Hanwha wins Australian government approval to increase its stake in Austal
The contract would mean the two shipbuilders can collaborate strategically and enhance shipbuilding capabilities in Western Australia.
Standing NATO Maritime Group 1 (SNMG1) on 9 April concluded the UK-led Joint Warrior exercise, which also involved vessels from Denmark, Germany, Norway and the US.
Designed to train submarine and surface vessel units to operate in different environments and improve knowledge of combat tactics, the exercise also supports the UK Submarine Commanders Course.
Alongside SNMG1, the USS Donald Cook and RFA Tideforce from the UK Royal Fleet Auxiliary also participated in Joint Warrior off the northwest coast of Scotland.
Cdre Yngve Skoglund, Commander of SNMG1, commented: ‘We are a component of the Very High Readiness Forces available to NATO and must be able to stay ready, even in times like this.’
The contract would mean the two shipbuilders can collaborate strategically and enhance shipbuilding capabilities in Western Australia.
The Australian navy is pushing ahead with its efforts to modernise its workforce and capabilities while balancing risky submarine upgrades, ageing Collins-class boats and a shrinking minehunter fleet. Head of navy capability RAdm Stephen Hughes updated Shephard on the force’s progress.
The expansion of the Virginia-class submarine construction to UK shores could accelerate the project as US shipbuilders continue to fall short of delivery goals.
The US Navy intends to publish a draft request for proposals in Q2 2026 and conduct an open competition for the supply of new electro-optical and infrared capabilities for the CH-53K heavy-lift helicopter.
As new details emerge on the UK Royal Navy’s plan to secure the North Atlantic for the UK and NATO, three main areas of opportunity for new technology are the focal point.
Uncrewed surface vessels have shifted from a desirable capability to a critical one for navies. But should these systems be bought outright, rented as a service or rapidly built using commercial off-the-shelf components?