Internationale ontwikkelingen maritiem

[Parera]

https://twitter.com/BaainBw/status/1544239903126573058

Nieuwe RHIB's voor de SpecialForces van de Duitse Marine

Volgens mij zijn dit Frisc's aangepast aan Duitse eisen. Geleverd via Damen.

[Harald]

Wir beschaffen 9 neue Festrumpfschlauchboote #RHIB aus einem #Rahmenvertrag für die #Spezialkräfte der @deutschemarine mit Option auf 12 weitere Boote ⚓️ Die Finanzierung des Projekts erfolgt ab 2023 erstmalig aus dem #Sondervermögen der @bundeswehrInfo. #Beschaffungläuft

https://twitter.com/BaainBw/status/1544239903126573058

Nieuwe RHIB's voor de SpecialForces van de Duitse Marine

[Parera]

Ondanks dat het vanuit Frankrijk komt toch een interessant systeem.

[Parera]

China Continues To Exploit Commercial Shipping For Sealift
China has invested heavily to improve the capability of the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN). However, its amphibious warfare fleet remains insufficient for any major amphibious operation – such as an invasion of Taiwan – and so it would be forced to rely on commercial shipping.

https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2023/10/china-commercial-shipping-for-sealift/

General Atomics Long Range Maneuvering Projectile Update
Naval News catches up with General Atomics on their unique artillery shell at AUSA 2023.
https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2023/10/general-atomics-long-range-maneuvering-projectile-update/

Final San Antonio-Class LPD Will Be Named USS Philadelphia
Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) Carlos Del Toro announced that a future San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock will be named USS Philadelphia (LPD 32) at Independence Hall, during Philadelphia Navy and Marine Corps Week, Oct. 12.
https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2023/10/final-san-antonio-class-lpd-will-be-named-uss-philadelphia/

[Parera]

Toch een capaciteit die binnen onze KM ontbreekt sinds het afstoten van de witte vloot.

A guide to RFA Proteus – the UK's new seabed warfare vessel
As the first Multi-Role Ocean Surveillance (MROS) ship is formally named and brought into service today, we have compiled a basic guide to the ship and its potential future operations.



https://www.navylookout.com/a-guide-to-rfa-proteus-the-uks-new-seabed-warfare-vessel/

[Harald]

Japan announces plans to acquire Tomahawk cruise missiles by 2025

According to information published by Kyodo News on October 5, 2023, Japan has announced plans to procure Tomahawk cruise missiles from the United States in fiscal 2025, a year ahead of its initial schedule.

Japan's decision to acquire Tomahawk cruise missiles from the United States is a reflection of the nation's intent to fortify its defense mechanisms in light of the shifting geopolitical dynamics in the Asia-Pacific region.

The urgency of this acquisition has been underscored by Japan's move to expedite the purchase to 2025, a year ahead of its initial plan. This urgency is not unfounded; the security landscape around Japan has been witnessing significant changes.

The Tomahawk missile system, with its proven track record, offers Japan a formidable long-range precision strike capability. The Block IV version, for instance, boasts a range of approximately 1,000 miles (1,600 kilometers) and is equipped with a two-way satellite data-link that allows the missile to switch targets while in-flight or receive updates.

This "loitering" capability means the missile can hover over a potential target area for hours, waiting for a more opportune moment to strike, or even be redirected to a completely new target. This flexibility is invaluable in dynamic conflict scenarios.

The more advanced Tomahawk Block V variant further augments these capabilities. It incorporates a modernized radio suite, updated navigation systems, and enhanced targeting capabilities.

One of its notable features is the Maritime Strike Tomahawk (MST), which allows the missile to target moving naval vessels, making it a potent tool in naval warfare.

Beyond North Korea's persistent nuclear ambitions, China's rapid military modernization and its increasing assertiveness in the region, especially in the South China Sea, have been significant factors in Japan's defense calculus.

The U.S., recognizing the strategic importance of the region, has been realigning its defense posture. Washington's defense strategies have increasingly emphasized the Indo-Pacific, with China being identified as a primary strategic competitor.

In this context, Japan's acquisition of the Tomahawk system is not merely about adding to its arsenal but about having a credible deterrent that can be a game-changer in potential conflict scenarios.

Japan's defense doctrine has been evolving. The nation has been keen on developing or acquiring anti-access/area-denial (A2/AD) capabilities. The Tomahawk, with its long-range and precision strike capabilities, fits perfectly into this A2/AD framework. It can be launched from various platforms, including ships, submarines, and ground-based launchers, offering Japan a multi-domain operational flexibility.

This acquisition sends a robust message. It underscores Japan's commitment to defending its territorial integrity and its readiness to invest in advanced military hardware to achieve this.

https://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php/naval-news/naval-news-archive/2023/october/13640-japan-announces-plans-to-acquire-tomahawk-cruise-missiles-by-2025.html

[Harald]

Thales To Deliver The CMS And Sensor Suite To Polish MIECZNIK Frigates
https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2023/10/thales-to-deliver-the-cms-and-sensor-suite-to-polish-miecznik-frigates/

Thales will equip the Polish Navy MIECZNIK frigates with the TACTICOS combat management system, sonars, infrared sensor and radars providing the warships with multiple functions for detection, identification, command and control and decision making.

Thales combat management system TACTICOS will be the central command and decision-making element of the frigate combat system.

Thales will provide two highly complementary radars, the SM400 Block 2 and the NS50. The SM400 radar, a multifunction S-Band radar, is designed to simultaneously provide long-range air and surface surveillance, helicopter control and weapon control functions at a range up to 400 km.

The NS50 radar, together with TSA 6000 IFF2 interrogator, offers an additional layer of protection providing superior air and surface detection, tracking and classification. The frigates will also be equipped with ARTEMIS, a 360° naval infrared search and track system, and the STIR 1.2 EO Mk2 fire control radar.

[Harald]

Indian Navy formally announces desire for third aircraft carrier

According to information published by the Times of India on September 27, 2023, the Indian Navy has formally proposed the construction of a second indigenous aircraft carrier to the government. This vessel, estimated to cost over Rs 40,000 crore, is set to be built at Cochin Shipyard (CSL).

Aircraft carriers, being sophisticated naval assets, demand regular maintenance and refits, often rendering them non-operational for extended periods. Having only two carriers means that when one undergoes maintenance, the operational strain on the other increases, potentially diminishing its lifecycle and combat efficiency. A third carrier would effectively distribute this operational load, ensuring that the Navy always has substantial aerial and maritime coverage.

Moreover, with the growing significance of the Indo-Pacific region and increasing naval activities, the ability to project air power with multiple carriers allows for greater tactical flexibility. More carriers mean more aircraft, translating to a wider range of air missions, from combat sorties to reconnaissance.

A third carrier would also provide the Indian Navy with additional deck space, enhancing its capacity to accommodate future advancements in aviation technology and potentially more significant aircraft.

In terms of fleet operations, a third carrier offers a tactical advantage by enabling the Navy to engage in simultaneous multi-theatre operations. This not only extends its blue-water naval capabilities but also ensures quicker response times to emerging threats or challenges across its vast maritime domain.

Furthermore, aircraft carriers play a crucial role in Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations due to their ability to carry helicopters and necessary equipment. Having three carriers ensures that the Navy can maintain its defense commitments while also addressing regional humanitarian crises.

From an economic perspective, the maritime routes in the Indian Ocean are crucial global trade arteries. Their safety and security have broad economic implications.

A third aircraft carrier would amplify the Navy's patrolling capacity, offering enhanced protection to commercial vessels, deterring piracy, and ensuring the unobstructed flow of trade.

https://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php/naval-news/naval-news-archive/2023/september/13603-indian-navy-formally-announces-desire-for-third-aircraft-carrier.html

[Harald]

https://www.navalnews.com/event-news/dsei-2023/2023/09/video-hyundai-heavy-industries-at-dsei-2023/

Overview of the HD Hyundai Heavy Industries booth at DSEI 2023.

The South Korean shipbuilder was showcasing several designs, from LPD amphibious vessel to drone mothership.
So-jeong Kim, senior designer, presents the following designs:

00:28 – HDL-10000 multi-role landing ship
02:59 – HDP-2200+ OPV for the Philippines
03:37 – HDF-4000 / FFX Batch III frigate for the ROK Navy
05:01 – HCX-23 drone mothership concept

[Harald]

Denmark's OSK Design Unveils New Arctic Frigate  ( weer een beetje meer info )

OSK Design introduced its latest design, the Arctic frigate, during DSEI 2023 in London. The Arctic frigate will be proposed to the Royal Danish Navy as the Thetis-class replacement. It is designed for operations in the North Atlantic, High North, and Greenland regions.

According to OSK Design, the multi-purpose Arctic frigate is set to redefine maritime capabilities with its significant features and capabilities. Here is our video interview with OSK Design's Head of Defense during the event:

"This is a preliminary design for a new Arctic Frigate meant to be [proposed] for the Danish Navy for operating in the Arctic Areas around Greenland and the Faroe Islands.

This will be a replacement for the Thetis-class but it will be an enhanced replacement because there's a lot of new capabilities built into the design"

Lars Povl Jensen, Head of Defence, OSK Design

Mission-ready versatility, arctic-ready and an exceptional mobility

The Arctic frigate is a true workhorse, designed to excel in a wide range of missions. The Arctic frigate is classed for year-round operation in the arctic (ice class / polar class 5), capable of withstanding the most challenging ice conditions while maintaining optimal performance. With a length of 125 meters, a beam of 18.0 meters, a maximum draught of 6 meters, and a top speed of 23+ knots, this frigate is built for swift and agile navigation in the most unstable waters.

Equipped to handle any situation, the Arctic frigate boasts an impressive arsenal, including naval gun systems, missile launcher for both SAM and anti-ship missiles, and overhead weapon systems, ensuring readiness for both offensive and defensive maneuvers. Operating in one of the harshest environments on Earth demands extraordinary capabilities.



Mission flexibility redefined

The Arctic frigate is powered by a state-of-the-art diesel-electric system (PODs), offering both efficiency and maneuverability. A crew capacity of 60-125+ depending on the task, a fully equipped helicopter, and a drone capacity for air, surface, and underwater operations ensure that the Arctic Frigate is ready for any mission. With two RHIBs (Rigid-Hulled Inflatable Boats) up to 9 meters in length and one stern-launched boat up to 12 meters, the vessel is equipped for swift and effective search and rescue missions.

At DSEI, OSK Design was sharing its exhibit space with Danish company SH Defence. They were showing in virtual reality the Arctic Frigate fitted with SH Defence new minelaying module. While "mine laying" is not expected to be among the mission sets of the Arctic frigate, modularity very much is and the frigate can accommodate "The Cube" system by SH Defence. The mission bay can accept several modules such as the ACTAS ASW system, oil spill booms and equipment for the Arctic Standby Force, allowing for mission-specific adaptability. With its large, modularized mission bay, this vessel is adaptable for Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW), surface and air surveillance, maintenance of sovereignty, search and rescue, disaster relief and enhanced self-defense.

OSK Design excepts the Danish ministry of defence to move forward with the Thetis-class replacement program this Fall. "If they want a replacement in 2032, I think they should start the program very soon" Lars Povl Jensen said.

Arctic Frigate main specifications
Length: 125 m
Beam: 18,0m
Max Draught:  6 m
Speed: 23+
Ice classed.
Propulsion: Diesel electric (PODs )   
Crew: 60-125+ pending task
Helicopter: 1
Drone capacity: Air, surface, underwater
Boats and crafts: 2 RHIBs up to 9 meters; stern launched boat or RHIB up to 12 meters
Mision bay for modularized systems and stores eg:
ASW system (ACTAS), Mine laying module,  Oilspill booms, Equipment for Arctic Standby Force, Snow mobiles, ATV tents  ect.
Weapon systems: Main gun up to 76mm, 2(3) x overhead weapon stations, missile launchers (VLS and top side).
Main sensor: Air surveillance radar.
Tasks: ASW, Surface and air surveillance, maintenance of sovereignty, search and rescue, enhanced self defence.

https://www.navalnews.com/event-news/dsei-2023/2023/09/denmarks-osk-design-unveils-new-arctic-frigate/

[Harald]

Royal Navy Designs FADS For Air And Multi-Domain Dominance  ( Zal Thales Hengelo hier nog weer een kans maken ? met de radar en sensorsuite ? )

The UK Royal Navy (RN) is developing a concept for future air domain dominance designed to deliver air defence advantage in a complex operational environment, but also to provide a 'system-of-systems' approach that will generate air dominance across the maritime domain, from the air and surface into the littoral environment.

In his keynote address at the Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEI) 2023 exhibition, which took place at ExCel London from 12-15 September, the RN's First Sea Lord and Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Sir Ben Key said that the navy's Future Air Dominance System (FADS) is "The replacement to our Type 45 destroyer, but [is] so much more than just about ships".

"FADS is a 'system of systems' designed to be completely dominant. Dominant in air defence, dominant in long-range precision strike, blending ... ships and aircraft with cutting edge sensors, weapons, [and] digital enablement, to ensure we can do what we need to do faster, more lethally, and more accurately than those who would oppose us."

Admiral Sir Ben Key, RN First Sea Lord and Chief of Naval Staff

Speaking to Naval News prior to DSEI, Rear Admiral James Parkin – the RN's Director Develop – said FADS aims to provide "air defence against the hardest possible threats, but also long-range precision strike against the hardest possible targets".

The RN's current air-defence dominance capability is based around its six Type 45 Daring-class destroyers. In the 2021 Defence Command Paper, the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) announced that Type 45 would be replaced by the Type 83 – what the MoD referred to as a "concept replacement warship" that would begin arriving in the late 2030s.

Today, against a requirement to deliver consistent military advantage and effective deterrence in the complex future operating environment, the Type 83 warship concept sits at the centre of, but still within, a wider concept for delivering dominance in the air, surface, and littoral environments through FADS.

FADS is a clear priority for the RN, with the concept demonstrated at the navy's DSEI stand. The FADS programme was stood up in September 2021. Although not yet a programme of record, it is in the pre-concept phase and the RN used DSEI to engage with industry and other stakeholders on key concepts and capabilities to consider within FADS. Seeking such input is central to clarifying FADS' operational requirement.

Within a broad, overall requirement to 'sense things, decide things, effect things', a core tenet of the FADS concept is spiral development of capabilities that already exist onboard Type 45. In this sense, the RN is not seeking a replacement for Type 45 as such, but an upgrade to its capabilities.

Type 45 was developed as an anti-air warfare (AAW) platform to defend a carrier strike group (CSG). Now, the navy is looking at providing more disaggregated capabilities to counter high-end ballistic missile defence threats, including from hypersonic systems; and to counter uncrewed air systems (UASs), including those operating in swarms. The core requirement remains to defend a CSG and other maritime task groups, but to do so through providing a range of distributed capabilities to tackle a range of different threats, including providing long-range precision strike to attack threats at source (at sea and ashore).

The RN is looking at how the air-defence capability in place and being updated onboard Type 45 – for example in the Sea Viper Evolution (SVE) programme, which is seeking to augment the existing AAW capability with capacity to deal with short-range ballistic missile threats – can be enhanced further through spiral development to provide capability and effects for FADS.

FADS capability requirements will include a large, high-power sensor. Such a sensor will need to be carried onboard a large ship – namely, Type 83. However, a suite of other sensors will also be needed, with these sensors disaggregated – for example, on smaller vessels – to expand sensing capability and to contribute other effects, as well as improving resilience.

Network resilience will be critical in ensuring proper dissemination of data across the disaggregated FADS force. Artificial intelligence (AI) will play a key role in managing the vast amount of data generated and disseminated. As regards resilience, one factor within FADS consideration is how far disaggregation can be taken whilst maintaining robust, networked connectivity and effects.

FADS is also a benchmark project for demonstrating how the RN is developing new approaches to capability procurement, including agility in both initial acquisition and upgrading capability through-life. The focus on distributed sensors and effectors also enables industry to contribute in ways other than constructing ships and their capabilities.

[Harald]

Schepen lijken almaar "vetter" te worden.
Da's bijna vier meter breder dan de Kortenaer- en Doorman-klasse.
Het "rank en slank" verdwijnt.

Ik vergelijk het Arctic frigate ff met een Damen Crossover XO 131L, maar deze is ook al 19,6 meter breed.
Het "oude" ontwerp RMF-22D voor de ASWF fregatten is ook 17,1 meter breed.

Het idee achter die Arctic Fregatten lijkt wel wat op het Crossover idee van Damen

https://media.damen.com/image/upload/v1632424639/catalogue/defence-and-security/crossovers/product-sheet-xo-131-l.pdf

[ARM-WAP]

length of 125 meters, an 18.0-meter beam

Schepen lijken almaar "vetter" te worden.
Da's bijna vier meter breder dan de Kortenaer- en Doorman-klasse.
Het "rank en slank" verdwijnt.

[Harald]

Danish firm OSK Design introduces Arctic frigate design for Northern Operations

According to a PR published by OSK Design on September 12, 2023, the firm has revealed its Arctic frigate concept tailored for operations in the challenging waters of the North Atlantic, High North, and Greenland.


Artist rendering of the future Arctic frigate design.

The vessel includes an onboard helicopter, intended for various roles including aerial reconnaissance, transport, and search and rescue in the Arctic conditions.

The Arctic frigate is designed to operate year-round in the Arctic, capable of enduring tough ice conditions. Its specifications include a length of 125 meters, an 18.0-meter beam, a 6-meter maximum draught, and a top speed of over 23 knots.

The vessel comes equipped with a range of weapons for security purposes, including a gun, missile launchers, and overhead systems. It's powered by a diesel-electric system (PODs).

Depending on the operation, it can accommodate a crew ranging from 60 to 125 members. Additionally, the frigate has drone capabilities for various tasks and two RHIBs (Rigid-Hulled Inflatable Boats) of up to 9 meters, along with a 12-meter stern-launched boat.

The mission bay of the frigate is designed to be versatile, housing systems such as the ACTAS ASW system, mine-laying modules, and equipment for the Arctic Standby Force. This makes the vessel adaptable for different missions, from Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) and surveillance to disaster response.

https://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php/naval-news/naval-news-archive/2023/september/13571-danish-firm-osk-design-introduces-arctic-frigate-design-for-northern-operations.html




video van 5:00

[Harald]

Charting New Horizons: BMT Showcases Vision For LUSV

BMT, a maritime-orientated high-end design house and technical consulting company, unveils its Large Uncrewed Surface Vessel (LUSV) solution at DSEI 2023 exhibition in London.



BMT press release

In a stride towards shaping the future of naval technological prowess, BMT, the leading international multi-disciplinary engineering and ship design consultancy, has unveiled its Large Uncrewed Surface Vessel (LUSV) vision.

As part of its commitment to horizon scanning, BMT demonstrates why LUSVs could be a necessary enabler for any future blue water navy, as it seeks to balance operational capability and cost-effective mass.

"The naval landscape is evolving and so must our operating strategies.  Whilst the concept of a LUSV is not new, many navies debating their future fleet composition have yet to formally consider the use of these types of high endurance vessels to enhance its surface fleet.  Our purpose with this vision was to explore the potential of LUSVs adding mass to an existing or future fleet. When considered within a mixed fleet approach, the LUSV demonstrates compelling technical feasibility.  However, as we chart this course towards the future of naval capabilities, it will be imperative that we further explore the economic viability to ensure a balanced and sustainable naval strategy."

Monty Long, Global Business Development Director for Defence, Maritime and Security at BMT



The unveiling of this vision underscores BMT's role as a vanguard in innovation and adaptability backed by decades of proven ship design experience. This conceptual stance is further backed by the company's experience and pursuit of next-generation platform-designs and autonomous systems. At over 80m long, to ensure it can operate within high sea states, the LUSV vision comprises six challenges and research areas:

1. Command and Control – controlled via shore operations centre but commanded as part of a fully-networked, interoperable fleet.

2. Sensor Data Management – providing key, encrypted operational data at the speed of relevance.

3. Engineering Systems – considering sustainable propulsion systems and future alternative fuels.

4. Vessel and Mission Resilience – allowing the vessel to remain at station whatever is thrown its way, a key factor here is to understand and achieve a balance between resilience on mission and achieving a cost that allows these vessels to support increasing fleet mass.

5. Maintenance and Logistics – ensuring system reliability and availability with different approaches to implementing maintenance.

6. Modularity – providing a flexible solution with ample capacity for carrying various modular payloads.

The LUSV vision is an evolution of BMT's Highly Autonomous Warship Technologies (HAWT) programme launched at DSEI two years ago where the company created a vision of a safe and secure lean crewed warship.  The aim of this programme was to reduce crew numbers to a minimum by embracing onboard automation and safety, whilst still maintaining the flexibility of the vessel with a minimal crew and evolving its use into the future battlespace.

"Despite the effectiveness of HAWT, they are not the full solution on their own.  A future fleet of lean crewed warships enabled with high levels of costly automation systems could lead to a loss of mass/hull numbers for a fixed fleet cost. It needs to be built into a mixed fleet solution as part of the pivot to protean capabilities. The question for us then became – how can we effectively add mass to the fleet in a cost-effective manner?  This led to the creation of the LUSV vision – a simplified supporting vessel that can utilise the full benefits of autonomy to help reduce costs.  The LUSV vision strongly complements the HAWT operating concept and could operate alongside the lean crewed vessel providing cost effective, added mass to the fleet and utilising many of the same underlying technologies."

Jake Rigby, Research and Development Lead for Defence and Security at BMT

https://www.navalnews.com/event-news/dsei-2023/2023/09/charting-new-horizons-bmt-showcases-vision-for-lusv/#prettyPhoto