The French Ministry of Defence on 8 April reported a potential outbreak of COVID-19 coronavirus aboard its nuclear-powered aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle.
The vessel, currently deployed in the Atlantic Ocean as part of Mission Foch, has been heading towards the Mediterranean since January 2020 with a return to its homeport of Toulon scheduled for 23 April.
At least 40 sailors have been placed under medical observation after they presented symptoms resembling COVID-19.
A medical unit with at least 20 personnel is located onboard the carrier. A containment zone has 100 spaces for the isolation and monitoring of quarantined patients, with a number of respirators available for those with breathing difficulties.
Naval helicopters are standing by to evacuate those needing urgent higher-level hospital care.
The A$4 billion Landing Craft Heavy contract for Austal follows on from a A$1 billion deal in December for Landing Craft Medium ships, but the Australian government has made it clear that a contract for Mogami frigates is reliant on the success of these two contracts.
As part of the Runway Independent Maritime & Expeditionary Strike programme, the US Navy is pursuing drones capable of delivering palletised rounds or 1,000lb-class munitions.
Havelsan, VN Maritime and Piloda Defence will collaborate to develop and integrate a range of maritime solutions with a view to secure a first procurement contract in Italy in the first half of this year.
Export campaigns for Fincantieri’s submarines and frigates are central to the company’s ambitions as billions of dollars in unawarded contracts come into focus.
The USCG recently announced the award of a contract to Davie Defense for the supply of five ASCs, marking a major step in the acquisition programme as the US grows its presence in the Arctic.
As Russia commits billions to new warships and stealth submarines, the UK is reshaping its strategy with expanded troop deployments, shared frigate fleets and a shift towards uncrewed platforms.
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