Frank Brunetti’s Post

The Mi-14 amphibian helicopter, available in a striking red and white color scheme, is an upgraded version offered by Kingsbridge Global Assets and Universal Armor Systems. Let's delve into its specifications, military capabilities, and historical significance: 1. Specifications: The modernized Mi-14 retains its amphibious capability, allowing it to operate from both land and water. It has a length of approximately 25 meters and a rotor diameter of around 21 meters. The helicopter can carry a crew of up to four and has a passenger capacity of up to 30 individuals, making it ideal for troop transport or maritime surveillance missions. 2. Upgrades: The modernization package provided by Kingsbridge Global Assets and Universal Armor Systems enhances the helicopter's performance and capabilities. These upgrades may include advanced avionics, navigation systems, communication equipment, and enhanced self-defense systems to ensure operational effectiveness. 3. Military Capabilities: The Mi-14 helicopter has a rich military history. Originally developed by the Soviet Union, it served primarily as an anti-submarine warfare (ASW) platform. Its ability to detect and engage submarines made it a valuable asset for naval forces. With the modernization upgrades, the Mi-14 can also perform other roles, such as search and rescue operations, maritime patrol, and cargo transportation. 4. Historical Significance: The Mi-14 has been in service for several decades and has played a significant role in naval operations worldwide. Its ASW capabilities and versatility have made it a trusted asset for coastal defense and maritime security. The modernization upgrades ensure that this historical platform remains relevant and effective in modern military operations. In terms of pricing, the upgraded Mi-14 helicopter is available for sale at a competitive price of 11 million dollars through Kingsbridge Global Assets and Universal Armor Systems. Their expertise and experience in the aviation industry make them a reliable source for this remarkable machine. The combination of the Mi-14's historical significance, military capabilities, modernization upgrades, and the exclusive services provided by Kingsbridge Global Assets and Universal Armor Systems make it an attractive option for those seeking a powerful and versatile amphibian helicopter.

With the increasing affordability, availability and reliability of Unmanned Surface and Underwater Vehicles (UUVs), they are emerging as a notable concern for maritime security. One can see their impact in the Red Sea and the Black Sea, and understand the increasing need for effective detection, tracking and prevention strategies. An ever-growing number of Defense companies are urged to develop non-lethal methods to aid in safeguarding vital naval facilities, minimizing the overall level of risk associated with destroying these unmanned vehicles. https://lnkd.in/eh_RF54g

The Western Command Public Information Office (WESCOM PIO) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has confirmed a significant upgrade to the arsenal of the Philippine Navy’s AW159 Wildcat Anti-submarine Helicopters. Vice Admiral Carlos PN, Chief of WESCOM, personally oversaw the inspection of the onboard .50 caliber heavy machine gun, marking a crucial milestone in the Navy’s Antisubmarine Helicopter Acquisition Project. Vice Admiral Carlos, leading the Technical Inspection and Acceptance Committee (TIAC) for the Philippine Navy, brings invaluable naval aviation expertise to ensure the helicopter’s weapon systems align with the AFP’s operational requirements. The recent in-flight test firing of the heavy machine gun at the Marine Base Gregorio Lim firing range in Ternate, Cavite, underscores the commitment to readiness and capability enhancement within the Philippine Navy. The AW159 Wildcat Helicopter, a British license-built multi-role military helicopter, represents a vital addition to the Philippine Navy’s fleet, bolstering its anti-submarine and maritime security operations capabilities. The helicopter is the newest addition to the PN’s maritime air assets and an integral part of the Jose Rizal Class Anti-submarine Frigate’s firepower. As a multi-role platform, it is also designed for missions such as anti-surface warfare, maritime surveillance, maritime interdiction, and other mission-essential and utility operations. The integration of the .50 caliber heavy machine gun further enhances the aircraft’s versatility, equipping the Armed Forces of the Philippines with a formidable weapon system to counter potential threats in the maritime domain. #military #defense #defence #militaryleak https://lnkd.in/gAaUN_jA

Littoral Combat Ship USS Savannah Commissioned The USS Savannah (LCS-28) is a Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) of the Independence-class, which was commissioned into service with the United States Navy. The Independence-class LCS features a trimaran hull design, which provides enhanced stability and allows these ships to operate at high speeds in littoral (coastal) zones and on the open ocean. Key Features and Capabilities - Speed and Agility: The USS Savannah, like other ships in the Independence-class, is designed for rapid maneuverability and can reach speeds of over 40 knots. This makes it highly suitable for operations in shallow, coastal waters where larger ships might have difficulty operating. - Modularity: One of the defining features of the LCS is its modular design. The ship can be outfitted with different mission packages depending on the operational requirements, including anti-submarine warfare, mine countermeasures, and surface warfare packages. - Armament: The LCS typically carries a combination of armaments including a Mk 110 57 mm gun, RIM-116 Rolling Airframe Missiles (RAM), and can also be equipped with MH-60 Seahawk helicopters and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Purpose and Role - Flexibility in Missions: The LCS class is designed to operate in regions where larger ships cannot maneuver effectively, making them particularly useful for missions that include anti-piracy operations, maritime interception operations, humanitarian assistance, and disaster relief. - **Coastal Patrol and Surveillance:** With their high speed and agility, these ships are ideal for patrolling coastal areas, providing both a deterrent presence and rapid response capabilities. Challenges and Criticisms - Operational Issues: The LCS program has faced criticism and scrutiny due to concerns over survivability, firepower, and propulsion issues in earlier ships of this class. The Navy has made several adjustments to the program, addressing technical and operational challenges to improve the vessels’ performance and reliability. - Future of the LCS Program: As part of broader naval strategic adjustments, the role and number of LCS in future naval operations are being evaluated, with plans for more heavily armed and survivable frigates that may eventually replace or complement the LCS fleet. The commissioning of USS Savannah represents a continuation of the LCS program’s goals to provide the U.S. Navy with fast, versatile ships capable of adapting to various missions. As newer ships like the Savannah join the fleet, they bring enhancements and lessons learned from earlier ships, helping to solidify the role of the LCS in modern naval strategy.

From the piece: "If the joint force expects aviators to penetrate hundreds of miles into contested battlespace during a future conflict, there must be a rescue architecture to activate when some of those brave souls eject because of enemy fire or aircraft malfunction. The environment during a potential conflict with China would be inherently maritime and the Navy will need to shoulder much of the CSAR mission. Fortunately, there is already a heroic CSAR tradition in the Navy. Much more can be done with minor investments to existing platforms and continued mission development during joint exercises. Perhaps unmanned systems will eventually remove all survivors from the battlefield, but until that day the Navy must improve its current capabilities to live up to the Navy rescue swimmer motto, “So others may live.” Should the Navy look to a Tiltrotor solution they already have? The CMV's multi-mission flexibility and ability to be dynamically re-tasked from intra-theater aerial logistics to CASEVAC to long-range patient movement will be unmatched. It has been decades since the Navy has faced the possibility of a ship seriously damaged or destroyed at sea and it is something the Navy Staff surely must consider. The ability to provide en-route care of patients and rapid patient movement will save lives. Casualty evacuations without CMV-22Bs will take days vice hours to move injured from damaged ship to sea or shore-based hospitals. The CMV-22B provides faster and smoother patient travel compared to ship transit. The ability to move a critically injured patient off the CVN can easily be imagined. The C-2 does not normally operate at night and a "CAT-shot" or an arrested landing of a seriously wounded or injured Sailor or Marine is a non-starter.  The speed and extended coverage of the CMV coupled with its’ mobility and ability to concentrate and respond rapidly could provide Strike Group and Joint Force Commanders the operational reach needed to quickly seize and maintain the initiative. The CMV is far more efficient than a traditional rotary wing aircraft like the H-60S and could provide Commanders with a faster recovery of injured aircrews, which would significantly increase survivability rate. The aerial refueling capability also increases flexibility and decreases mission complexity, as it would decrease or potentially eliminate surface ship support requirements. The CMV-22’s faster recovery reduces the likelihood that an adversary can “rescue” downed aircrews before friendly forces arrive. The USAF has clearly demonstrated the V-22 effectiveness in this role. https://lnkd.in/gM96Ejhn

Today in Asia Times, I wrote about the United States Marine Corps (USMC) deploying its new Amphibious Combat Vehicle (ACV) to the Pacific. This decision comes amidst rising tensions with China over Taiwan and a significant shortage of amphibious warfare ships. The ACVs are set to replace the USMC's aging Amphibious Assault Vehicles (AAV), used since the 1970s. Despite their advanced capabilities, the ACVs have faced operational challenges, including restrictions on surf-based operations following accidents in training exercises. These incidents have raised concerns about the readiness and safety of the vehicles. I explored the broader context of amphibious warfare and the USMC's challenges. Amphibious operations are inherently complex and face threats from anti-ship missiles, tactical aircraft, and enemy forces. Despite its recent challenges, the USMC's decision to deploy the ACV highlights the urgency of addressing capability gaps in amphibious operations. I also discussed China's PLA-Marine Corps (PLA-MC), which is modernizing and expanding rapidly. This comparison underscores the strategic competition in the Pacific region, where amphibious capabilities are crucial for power projection and territorial defense. Despite their current limitations, the deployment of ACVs is a critical step for the USMC in maintaining its operational readiness in a rapidly evolving security environment.

MARITIME SECURITY BULLETIN AND ADVISORY Re: U.S. Naval AirCraft P-8 Poseidon Crashed off the Coast of Hawaii (see video link) Issued by Sanborn Analytics Contact: outreach@sanbornanalytics.us Media Credit: Maritime-Executive DATE: November 21st, 2023 SUBJECT: U.S. Navy Sub-Hunting Aircraft Incident near Hawaii Sanborn Analytics issues this bulletin to the maritime shipping community and armed naval forces at sea to provide information on a recent incident involving a U.S. Navy sub-hunting aircraft. INCIDENT DETAILS: On Monday, November 20th, 2023, at approximately 1400 hours local time, a P-8 Poseidon aircraft based out of Naval Air Station Whidbey Island overshot the main runway at Marine Corps Base Hawaii. The aircraft failed to stop before the end of the pavement and skidded into the water, coming to rest in Kaneohe Bay, just offshore in shallow water. According to a spokesperson from the Marine Corps, a swift and comprehensive rescue response was initiated. Multiple federal and local first response agencies attended the scene, ensuring the safety and well-being of all nine crew members. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and the crew successfully made it to shore. As a precautionary measure, booms have been deployed around the submerged aircraft to contain any potential pollution. ADVISORY TO THE MARITIME COMMUNITY: Sanborn Analytics advises all vessels transiting the waters of Marine Corps Base Hawaii to exercise caution and maintain a safe distance from the incident site. Mariners are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any observed anomalies, debris, or pollution to the appropriate authorities. COORDINATION WITH ARMED NAVAL FORCES: Armed naval forces operating in the vicinity are requested to coordinate with local authorities to facilitate the safe recovery and removal of the submerged aircraft. Sanborn Analytics encourages collaborative efforts to minimize any potential impact on maritime activities and ensure the efficient resolution of the situation. MEDIA CREDIT: Sanborn Analytics acknowledges and credits Maritime-Executive for their reporting on this incident (see link). Sanborn Analytics is committed to promoting maritime safety and security. We appreciate the cooperation of the maritime community and armed naval forces in ensuring the swift resolution of this incident. #maritimesecurity #usnavy #usmarines #hawaii https://lnkd.in/eDQZbb4h

Military helicopters are essential for modern defense operations, with nearly 21,000 in service worldwide. Their versatility in troop transport, reconnaissance, and combat support is key for defense strategies. Check out our latest blog to learn more: https://hubs.ly/Q02KmqJX0 #militaryhelicopter #defensetechnology

Naval Innovation: The Revolutionary Role of Amphibious Transport Docks in Modern Warfare Naval Innovation: The Revolutionary Role of Amphibious Transport Docks in Moder... Read More - https://lnkd.in/d4RpWiFv

😯 *Unmanned Underwater Vessel (UUV)* Feb. 17 Summary of Red Sea activities TAMPA, Fla. – Between the hours of 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. (Sanaa time), Feb. 17, CENTCOM successfully conducted five self-defense strikes against three mobile anti-ship cruise missiles, one unmanned underwater vessel (UUV), and one unmanned surface vessel (USV) in Iranian-backed Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen. This is the first observed Houthi employment of a UUV since attacks began in Oct. 23. CENTCOM identified the anti-ship cruise missiles, unmanned underwater vessel, and the unmanned surface vessel in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen and determined they presented an imminent threat to U.S. Navy ships and merchant vessels in the region. These actions will protect freedom of navigation and make international waters safer and more secure for U.S. Navy and merchant vessels.