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 Philippines has selected Hanwha Systems to install an integrated combat management system (CMS) on three former US Coast Guard cutters in service with the Philippine Navy (PN), plus it is finalising a deal with a South Korean shipbuilder for two new corvettes.
Hanwha will fit its Naval Shield CMS onto three Del Pilar-class vessels, according to a notice of award worth PHP1.3 billion ($25.2 million) issued on 6 August. The South Korean entity emerged victorious after lowest bidder Ultra Electronics was disqualified and Saab did not bid.
Naval Shield is the same system, in Baseline 2 configuration, being
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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.