The Russian Navy is investing much hope in construction of the new Varan aircraft carrier, also known as the ‘Universal Sea Ship’, which was unveiled in January 2021 by United Shipbuilding Corporation subsidiary Nevsky Design Bureau (PKB).
As currently planned, Varan would accommodate 24 multi-role aircraft, six helicopters and up to 20 UAVs — potentially delivering a massive boost for Russian naval force projection capabilities.
Yet there is at least one crucial missing ingredient, according to military analyst Vladimir Tuchkov. While traditional Russian naval aviation aircraft such as the MiG-29K/KUB or naval versions of the Su-35 and Su-57 could find a
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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.
The new frigate class’s focus on modularity, speed to build and enhanced armament align with the priorities of the US Navy’s Golden Fleet.
The US Navy is set to invest $30 billion in artificial intelligence, cyber, space and autonomy research and development efforts in FY2026 as the force rethinks how it fights in light of China’s naval rise.
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