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.
Myanmar springs a surprise with second submarine
Newly commissioned Myanmar Navy vessels include two 18m riverine assault boats in the foreground, the submarine UMS Minye Kyaw Htin behind , the OPV UMS Inwa and, barely visible, four 20m riverine patrol boats. (Photo: C-in-C Defence Services, Myanmar)
The Myanmar Navy commissioned eight new vessels, including a second-hand submarine, in late December.
In a largely unexpected development, the Myanmar Navy commissioned its second submarine – a Chinese-origin Type 035 Ming class – as UMS Minye Kyaw Htin on its 74th Navy Day event on 24 December 2021.
Thailand-based Burmese media outlet The Irrawaddy reported that a secret deal was struck with the Chinese for the Ming boat’s supply. It came after a deal had been reached with India and Russia for transfer of the Indian Navy’s Project 877 EKM Kilo-class submarine INS Sindhuvir in 2019, and which was commissioned as UMS Minye Thein Kathu in December 2020.
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