Anduril Australia wins A$1.7 billion Ghost Shark XL-AUV contract
The vessels are expected to deliver a major boost to Australia’s undersea warfare capabilities, with production set to start immediately.
The US Navy and Missile Defense Agency (MDA) have successfully conducted the second flight test of Raytheon’s Standard Missile-3 (SM-3) Block IIA, the company announced on 8 December.
An SM-3 Block IIA was launched from an MK 41 launcher during the Controlled Test Vehicle-02 flight test at the navy’s Point Mugu Sea Range on Saint Nicolas Island, California.
The missile did not intercept a target; the aim of the test was to evaluate the SM-3 Block IIA's kinetic warhead and divert and attitude control system functionality, along with steering control section function, nosecone performance, booster separation, and second and third stage rocket motor separation.
The interceptor's kill vehicle searches, acquires, discriminates and tracks threats and then manoeuvres to engage. It also simultaneously provides kill assessment data back to the ship. The advance kill vehicle and larger rocket motors allow the SM-3 Block IIA to detect threats faster and protect larger regions from short- to intermediate-range ballistic missile threats.
The SM-3 Block IIA’s next live-fire test is scheduled in 2016 and will include an intercept of a ballistic missile target, with the missile be fired from a naval warship.
Taylor Lawrence, president, Raytheon Missile Systems, said: ‘The SM-3 Block IIA programme continues to reflect the MDA's commitment to maturing this capability for the defence of our nation, deployed forces, and our allies abroad. The success of this test keeps the programme on track for deployment at sea and ashore in the 2018 timeframe.’
The vessels are expected to deliver a major boost to Australia’s undersea warfare capabilities, with production set to start immediately.
Acquired under Canada’s Department of National Defence ISTAR UAS project, the drones will be deployed from the Halifax-class frigates.
The US Navy published a pre-solicitation notice of intent for the third phase of the F-35 Reprogramming Verification & Validation System. Meanwhile, with a five-year delay in its schedule, GAO foresees more postponements in the completion of the Block 4 effort.
Cutters Earl Cunningham and Storis have been monitoring five Beijing research vessels navigating in the North Pole.
The multi-award contract will support the scheduled repair and maintenance of nuclear-powered attack submarines at the US Navy’s primary public shipyards.
Hot on the heels of Norway selecting BAE Systems to build five Type 26 anti-submarine frigates, the UK government is reportedly in ‘advanced talks’ on new warship orders for two more Scandinavian countries.