UK’s Fleet Solid Support ship programme deemed on track despite steel supply concerns
Shipbuilders are saying the programme is going ahead on time as the government estimates 7.7 million tonnes of steel are needed for 2026 infrastructure projects.
Royal Australian Navy (RAN) vessel HMAS Sirius has arrived in Cam Ranh Bay, Vietnam, as part its East Asia deployment.
The replenishment vessel travelled from Malaysia as part of a fleet including RAN frigate HMAS Stuart and the US Navy ship USS Montgomery, with the combined group of ships undertaking exercises and maritime security-related training activities during transit.
Stuart and Sirius are two of 11 vessels working in two maritime task groups undertaking a four-month maritime East Asia deployment.
During the deployment, task groups and task elements will visit Guam, Indonesia, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam and Singapore, participating in maritime exercises and commemorative activities with these nations, in addition to exercises with the US.
Shipbuilders are saying the programme is going ahead on time as the government estimates 7.7 million tonnes of steel are needed for 2026 infrastructure projects.
In an exclusive interview with Shephard, Raytheon’s VP of Shipboard Missiles disclosed what improvements the company plans to offer for the Sea Sparrow NSV.
Delays in the construction of the Polar Security Cutter – the future substitute for the Polar Star – are likely to prolong the ageing icebreaker’s service time even more, putting the USCG in a risky position.
The adaptable design of Babcock’s Arrowhead 140 frigate, already selected by the UK Royal Navy and Poland, has led to more orders from Indonesia while other countries continue to weigh it up.
The presence of the USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group in the Persian Gulf means additional naval and aerial capabilities, which provides the US with multiple attacking options.
The US Navy’s acceleration of its laser weapon development initiatives reflects a decisive shift towards ultimately having a “laser on every ship” across tomorrow’s surface fleet.