Navy Leaders’ Post

Is the Royal Navy Missing a Trick? The UK is facing increasingly challenging threats at sea, demanding a more lethal and survivable Royal Navy. While frigates like the Type 31 offer flexibility, arsenal ships – vessels carrying a large payload of missiles – present a cost-effective way to boost firepower and survivability. The US Navy plans to acquire up to nine such vessels (LUSVs/LOSVs) by 2028, each costing approximately $250 million (£195 million) and carrying 16-32 Vertical Launch System (VLS) cells. Similarly, Australia intends to procure six LOSVs. Could this be a solution for the UK? The Power of Dispersion: Arsenal ships are designed to significantly increase the Royal Navy's missile capacity by distributing it across multiple platforms. This dispersion minimizes the impact of losing a single ship to enemy action, enhancing overall fleet survivability. Flexibility and Vulnerability: While arsenal ships offer firepower, they lack the versatility of multi-mission frigates. A Type 31 frigate, despite being more expensive, can perform a broader range of tasks due to its larger crew and design. Additionally, the reliance on external communication for semi-autonomous operation makes arsenal ships vulnerable to electronic warfare. Mission Creep Concerns: A significant concern highlighted in the report ‘A More Lethal Royal Navy’ is the potential for mission creep during procurement. Adding features like point-defense systems and advanced radars to enhance autonomy could inflate the vessel's size and cost, ultimately leading to an "optionally-crewed frigate" – negating the initial cost-effectiveness of the concept. A Prudent Recommendation: The report suggests the UK acquire a single LOSV based on the River-class OPV hull. Stripped down and equipped with VLS, this testbed platform would allow the Royal Navy to evaluate the true utility of arsenal ships within their operational context. Addressing the Strategic Context: The UK faces growing threats from Russia's naval modernization and China's naval expansion. To counter these and maintain its presence in the Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific regions, the Royal Navy must evolve. #RoyalNavy #NavalModernization #Defense #ArsenalShips #FutureFleet #NationalSecurity #DefensePolicy #MilitaryTechnology

✈ Here is my recent interview with Steve Patrick, VP of Bombardier Defense. Our conversation centred around Bombardier adapting their Global and Challenger aircraft for military ops, including ISR, Medevac, maritime patrol, and much more. Steve also offered insights into the U.S. Army's selection of Bombardier's Global 6500 for the High Accuracy Detection and Exploitation System (HADES) program, their aircraft capable of operating on sustainable aviation fuel, and their newly opened defence-focused office at Lot Fourteen in Adelaide. "Australia is an important market for defense, as a member of Five Eyes and AUKUS, and we see opportunities for enhanced collaboration for different mission-types." - Steve Patrick Read here! https://lnkd.in/gd_ivNHA #Aviation #Defence #Innovation #Sustainability #BombardierDefense #ISR #Global6500 #Australia #LotFourteen #Medevac #Maritimepatrol #HADES #Adelaide #GlobalDefenceTechnology #GlobalData

✈️🚨 The Defense Logistics Agency has awarded BAE Systems, Inc. $133 million in contracts to provide radar warning receivers for the US Air Force’s C-130J Super Hercules military transport aircraft. The announcement specified the delivery of the company’s proprietary AN/ALR-56M Advanced RWR, which had already been ordered for the service’s C-130J fleet and F-16 Fighting Falcon jets in previous agreements over the past 30 years. “The AN/ALR-56M has shown what it can bring to the fight, and it is keeping these critical aircraft relevant against evolving threats in contested battle spaces,” BAE Systems Tactical Aircraft Electronic Warfare Director Lindsay Gallagher said. #military #army #defense #defence #defenseindustry #defenceindustry #defensetech #defencetech #militarytech #technology #innovation #aviation #militaryaviation #aerospace #baesystems #usairforce #radar #radars

✈️⚡️ BAE Systems, Inc. has received $95 million to supply advanced electronic warfare pods for the US Navy’s P-8A Poseidon aircraft. The pods will be used to detect and counter air- and surface-to-air guided threats, protecting the planes and expanding their operating range in contested environments. “We’re working closely with the US Navy to deliver innovative solutions to protect this critical, high-value aircraft,” said BAE's Director of Advanced Compact Electronic Warfare Solutions Don Davidson. “We quickly prototyped a very capable system using proven technology to defend against air-to-air and surface-to-air guided threats.” #military #army #defense #defence #defenseindustry #defenceindustry #defensetech #defencetech #militarytech #technology #innovation #baesystems #usnavy #aviationi #militaryaviation #aerospace #poseidon #electronicwarfare

🇩🇪📡🛥️ Rohde & Schwarz will supply and integrate communications and radar electronic support measures for the German Navy's F124 Sachsen-class frigates. The German Navy’s other warships are also equipped with the KORA family of systems, leveraging synergies. “Following the F125 class frigates and the recently expanded F126 class frigates, now increased to six units, as well as a boat class as a key capability carrier, the important air defense frigates of the F124 class are now also benefiting from this approach,” Rohde & Schwarz Vertriebs-GmbH Managing Director Alexander Philipp explained. Rohde & Schwarz Aerospace, Defense & Security #military #army #defense #defence #defenseindustry #defenceindustry #defensetech #defencetech #militarytech #technology #rohdeschwarz #germany #deutschemarine #bundeswehr #frigate #frigates

As we look to the future of military aviation, it is clear that commercial development is not just beneficial—it is essential. Embracing the innovations and efficiencies found in the commercial aerospace sector, the U.S. special forces, particularly the Night Stalkers, can ensure they remain a formidable force capable of delivering precision effects in battle. It’s time to bridge the gap between commercial and military aviation to secure a safer and more effective future for our armed forces. https://lnkd.in/eabnPv4W

Join us as Ben Hodges explores cutting-edge technologies with dual-use potential, from communication advancements to unmanned maritime systems. As highlighted by Neil Keegan from Marlinspike in a previous discussion, these innovations are crucial for both military and civilian applications. Discover how the U.S. Navy is investing in these developments, which could revolutionize industries beyond the military. 🎥 Watch on Wednesday at www.blockandtackleshow.com #MilitaryTechnology #DualUseInnovations #CommunicationAdvancements #TransportationRevolution #NightVisionCapabilities #MaritimeUnmannedSystems #USNavyInvestments #TechnologyRevolution #FutureInnovations #IndustryImpact

🔍 Military Land Vehicle Market: Modernization Programs 🔍 The military land vehicle market is evolving rapidly, driven by the need for advanced technology and enhanced capabilities. A significant trend in this sector is the focus on modernization programs. Let's dive into what these programs entail and explore a specific example: The U.S. Army's Next-Generation Combat Vehicle (NGCV) Program: One notable example of a modernization program is the U.S. Army's Next-Generation Combat Vehicle (NGCV) program. This initiative is designed to develop a family of advanced combat vehicles that will replace the aging Bradley Fighting Vehicle. Key features of the NGCV program include: 🚀 Enhanced Mobility: The NGCV will feature improved suspension systems, more powerful engines, and advanced traction control, enabling it to navigate diverse and challenging terrains more effectively. 🛡️ Advanced Protection: Incorporating the latest in armor technology and active protection systems, the NGCV will offer superior protection against a wide range of threats, including improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and anti-tank missiles. 💥 Increased Firepower: Equipped with state-of-the-art weaponry, including next-gen cannons and missile systems, the NGCV will provide unmatched firepower on the battlefield. 🤖 Autonomous Capabilities: The integration of AI and autonomous systems will allow the NGCV to perform certain operations without direct human intervention, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing risk to personnel. 📡 Enhanced Communication Systems: Advanced communication and networking capabilities will ensure seamless coordination and information sharing among units, critical for modern warfare scenarios. Global Implications and Market Growth 🌍 Countries around the world are launching similar modernization programs to ensure their military forces are equipped with the best technology available. This trend is driving significant growth in the military land vehicle market, which is expected to reach $30.82 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of over 4.05% from 2024. Stay Updated and Connected 📈 For more detailed insights and customized market reports on military land vehicle modernization programs and other defense industry trends, feel free to connect or reach out to me directly! #MilitaryVehicles #DefenseIndustry #ModernizationPrograms #NextGenCombatVehicle #MarketResearch #MilitaryTechnology #DefenseSpending Oshkosh Defense BAE Systems General Dynamics Land Systems Rheinmetall

🇧🇪🇳🇱⛴️ TERMA Group has signed a contract to supply new radars for the Belgian and Royal Netherlands Navy's anti-submarine warfare frigates. Terma will work closely with shipbuilder Damen Naval to integrate its SCANTER 6002 naval surveillance radars, which will give the ships multi-frequency scanning, X-band technologies, and small target detection algorithms. RH Marine will also join the integration phase to ensure the radars' peak performance. “These radars are not only best-in-class but also represent the culmination of Terma’s relentless dedication to innovation and excellence in maritime surveillance technology,” Terma naval sales director Martin Thomsen Jentsch shared. “We are confident that our partnership with Damen Naval and RH Marine will ensure the successful integration and deployment of these radar systems, ultimately enhancing the operational capabilities of the frigates and bolstering maritime security in the region.” #military #army #defense #defence #defenseindustry #defenceindustry #defensetech #defencetech #militarytech #technology #innovation #navy #naval #maritimedefense #maritimedefence #frigate #netherlands #belgium #radar

The production of the anticipated Jackal 3 military vehicle has officially been launched for the British Army. Created by Babcock International Group and Supacat, 70 High Mobility Transporter Jackal 3s will be delivered by the summer of this year. In the words of Babcock CEO David Lockwood, "At this time of global instability, the significance to the British Army of delivering the HMT Jackal 3 vehicle should not be understated." This project, one of the first contracts to deliver on the UK’s Land Industrial Strategy, underscores the commitment to modernizing defense infrastructure. The Jackal 3, equipped with advanced features such as a new suspension system for better off-road performance and increased payload delivery space, represents a leap forward in military technology. Nick Ames, Director of Supacat, expresses pride in the product and collaboration, emphasizing its battle-proven reliability and the dedication of the teams involved. This achievement reinforces the UK's commitment to modernizing defense infrastructure, ensuring the safety and security of the nation and its allies. #MilitaryInnovation #DefenseTechnology #BritishArmy   https://lnkd.in/em3w-Ekg