Navy delays carrier procurement, says industrial base investments, maintenance will stem damage

Navy delays carrier procurement, says industrial base investments, maintenance will stem damage
Navy delays carrier procurement, says industrial base investments, maintenance will stem damage

Navy officials have stressed during the budget rollout many ‘hard decisions’ were made due to the defense spending caps in the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023.

France reveals first look at new nuclear-powered aircraft carrier

France reveals first look at new nuclear-powered aircraft carrier
France reveals first look at new nuclear-powered aircraft carrier

Known for the time being as the PANG (for Porte Avion Nouvelle Génération), the 75,000 tonne (82,673 tons) ship will be 310m (1,017 ft) long and 85m (279 feet) at the widest point of the carrier deck.

China’s J-35 Carrier Fighter Appears; Step To ‘Most Powerful Navy’?

China’s J-35 Carrier Fighter Appears; Step To ‘Most Powerful Navy’?
China’s J-35 Carrier Fighter Appears; Step To ‘Most Powerful Navy’?

“The J-35 may well represent another significant milestone in the Chinese long-term pursuit of a blue-water carrier based naval aviation capability”, said retired US naval intelligence officer, Capt. James Fanell.

French, US Carrier Strike Groups’ Ballet For Persian Gulf Stability

French, US Carrier Strike Groups’ Ballet For Persian Gulf Stability
French, US Carrier Strike Groups’ Ballet For Persian Gulf Stability

The USS Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group (CSG) and the French Charles de Gaulle CSG are cooperating at levels of integration rarely achieved in the past. Indeed, “it is at the request of US CENTCOM Commander Gen. Kenneth F. McKenzie to the French Army deputy commander for Air-Land operations (SCOAT for ‘’sous chef des opérations aéroterrestres de l’armée de Terre’’) that the French Air Naval Group (GAN for ‘’groupe aéronaval’’) assume command of US Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT)’s Task Force (CFT) 50 from March 31st till April 24th’’, explains a French military officer.

Bye-Bye, B-52s & Carriers; Hello, More Destroyers & F-35s

Bye-Bye, B-52s & Carriers; Hello, More Destroyers & F-35s
Bye-Bye, B-52s & Carriers; Hello, More Destroyers & F-35s

The US needs to shift investment from hallowed but vulnerable legacy platforms – especially aircraft carriers and B-52 bombers – to more flexible and survivable weapons systems – above all, Aegis warships and the unfairly much-maligned F-35.

US War Surge Production Too Slow, CSIS Finds

US War Surge Production Too Slow, CSIS Finds
US War Surge Production Too Slow, CSIS Finds

The United States could not make enough military equipment fast enough to sustain its military in the event of a major war. While much thought has been given to how a great power conflict might erupt or play out, far less has been written on how the U.S. industrial base could sustain U.S. wartime equipment…

CNO: Shipbuilding Mistakes Could Mean ‘We May Not Be Able To Recover In This Century’

CNO: Shipbuilding Mistakes Could Mean ‘We May Not Be Able To Recover In This Century’
CNO: Shipbuilding Mistakes Could Mean ‘We May Not Be Able To Recover In This Century’

“I don’t mean to be dramatic,” said Navy CNO Adm. Mike Gilday, “but I feel like if the Navy loses its head, if we go off course and we take our eyes off those things we need to focus on, I think we may not be able to recover in this century.”

CJCS Milley Predicts DoD Budget ‘Bloodletting’ To Fund Navy

CJCS Milley Predicts DoD Budget ‘Bloodletting’ To Fund Navy
CJCS Milley Predicts DoD Budget ‘Bloodletting’ To Fund Navy

“Look, I’m an Army guy,” Milley said. “And I love the Army…but the fundamental defense of the United States and the ability to project power forward will always be for America naval and air and space power.” 

Aboard USS Ford: More Weapons, More Launches, Faster & Safer

Aboard USS Ford: More Weapons, More Launches, Faster & Safer
Aboard USS Ford: More Weapons, More Launches, Faster & Safer

SOMEWHERE OFF THE EAST COAST: When our aging C-2 Greyhound aircraft took off from the USS Gerald R. Ford the experience was clearly different. Propelled by the electro-magnetic system that has replaced steam catapults it was much smoother and much quicker. The new launch and landing systems provide key tools for a significant reshaping of the…

Navy Sub Bosses Bullish, But Questions Over Building New Fleet Remain

Navy Sub Bosses Bullish, But Questions Over Building New Fleet Remain
Navy Sub Bosses Bullish, But Questions Over Building New Fleet Remain

Esper’s Navy plan remains stuck at the White House, but with the Trump term running out, what parts of it will survive?

Use Legacy Systems as Tech Playgrounds for Innovation

Use Legacy Systems as Tech Playgrounds for Innovation
Use Legacy Systems as Tech Playgrounds for Innovation

The Pentagon must avoid the ancient Roman tactic of “burning the bridge behind them” by immediately throwing aside older weapons systems in favor of wholesale investments in new technologies and platforms. While force modernization is necessary, the Department of Defense does not have the time, track record, or the funding to rapidly field replacements to…

White House Presses Army, Air Force To Help Pay For Larger Navy

White House Presses Army, Air Force To Help Pay For Larger Navy
White House Presses Army, Air Force To Help Pay For Larger Navy

Sources have said the Trump Administration is strongly considering releasing a 2022 federal budget before Joe Biden’s Jan. 20 inauguration, a move meant to throw down markers for government spending.

Navy To Congress: Here’s Your F-35C Carrier — How Do We Pay For It

Navy To Congress: Here’s Your F-35C Carrier — How Do We Pay For It
Navy To Congress: Here’s Your F-35C Carrier — How Do We Pay For It

The Navy awarded a big contract to modify its newest aircraft carrier — tossing the ball back to Capitol Hill which demanded the work, but neglected to provide funding.

Esper’s New Push For Allies; Gilday Unveils ‘Tech Bridge’ To Royal Navy

Esper’s New Push For Allies; Gilday Unveils ‘Tech Bridge’ To Royal Navy
Esper’s New Push For Allies; Gilday Unveils ‘Tech Bridge’ To Royal Navy

The new plan will focus on four areas, “underwater, our carrier programs, our Marines — so working with the US Marine Corps and their drive for distributed warfare — and linking that with what we want to do with our Royal Marines, and the future commando force,” First Sea Lord Adm. Tony Radakin says.