Nuke Sea-Launched Cruise Missile Would Bolster Deterrence, U.S. Officials Say
Developing and deploying a sea-launched nuclear cruise missile is essential to deter Russia, U.S. officials have said.
Developing and deploying a sea-launched nuclear cruise missile is essential to deter Russia, U.S. officials have said.

A launching ceremony was held on August 4th at Taiwanese shipbuilder Lungteh Shipbuilding for the 1st Min Jiang-class mine laying ships. The new class is being built for the Republic of China (ROC) Navy.

Following the recent stop to the Aegis Ashore missile defense system deployment in Japan, Prime Minister Shinzō Abe’s party is looking at possible alternatives. Options include additional Aegis destroyers, armed mega floats and even offensive conventional strike capability. Yoshihiro Inaba has the details and explains why the third option would be a major change for Japan’s defense policy.
The Nimitz and Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Force are conducting dual carrier operations in the South China Seas, July 6.

The U.S. Navy accepted delivery of the future USS Oakland (LCS 24) June 26 during a ceremony at Austal USA in Mobile, Alabama. Oakland is the 22nd littoral combat ship (LCS) and the 12th ship of the Independence-class built by Austal USA.

UK-based maritime classification society Lloyd’s Register will provide assurance and certification services for vessels being built in China for the Algerian Navy (likely similar to the Pattani-class or Centenary-class) and the Royal Thai Navy (an LPD based on the Type 071 class)

The USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) and USS Nimitz (CVN 68) strike groups commenced dual carrier flight operations in the Philippine Sea, June 21.

The Japanese Ministry of Defense (MOD) announced this week its intention to halt deployment of the Aegis Ashore missile defense system citing difficulties in ensuring that rocket boosters from the interceptors do not fall in populated areas. The real reason may actually have to do with the radar system, namely SPY-6 and SPY-7. Yoshihiro Inaba has the story.

Three Admiral Gorshkov-class frigates (Project 22350 ) will join the Pacific fleet of the Russian Navy. The Admiral Amelko will be the first one.

The U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps are looking to quickly overhaul their Cold War-era way of moving Marines around, with the services already agreeing on the basic requirements for a new Light Amphibious Warship (LAW) and in the early phases of looking at a separate small amphibious ship class.