Internationale ontwikkelingen maritiem

[Parera]

https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2021/12/13/denmark-norway-join-european-corvette-program/

Zeg maar daaag tegen mogelijke export van de m vervangers naar deze landen.

Misschien moeten we zelf ook maar aansluiten voor het vOPV project 

[Huzaar1]

Gelukkig zitten we met Belgie in de club.

[Zander]

https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2021/12/13/denmark-norway-join-european-corvette-program/

Zeg maar daaag tegen mogelijke export van de m vervangers naar deze landen.

[Huzaar1]

UK Parliament's Latest Report Calls For A Bigger Royal Navy

https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2021/12/uk-parliaments-latest-report-calls-for-a-bigger-royal-navy/


Lees hier het hele rapport (.pdf)

Ik wil graag een ferrari.


Stelletje flapdrollen. Vul eerst die 2e carrier nou maar met een club F-35's. En vergeet niet de afdekhoes van de motor eraf te halen.

En indien er nog iets over is zou je kunnen nadenken de hongerlijdende landstrijdkrachten te ondersteunen. Hebben wat uitdagingen op wat zaken.

Die eeuwige fantasie rapporten van de Britten altijd. De Fransen zijn heel wat serieuzer geworden. Die lijken goed in hun rol te zitten.

[Parera]

UK Parliament's Latest Report Calls For A Bigger Royal Navy

https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2021/12/uk-parliaments-latest-report-calls-for-a-bigger-royal-navy/


Lees hier het hele rapport (.pdf)

[Harald]

European Shipbuilders Submit Industrial offer for MMPC Corvette

Fincantieri, Naval Group, with their joint-venture Naviris, and Navantia boost their cooperation for the Modular Multirole Patrol Corvette (MMPC) program and reaffirm their will to work together in order to develop the first common naval capability in Europe. In this context, a consortium led by Fincantieri, Naval Group and Navantia and coordinated by Naviris submitted on December 9th an industrial proposal related to the MMPC call of the European Defence Fund (EDF).

Joint press release by Naviris, Naval Group, Fincantieri and Navantia

Their common assessment is that the European Union is increasingly facing many types of threats (increased tensions between great powers, illegal immigration issues, terrorism, etc.). Over the last years, and more specifically during 2021, there have been growing calls for Europeans to take responsibility for their own security both within NATO and as part of the European common security and defence policy. Several European Union member states have repeatedly underlined the need to develop common military capabilities to face common challenges.

In this respect, Fincantieri, Naval Group and Navantia acknowledge that there is a need for collaboration in the European Union naval defence sector to support Europe in dealing with these challenges and the ones to come.

As major European industrial players in the naval defence sector, they believe that this is the right time to start a real, concrete, added-value collaboration around a common program that will be the first common naval capability in Europe. This strategic program already exists: the European Patrol Corvette (EPC), the most important naval initiative within the Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO).

On December 9th, the consortium led by the three industrial naval partners and coordinated by Naviris submitted the industrial proposal related to the MMPC call of the European Defence Fund (EDF) in order to develop this joint project.

The clear objective of the proposal is to maximise synergies and collaboration among European shipbuilding industrials. By developing together a new ship, the EPC, they aim to ensure a European sovereignty in the second rank warship.

This has been made possible thanks to the participation of:
•4 countries in EPC PESCO project (Italy, France, Spain and Greece)
•6 countries involved in the co-founding (Italy, France, Spain, Greece, Denmark and Norway)
•3 European Shipbuilding Industrials (Fincantieri, Naval Group and Navantia) with Naviris in charge of the coordination
•40 companies for maritime systems and equipment 

Based on a unified frame of standards and using collaborative advanced engineering methodologies, EPC will be developed in the best cooperative way from conceptual studies up to the initial design. The produced design will constitute a break-through from current warships, as it will be modular, flexible, as well as more energy-efficient, greener, safer, more interoperable, and cyber-secure. MMPC will finally be characterized to address specific national requirements, keeping the defined design as the common reference.

This proposal constitutes the first essential step towards preparing the future production of the vessel in the scope of asecond call under EDF in the multi-annual perspective. In this context, the promotion of the program to other European Navies, with a joint action of Nations already part of PESCO program, will strengthen the European industry, increasing cooperation, efficiency and lowering duplication in defense spending.

Naval News comments: EPC and MMPC

The "MMPC" term first surfaced in the European Defence Fund 2021 calls for proposals document first issued in October 2021.

According to a Naval News source familiar with the matter, MMPC is not the new name for the EPC program. Rather, EPC is the name of the Pesco project (launched with support of EDA in 2019) with Italy, France, Spain, Greece (+ Portugal as observer). MMPC is the name of the 1st European Defence Fund call, launched in July 2021, covering the first phase of the program: up to initial corvette design + technological bricks. EPC remains the name of the three shipbuilders' offer answering to the MMPC call, supported by co-funding Nations: Italy, France, Spain, Greece, Denmark and Norway.


The MMPC details in the European Defence Fund 2021 calls for proposals document are as follow:

2.19.1. Topic EDF-2021-NAVAL-D-MMPC: Modular and multirole patrol corvette
Specific challenge
The ambition of the EU navies is to drastically increase the flexibility of second line vessels in order to conduct a wider range of operations and to make the vessels more suitable to face 21st century challenges and newest constraints and operational requirements to expand the capacities to interoperate and significantly elevate their level of availability and sustainability.
Moreover, the new class of ships needs to be based on a shared baseline, which can be tailored to different national individual requirements.
These goals can be reached at most optimized cost by a new generation of ships defined with a high level of commonality and modularity and taking advantage of a common engineering knowledge base and the large experiences at EU level.
The challenge is to take into account the different requirements from participating Member States and succeed in defining and demonstrate the capacity of building a family of ships which will have a common baseline (reference ship) jointly with some specificities (modularity in design and flexibility in mission) to answer to specific needs from each participating Member States.
Scope
The proposals must aim to:
•define a shared and common set of rules, standards and interfaces applicable to naval architecture and associated systems to improve the industrial cooperation and integration of the European naval companies and Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) and promote common European supply chains;
•create standardized industrial processes and methodologies and increase Member State's joint capability to develop future warships in a reduced amount of time and at most optimized cost, and so contribute to the competitiveness of the European defence industry;
•increase availability through integration of modularity and flexibility in the design of military vessels, and ultimately to generate a new 2500t-3500t class modular vessel able to increase current capabilities of the navies mainly in terms of MSA, Surface Superiority and Power Projection and also carry out a large spectrum of maritime operations ranging from peacetime governmental activities to wartime operations.
Targeted activities
The proposals must cover the following activities as referred in Article 10(3) of the EDF Regulation, not excluding possible upstream activities eligible for development actions if deemed useful to reach the objectives:
•studies, such as feasibility studies to explore the feasibility of new or improved technologies, products, processes, services and solutions;
•the design of a defence product, tangible or intangible component or technology as well as the definition of the technical specifications on which such design has been developed which may include partial tests for risk reduction in an industrial or representative environment.
•The activities must in particular include:
•definition of common methodologies, tools, set of common rules and standards for the studies and construction of the vessel, list of innovative solutions and relevant technological bricks, list of potential EU original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to be used during the following phases. This phase also includes the definition of standardized interfaces and the study and demonstration of some core technological bricks that are of highest importance for the concept of the vessel;
•concept and feasibility studies for the reference ship and verification of capability to cope with participating Member States/national specific requirements. Definition of flexible and scalable architectures and demonstration they are able to handle the amount of variability of vessel and systems impacted by the participating Member States/national specific requirements. This phase also includes the selection and the definition of the standardized interfaces with the main systems. The feasibility studies will provide several solutions for the reference ship plus specificities (sizing, general arrangement...);
•concept studies and evaluation, in order to elaborate and characterize the main parameters (sizing, general arrangement...) of MMPC solutions for the reference ship and characterization of national variants, and prepare the next detailed design phase for the MMPC.

In order to increase commonality between national variants, and to reduce non-recurring costs, the systems aboard the vessel must have, as much as feasible and economically interesting, standardized functional interfaces to be defined during the first phase of studies. To allow participating Member States to share capability modules in the flexible areas, the physical and functional interfaces and technologies in those areas must be common. The confirmation of the feasibility of such flexible area will be demonstrated. A detailed planning of potential subsequent phases should be generated, including the identification of implementation priorities, according to the operational needs.

https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2021/12/european-shipbuilders-submit-industrial-offer-for-mmpc-corvette/?nowprocket=1

[Enforcer]

Die Grieken hebben van alles een beetje bij iedereen...

[Harald]

Grieks Nieuws

US approves the sale of four Multi-Mission Surface Combatant MMSC ships to Greece

According to information published by the United States Department of Defense on December 10, 2021, the U.S. State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Greece of four Multi-Mission Surface Combatant (MMSC) ships and related equipment for an estimated cost of $6.9 billion.

The Government of Greece has requested to buy four (4) Multi-Mission Surface Combatant (MMSC) ships as well as combat equipment, weapons for these ships. The proposal also includes software delivery and support, facilities and construction support, publications and technical documentation, personnel training and training equipment, U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical and logistics support services, test and trials support, studies and surveys, and other related elements of logistical and program support. The estimated total cost is $6.9 billion.

.../....

https://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php/naval-news/naval-news-archive/2021/december/11104-us-approves-the-sale-of-four-multi-mission-surface-combatant-mmsc-ships-to-greece.html


France confirms the acquisition of three FDI HN or Belharra-class frigates by Greece

Despite the announcement by the United States on December 10, 2021, regarding the approval of a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Greece of Multi-Mission Surface Combatant (MMSC) ships, it was announced that Greece has already signed an agreement with France for the purchase of three French-made FDI HN or Belharra-class frigates.

The acquisition of new frigates for the Hellenic Navy is a top priority for the Greek government, as well as the upgrade of existing warships. Greece could invest 5 billion euros in the acquisition of four new frigates.

According to news published by the French newspaper "Le Figaro" on December 11, 2021, Greece has confirmed that the project for the acquisition of three frigates will continue.

....../.....

https://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php/naval-news/naval-news-archive/2021/december/11106-france-confirms-the-acquisition-of-three-fdi-hn-or-belharra-class-frigates-by-greece.html

[Sparkplug]

South Korea's CVX Aircraft Carrier Project Secures Last Minute Funding

https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2021/12/south-koreas-cvx-aircraft-carrier-project-secures-last-minute-funding/

[Harald]

Lockheed Martin contracted for additional LRASMs

The contract covers 42 additional missiles

The USAF-awarded contract to Lockheed Martin increases Lot Four and Lot Five Long Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM) production.

Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control has been awarded a $125 million contract modification for Lot Four and Five Long Range Anti-Ship Missiles (LRASMs) plus tooling and test equipment.

The contract modification, announced on November 29 and the result of a sole-source acquisition, provides for the purchase of an additional 42 LRASMs, and 24 Weapons Data Links in support of Lot Six.

The work is expected to be completed by September 2025.

The cumulative face value of the LRASM contract is now more than $549 million and the contracting authority is the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Eglin AFB, Florida.

https://www.shephardmedia.com/news/defence-notes/lockheed-martin-missiles-and-fire-control-obtains/

[Harald]

(dit artikel maar even in dit topic gezet, maritiem gerelateerd )

A Japanese Seaplane Could Be the Difference-Maker for the U.S. Military

https://warontherocks.com/2021/11/a-japanese-seaplane-could-be-the-difference-maker-for-the-u-s-military/

Dus toch ? ... interesse uit de VS voor Amfibische vliegtuigen. 

USAF meets with Japanese navy to learn about amphibious aircraft operations

In another indication that developing an amphibious C-130 is a top priority for the US Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC), the service sent Major General Eric Hill to speak with Japanese navy representatives about that country's ShinMaywa US-2 amphibious aircraft.

https://www.flightglobal.com/fixed-wing/usaf-meets-with-japanese-navy-to-learn-about-amphibious-aircraft-operations/146517.article


AFSOC leadership visits 353 SOW, Japanese seaplane unit

U.S. Air Force Major General Eric Hill, Air Force Special Operations deputy commander, recently visited Airmen from the 353d Special Operations Wing and Japanese partners at MCAS Iwakuni, Japan, November 6th, 2021, to learn more about the US-2 seaplane.

During his visit, Hill had the opportunity to meet with Airmen and speak with leadership to discuss the current state of the Wing, and plans to prepare for both future crisis and competitive security requirements in the Indo-Pacific region.

This visit to the 353d SOW was Hill's first visit since their re-designation earlier this year.

The re-designation of AFSOC's 353d Special Operations Group to 353 SOW, on July 14, 2021, was an administrative effort to accurately reflect the wing's level of responsibility and improve AFSOC's ability to optimize and manage forces between two geographically separated units.

Hill also took the opportunity to meet with partners from the 31st Fleet Air Wing of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force to learn more about US-2 amphibious aircraft. The visit took special importance as AFSOC continues its efforts towards the MC-130 Amphibious capability.

"Flying an airplane that can land on water isn't a new concept, but few aviators have the experience of amphibious aviation," Hill said. "Gaining lessons from our partners will help us learn what to anticipate as we begin to build our own tactics and techniques moving forward."

The JMSDF operates the US-2 in surveillance and emergency transportation operations, and also provides the ability to reach remote locations, a key capability in the Pacific region.

While the MC-130 Amphibious program is underway, largely in-house within the Air Force, a number of partners operate the C-130 family of aircraft, accelerating the lessons and development of the MAC will open up a new capability for our trusted allies and partners.

"The Indo-Pacific region has high strategic importance," Hill said. "We're an incredibly capable Air Force, and while we still need to be able to land and take-off from land-based airfields, the ability to turn the Pacific Ocean into a runway would increase our options to help secure our nation's and allies security interests."

As AFSOC responds to the call to accelerate change, the command is working diligently to lay new foundations to continued tactical and operational excellence.

"Our future efforts are best described as using our existing means in new and extraordinary ways," said Hill. "We intend to use our investments to make AFSOC an unpredictable presence that confuses our adversaries and complicates their next move."

https://www.dvidshub.net/news/409348/afsoc-leadership-visits-353-sow-japanese-seaplane-unit

[jurrien visser (JuVi op Twitter)]

Some Comments on CSC Armaments & Aussie Comparisons

https://www.navalreview.ca/2021/11/some-comments-on-csc-armaments-aussie-comparisons/

[jurrien visser (JuVi op Twitter)]

Vrees dat de Spaanse Luchtmacht hier nooit mee akkoord zal gaan. Die  zit er niet op te wachten om hun vliegers op te leiden op zowel CTOL als CATOBAR.

Ik zie de Spanjaarden niet zo snel gaan voor een medium/large size carrier al zou het wel een interessante Europese NAVO aanvulling zijn.

1 diesel/turbine CATOBAR carrier + airwing, voor dit pakketje ben je in de jaren dertig/veertig minimaal (aanname) €10 miljard kwijt en gedurende 30 jaar exploitatie komt daar naar schatting 25-30 miljard bij.

Als aanname ben ik uitgegaan van een airwing van 32 x FCAS en voor het rekengemak heb ik hiervoor €150 miljoen per toestel genomen, waarbij ik nu al het vermoeden heb dat dit aanzienlijk meer zal zijn) en een boot van €5 miljard.

Toeters en bellen zoals, AEW, ASW/SAR en tankermiddelen heb ik dan nog niet meegenomen. laten we daar ook een fictief bedrag voor neerzetten van 1 miljard aanschaf en 4 miljard exploitatie gedurende 30 jaar.

Ik kom met voorzichtige inschatting op een totaal post van €40-45 mjd over een periode van 30 jaar maar vermoedelijk zal het aanzienlijk meer zijn.

[Sparkplug]

Maar als ze kiezen voor een combinatie zoals de RAF en RN waarbij de kisten verdeeld worden over luchtmacht en marine en wanneer nodig beide delen ze stationeren op de carrier(s).

Dat was voor zowel de RAF als RN Fleet Air Arm gemakkelijk, omdat beiden al STOVL vlogen. Van elk afzonderlijk via de Joint Harrier Force naar F-35B.

Waar een wil- en geld is, is een weg.

Vrees dat de Spaanse Luchtmacht hier nooit mee akkoord zal gaan. Die  zit er niet op te wachten om hun vliegers op te leiden op zowel CTOL als CATOBAR.

[jurrien visser (JuVi op Twitter)]

Dat klopt , maar het zou wel passen in het plaatje ''grotere carrier'' als we spreken over Spanje. Vervanging van de F-18's en de aankoop van FCAS voor zowel luchtmacht als marine luchtvaart. Al is het aantal harriers dat ze hebben 13 natuurlijk niks als je het op een grote carrier gaat zetten. Ze hebben er ooit 22 gehad maar ook dat is nog relatief weinig.

Maar als ze kiezen voor een combinatie zoals de RAF en RN waarbij de kisten verdeeld worden over luchtmacht en marine en wanneer nodig beide delen ze stationeren op de carrier(s).

Waar een wil- en geld is, is een weg.