UK’s $1 billion AUKUS support request signals strong ongoing US collaboration
The latest foreign military sales request from the UK has implications for the future of the programme and collaboration between the three nations.
Kiiski-class ship clearing sea mines in 2018. (Photo: Finnish Navy)
The Finnish Defence Forces Logistics Command has launched a tender to acquire a new minesweeping capability for the Finnish Navy.
According to the tender documents, the new minesweeping vessels should have autonomous and remotely controlled features and a maximum length of 24m.
The future vessels are required to sweet contact mines with mechanical sweeping gear, have enough deck space for mechanical sweep operations and be equipped with crew accommodation facilities.
An RfQ will be put out in Q2 2022, with plans to enter a negotiation phase in Q3 2022.
The value of the contract is estimated at between €18 million and €20 million ($20.58 million to $22.87 million).
The tender document adds the procurement contract will include options worth €15 million.
The latest foreign military sales request from the UK has implications for the future of the programme and collaboration between the three nations.
The USCG plans to award a contract this year for the construction of Homeland Security Cutters. The new vessels will replace the 60-plus-year-old fleet of Light Icebreaking Tugs.
The expansion of the Redstone facility in Alabama will enable Raytheon to increase production of Standard Missiles in the location by 50% and support Washington in refilling stockpiles after recent operations have depleted the Pentagon’s reserves.
Major naval initiatives including the European Patrol Corvette programmes and Norway’s UK partnership-focused purchase of Type 26 frigates point to the growing interest in the advantages of commonality across allied navies.
The UK Royal Navy’s rapid procurement of uncrewed platforms aligns with the force’s strategic shift towards a fleet better equipped to handle modern threats.
The Astute-class submarine’s visit to Australia was the first time maintenance activity on a UK Royal Navy nuclear submarine had been carried out in the country.