US and European special operators test Icelandic AI-based solution for marine platforms
Hefring Marine IMAS was designed to optimise vessels’ operation.
The US Navy has accepted delivery of the eighth Independence-class Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) the future USS Charleston during a ceremony at the Austal USA shipyard on 31 August.
Charleston is the 16th LCS to be delivered to the navy.
The modular, reconfigurable Independence variant ships have a trimaran hull and a large flight deck, and have been designed to perform critical warfare mission including anti-submarine warfare, surface warfare and mine warfare missions in the littoral region.
Using an open architecture design, modular weapons, sensor systems and a variety of manned and unmanned vehicles to gain, sustain and exploit littoral maritime supremacy, LCS provides the US joint force access to critical theaters.
Following commissioning, Charleston will be homeported in San Diego.
Hefring Marine IMAS was designed to optimise vessels’ operation.
The small, unmanned surface vehicle will operate this year in multiple operations and military exercises worldwide.
The contract was awarded to HII’s Newport News Shipbuilding (NNS) division and General Dynamics Electric Boat (GDEB). As well as for the building of the boats, contract money will also go towards improving productivity at the shipyards, workforce support and other investment.
The approved purchase is for Tomahawk Block IV and Block V missiles, control systems, telemetry missiles and communication and broadcast systems.
The Philippine Navy is fast-tracking its maritime modernisation with new warships, unmanned platforms, and international shipbuilding partnerships to bolster its regional deterrence posture.
Taiwan is strengthening its deterrence against the PLA through an asymmetric arsenal that includes fast mine-laying vessels and domestically developed UAVs.