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.
The Indian Navy launched the third ship of Project 15B, guided missile destroyer Imphal, at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders' facility in Mumbai on 20 April 2019.
The Project 15B ships are 163m in length, 17.4m at beam and have a displacement of 7,300t. The ships will be propelled by four gas turbines and able to achieve speeds in excess of 30kt. The P15B destroyers’ stealth features have been achieved through shaping of hull and use of radar transparent deck fittings which make the ships difficult to detect. The vessels will be equipped to carry and operate two multi-role helicopters.
The vessels are equipped with multi-functional surveillance radars and a vertically launched missile system for long distance engagement of shore, sea-based and air targets.
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.