Naval Warfare

House advances bill to train Australian submariners alongside US counterparts

House advances bill to train Australian submariners alongside US counterparts
House advances bill to train Australian submariners alongside US counterparts

The legislation was passed overnight as part of the House’s draft defense policy bill amid marathon negotiations.

House authorizers approve $45M to keep sea-launched nuke on life support

House authorizers approve $45M to keep sea-launched nuke on life support
House authorizers approve $45M to keep sea-launched nuke on life support

“No one can tell in an uncertain world what we will need, but it’s important to keep this option available,” said Rep. Jim Cooper, D-Tenn.

Navy to begin key competition for unmanned, autonomy efforts

Navy to begin key competition for unmanned, autonomy efforts
Navy to begin key competition for unmanned, autonomy efforts

Navy presentation slides obtained by Breaking Defense suggest the service is running behind on awarding the contract that will be “central” to its “autonomy ecosystem.”

Austal USA wins Navy steel shipbuilding contract with floating dry dock

Austal USA wins Navy steel shipbuilding contract with floating dry dock
Austal USA wins Navy steel shipbuilding contract with floating dry dock

The award represents new precious space for Navy surface ship maintenance.

HASC chairman’s NDAA mark focuses on munitions, R&D

HASC chairman’s NDAA mark focuses on munitions, R&D
HASC chairman’s NDAA mark focuses on munitions, R&D

Staffers briefing reporters ahead of the release emphasized a focus on the health of the munitions industrial base.

Navy, Air Force struggling to keep planes ready for take off

Navy, Air Force struggling to keep planes ready for take off
Navy, Air Force struggling to keep planes ready for take off

The F-22 and KC-130T fleets have the worst results of the eight fleets GAO assessed.

US, Royal navies open London-based tech hub

US, Royal navies open London-based tech hub
US, Royal navies open London-based tech hub

The hubs originated from a new office established by Hondo Geurts in 2019.

US sends another $1 billion in weapons for Ukraine, including truck-mounted Harpoon systems

US sends another $1 billion in weapons for Ukraine, including truck-mounted Harpoon systems
US sends another $1 billion in weapons for Ukraine, including truck-mounted Harpoon systems

The new weapons announcement comes after a senior Dem lawmaker said the US should be doing more, faster for Ukraine.

Problems with Bougainville LHA-8 cited in GAO report now resolved, Navy says

Problems with Bougainville LHA-8 cited in GAO report now resolved, Navy says
Problems with Bougainville LHA-8 cited in GAO report now resolved, Navy says

Navy says delay also caused by ship mods to accommodate F-35 Joint Strike Fighter and COVID-19.

Analyzing the biggest changes in the Marine Corps Force Design 2030 update

Analyzing the biggest changes in the Marine Corps Force Design 2030 update
Analyzing the biggest changes in the Marine Corps Force Design 2030 update

Last month’s update to the Marine Corps strategic guidance included many changes from the original document. Mark Cancian of CSIS goes in depth on what shifted, and why it matters.

China ‘will fight to the very end’ over Taiwan: Chinese defense minister

China ‘will fight to the very end’ over Taiwan: Chinese defense minister
China ‘will fight to the very end’ over Taiwan: Chinese defense minister

Gen. Wei Fenghe described the US Indo-Pacific strategy as “an attempt to build an exclusive small group in the name of a free and open Indo-Pacific.” It is designed “to create conflict and confrontation, to contain and encircle others.”

Navy air boss orders ‘safety pause’ following string of crashes

Navy air boss orders ‘safety pause’ following string of crashes
Navy air boss orders ‘safety pause’ following string of crashes

Five Marines and a Super Hornet pilot were killed in recent naval aviation crashes.

Australia pays up to French sub maker for cancelled deal; Paris reacts positively

Australia pays up to French sub maker for cancelled deal; Paris reacts positively
Australia pays up to French sub maker for cancelled deal; Paris reacts positively

France’s defense minister said he hopes “this agreement and the change of the government team will make it possible to overcome the crisis of confidence with Australia.”

Austin: US hasn’t changed Taiwan policy, China has

Austin: US hasn’t changed Taiwan policy, China has
Austin: US hasn’t changed Taiwan policy, China has

US Defense Secretary says US does not seek an “Asian NATO,” but blasts China for “growing coercion” and “dangerous” activity in the region.