
US Navy completes AN/AQS-20C mine-hunting sonar developmental testing
The US Navy announced completion of developmental testing for the AN/AQS-20C mine-hunting sonar system at Naval Surface Warfare Center, Panama City Division, Feb. 26.

The US Navy announced completion of developmental testing for the AN/AQS-20C mine-hunting sonar system at Naval Surface Warfare Center, Panama City Division, Feb. 26.

The French Navy’s sixth FREMM Normandie started builder’s trials on February 25, Naval Group announced today. Based on photos posted on the company’s Twitter account, the multirole frigate seems to have set sail from the Naval Group Lorient shipyard.

The British Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson has awarded a £235M (US$309M) contract to support the Royal Navy submarines nuclear propulsion systems, the UK MoD announced yesterday.

GE Marine will provide gas turbine auxiliary equipment for the LM2500 engines that will power the Indian Navy’s new P17A frigates. This contract is with India-based Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) and Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Limited (GRSE), GE reported last week at the Aero India trade exhibition.

Naval Group Australia today signed a Framework Agreement with ASC identifying ways they can work together in a closer and more effective manner as participants in the Australian Sovereign Submarine Programs.

Construction on the future USS Canberra (LCS 30) began on Feb. 22 in Austal USA’s module manufacturing facility. Dave Growden, native Australian, LCS Program Director and a 30-year member of Austal USA’s team, had the honor of pushing the button to start the router that cut the first piece of aluminum, signalling start of construction for the 15th Independence-variant littoral combat ship.

The Brazilian Navy has ordered three H135 light twinengine helicopters to be operated by the 1st General Purpose Helicopter Squadron (HU-1), Airbus Helicopters said on Feb. 21, 2019.

The future home of the UK’s P-8A Poseidon Maritime Patrol Aircraft is on target for completion, the Royal Air Force stated on Feb. 22, 2019. Once established the facility will hold up to three aircraft, along with maintenance facilities, planning rooms, and office space for the operators and support staff.

The Hellenic Army Amphibious Special Forces units will be equipped with new fast-craft boats, according to a public tender published in mid-February.

Royal Navy Tidesurge tanker has been welcomed to the fleet today with a dedication service at Greenock’s Ocean Terminal, the service announced on Feb. 20, 2019. The tanker is the latest of four new Royal Fleet Auxiliary ships acquired under the 450M£ (US$588M) MARS Tanker programme.