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.
Russia keeps calm and carries on
Russia has conducted a number of large scale live-fire exercises in recent weeks, in stark contrast to Western militaries that have downsized or cancelled their training exercises such as Cold Response 2020 and European 2020.
For example, more than 20 warships from the Caspian Flotilla took part in live-fire exercises, according to the Southern Military District of the Russian Armed Forces.
These included the artillery ship Makhachkala (Buyan-class Project 21630) and the Uglich missile corvette (Buyan-M-class Project 21631). Their crews launched shipborne A-190 artillery guns and AK630-M2 SAA artillery systems against a range of naval and air targets.
Training for ship damage control as well as air defence and anti-saboteur missions were also held along with the practice of chemical and biological protection, according to TASS.
Meanwhile, the Russian Pacific Fleet on 13 March concluded negotiations to hold a joint drill with the Indonesian Navy. The date for the exercise was not disclosed.
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