involved Japanese and Chinese vessels in disputed areas, in particular the Senkaku islands in the East China Sea, known by Beijing as the Diaoyus.

Tokyo has reported the presence of Chinese coastguard vessels, a naval ship and a nuclear-powered submarine around the remote chain of islets.

Japan this month voiced “strong concern and protest” when a Chinese naval ship entered its territorial waters.

In August, the Japanese government slammed the first confirmed incursion by a Chinese military aircraft into its airspace as a “serious violation” of its sovereignty.

Japan is ramping up its defense spending with US encouragement, moving to acquire counter-strike capabilities and easing rules on arms exports.

Tokyo is also providing funding and equipment such as patrol vessels to other countries in the region.

In July, Japan agreed on a deal with the Philippines allowing troop deployments on each other’s soil.

The post Chinese Navy Sailed Between Japanese Islands Near Taiwan: Tokyo appeared first on The Defense Post.

For four weeks, the Royal Canadian Air Force aircraft and its team will monitor suspected movements in violation of UN Security Council sanctions.

The sanctions, imposed since 2006, aim to suspend Pyongyang’s weapons of mass destruction programs, ballistic missile launches, and nuclear weapon tests that have been deemed a threat to the UN’s Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons Treaty.

Canada’s campaign will include surveillance of ship-to-ship fuel transfers and screening of commodities prohibited under the sanctions.

Ottawa’s detachment to Tokyo will involve about 50 personnel. Accompanying tasks will be facilitated from September to October 2024.

Operation NEON

The Canadian Department of Defence highlighted that the Aurora deployment will operate under Operation NEON, a defense initiative launched in 2019 to enhance “international peace and stabilization” across the Asia-Pacific in collaboration with the UN and other nations.

Alongside long-range patrol aircraft, NEON utilizes naval warships and supplies assets to portions of the region where sanctions evasion by Pyongyang is prominent, including the East China Sea.

Ottawa coordinated its latest CP-140 patrol mission with Japan for the same purpose in June 2024. To date, NEON has completed 12 sorties and 103 flight hours for the effort.

Potential Increase of AUKUS Members

Canada’s latest military effort with Japan follows the government’s announcement of intent to join AUKUS, a trilateral alliance between Australia, the UK, and the US in response to threats in the Indo-Pacific region.

In April, Japan expressed its desire to become the fourth member of the AUKUS group. New Zealand also announced its interest in participating in the pact last year.

The post Canadian Aurora Maritime Patrol Aircraft to Conduct N. Korean Sanction Monitoring appeared first on The Defense Post.

A long-range intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance sensor, the PASEO improves the survivability and lethality of infantry fighting vehicles and main battle tanks.

“It integrates high performance day and night all weather optronics sensors and offers 360° coverage with a high-rate sectorial scanning capability,” Safran explains.

“The PASEO Joint Fires includes Safran’s Geonyx inertial navigation system, which provides precise and reliable positions, even if satellite navigation signals are unavailable or inaccessible (GNSS-Denied environment).”

Additional Features

Additional capabilities include advanced image processing, optional assistance for early threat detection and assessment, and threat geo-localization.

“We are delighted to continue to support Australian Defence and Hanwha Defence Australia with yet another trusted and battle proven optronic solution where we will be supporting the design, integration and sustainment in the country,” Safran Electronics and Defense Australasia Head of Sales and Marketing Anthony Bianco said.

“It will be critically important that this superior capability is delivered to Australian Defence as we have done for the Army over the last five years.”

Redback Infantry Fighting Vehicle

Hanwha Defence Australia has been contracted to provide 129 Australia-manufactured Redbacks for the Australian Army, with delivery running from 2027 to 2028.

The 4 billion Australian dollar ($2.68 billion) contract includes the development and delivery of training system and support system components.

The Redback is based on the South Korean K21 platform and is an intended replacement for the fleet of 403 M113AS4 armored personnel carriers, the first of which was inducted in the 1960s.

It features rubber tracks to minimize sound and vibration and advanced situational awareness systems.

Additionally, the vehicle is equipped with layered protection featuring advanced armor and an active protection system.

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