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.
KAMPO has received a three-year contract to build new hydrographic boats for the Russian Navy under the project 23370G, the Russian Ministry of Defence (MoD) announced on 3 July.
The multifunctional hydrographic module catamarans are being built for the Russian Navy Hydrographic Service.
With a displacement of 140t, the hydrographic boats will be able to handle buoy-laying and hydrographic works, set up and maintenance of floating warning buoys and delivering maintenance personnel, repair crews, food, fuel and other cargo to onshore navigation equipment facilities, including those located on unequipped coasts.
By using survey echo sounders, the boats will have the ability to sound the depths at places where floating warning buoys are positioned.
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.