Naval

UFORCE integrates Predator RWS on French frigate, new MAGURA USV breaks cover

UFORCE integrated a Predator remote weapon station on a French frigate, and a new MAGURA USV variant was revealed. The developments cover naval weapons integration and unmanned surface vessels. Notable maritime capability progress.

JanesAug 17

North AmericaNaval◆ AUKUS

US moves to ramp up naval anti-ballistic missile production

The US is moving to increase naval anti-ballistic missile production. The push aims to boost interceptor stocks for Aegis-equipped ships. Reflects rising demand for maritime missile defense capacity.

ukdefencejournal.org.ukAug 17

U.S. Navy Adds 26th Virginia-Class Submarine as USS Massachusetts Moves Directly to Fleet

The US Navy added its 26th Virginia-class submarine as USS Massachusetts moved directly to the fleet. The delivery boosts undersea warfare capacity. A significant submarine force milestone.

Army RecognitionAug 17

U.S. Navy Looks to Carrier-Basing, Submarine Replenishment Missions for UUVs

The US Navy is exploring carrier-basing and submarine replenishment missions for unmanned underwater vehicles. The concepts expand UUV operational roles. Reflects growing investment in undersea autonomy.

Naval NewsAug 17

oceaniaNaval◆ AUKUS

Australia and US Test AUKUS Pillar II Undersea Capabilities at RIMPAC 2026

Australia and the US tested AUKUS Pillar II undersea capabilities at RIMPAC 2026. The trials advanced allied autonomous and undersea warfare technologies. A milestone in AUKUS cooperation.

Naval NewsAug 17

Lockheed Martin Validates First Japanese ASEV Radar Shipset

Lockheed Martin completed and validated the first SPY-7 Aegis radar shipset for Japan's ASEV missile-defense vessel. The milestone moves the ship toward 2027 commissioning. A key allied missile-defense program step.

Defense DailyAug 17

USS John F. Kennedy completes acceptance sea trials

The Ford-class carrier USS John F. Kennedy (CVN-79) completed acceptance sea trials. The milestone clears the ship toward delivery to the Navy. A significant carrier program step.

militarytimes.comAug 17

Russia tests new submarine designed for ultra long-range nuclear torpedo

Russia tested a new submarine designed to carry an ultra long-range nuclear torpedo. The platform is linked to the Poseidon strategic weapon program. Notable development in Russian undersea deterrence.

Defence BlogAug 17

Missile Defense Agency says Pacific Dragon 2026 strengthened allied ballistic missile capabilities and Aegis tracking across the Indo-Pacific

The MDA said Pacific Dragon 2026 strengthened allied ballistic missile tracking and Aegis interoperability across the Indo-Pacific. The exercise validated multinational missile-defense coordination. A capability milestone for allied BMD.

Defence Industry EuropeAug 17

Fairbanks Morse Defense expands Poland production facility to boost naval davit output by 80% and strengthen NATO support

Fairbanks Morse Defense is expanding its Poland facility to boost naval davit output by 80%. The investment strengthens NATO supply chains. A modest industrial-base development for naval equipment.

Defence Industry EuropeAug 17

HII's ROMULUS-25 autonomous vessel completes DIU PRIME testing, positioning Watcher interceptor for potential U.S. naval production

HII's ROMULUS-25 autonomous surface vessel completed DIU PRIME testing. The trials position the Watcher interceptor for potential US naval production. A milestone in unmanned maritime systems development.

Defence Industry EuropeAug 15

Rauma Marine lays keel for fourth Finnish Pohjanmaa-class corvette

Rauma Marine has laid the keel for Finland’s fourth Pohjanmaa-class corvette. The milestone advances the Finnish Navy’s principal surface-combatant recapitalisation program. The class is intended for Baltic Sea operations in demanding ice conditions. Keel laying indicates the vessel has entered a major construction phase.

JanesAug 7

Rheinmetall unveils GMF 140 frigate design, begins F123 modernisation

Rheinmetall has unveiled its GMF 140 frigate design. The company has also begun modernisation activity for Germany’s F123 frigates. The developments combine a new surface-combatant proposal with an in-service fleet upgrade. Both programs are relevant to German naval capability renewal.

JanesAug 7

US Navy submarine crisis worsens as first Improved Los Angeles-class submarine USS San Juan retires

The U.S. Navy has retired USS San Juan, an Improved Los Angeles-class submarine. The retirement reduces the number of available attack submarines during a period of fleet pressure. Los Angeles-class boats have been central to U.S. undersea operations for decades. The development highlights the urgency of Virginia-class production and submarine maintenance.

Army RecognitionAug 7

Australia confirms enduring access for US Virginia-class submarines at HMAS Stirling naval base under AUKUS

Australia has confirmed enduring access for U.S. Virginia-class submarines at HMAS Stirling. The arrangement is part of the AUKUS submarine partnership. It supports forward maintenance, logistics and rotational submarine operations in Western Australia. The decision advances the infrastructure element of AUKUS undersea cooperation.

Army RecognitionAug 7

Rough waters help firm demo ‘expeditionary manufacturing’ aboard warship

A firm demonstrated expeditionary manufacturing aboard a warship in rough conditions. The demonstration examined producing parts at sea rather than relying solely on shore supply chains. Shipboard additive and digital manufacturing could improve readiness during deployed operations. The test is relevant to naval logistics resilience and repair capability.

Defense OneAug 7

GE to train RFA engineers on Tide class switchboards

GE will train Royal Fleet Auxiliary engineers on Tide-class switchboards. The training concerns electrical-power systems aboard the fleet tankers. Switchboard proficiency supports safe operation and maintenance of shipboard power networks. The arrangement is a sustainment update for the RFA tanker fleet.

ukdefencejournal.org.ukAug 7

Singapore deploys COMET-MCM AUV aboard Bedok-class mine countermeasure vessel

Singapore has deployed the COMET-MCM autonomous underwater vehicle from a Bedok-class mine countermeasure vessel. The AUV supports unmanned mine-detection and clearance operations. Deploying it from an operational vessel advances Singapore's maritime autonomous-systems integration. The capability can reduce crew exposure during mine-countermeasure missions.

JanesAug 6

Italian Navy completes first flight of upgraded NH90 Block 1 helicopter to improve NATO anti-submarine capabilities

The Italian Navy completed the first flight of an upgraded NH90 Block 1 helicopter. The upgrade is aimed at improving anti-submarine warfare capability for NATO maritime operations. Flight testing begins validation of the revised aircraft configuration. The program supports continued modernization of Italy's naval helicopter fleet.

Army RecognitionAug 6

Britain to buy new drone warfare testbed vessel

Britain plans to acquire a vessel dedicated to testing drone-warfare capabilities. The ship would provide a maritime platform for evaluating unmanned surface, air and subsurface systems. A dedicated testbed can accelerate naval experimentation and operational integration. The plan reflects the Royal Navy's growing focus on uncrewed maritime warfare.

ukdefencejournal.org.ukAug 6

HII And HD Hyundai Pilot Welding Automation For Shipbuilding

HII and HD Hyundai are piloting welding automation technologies for shipbuilding. The effort targets productivity, quality and workforce-capacity constraints at naval shipyards. Automated welding could help increase throughput for large vessel construction. The partnership addresses a key industrial bottleneck in fleet expansion programs.

Defense DailyAug 6

BWXT expands U.S. naval nuclear manufacturing base through PCG acquisition, targeting capacity and supply-chain gains for Navy programs

BWXT is expanding its US naval nuclear manufacturing base through acquisition of PCG. The transaction is intended to add production capacity and strengthen supply-chain performance. Naval nuclear manufacturing is critical to submarine and aircraft-carrier programs. The acquisition addresses growing demand across US Navy nuclear-propulsion programs.

Defence Industry EuropeAug 6

Rheinmetall scales down 2026 sales outlook on scrapped frigate programme

Rheinmetall has reduced its 2026 sales outlook following cancellation of a frigate program. The development demonstrates the industrial consequences of major naval procurement changes. The canceled program had been expected to contribute to Rheinmetall's defense revenue. The decision may affect suppliers and capacity planning in the German naval sector.

ReutersAug 6

As their warships encircle Japan, what signals are China and Russia sending?

Chinese and Russian warships conducted operations around Japan. The deployment demonstrates continuing bilateral naval activity in the western Pacific. Such operations test regional surveillance and reinforce maritime presence. The report focuses on the strategic signaling associated with the deployment.

scmp.comAug 6

Trump-class battleship program will cost $275 billion, CBO report says

A Congressional Budget Office assessment estimates the Trump-class nuclear battleship program could cost $275 billion. The estimate highlights the affordability and industrial implications of a new large surface-combatant program. Shipyard capacity is identified as a constraint on construction and wider fleet expansion. The report provides a major cost benchmark for US naval force-planning debate.

Defense NewsAug 5

U.S. Navy Selects Kongsberg and Oceaneering to Develop 1000-Mile CAMP XLUUV Undersea Drone

US Navy has selected Kongsberg and Oceaneering to develop the CAMP extra-large unmanned undersea vehicle with 1,000-mile range. Platform will support long-endurance ISR and payload delivery missions. Represents new phase in US XLUUV acquisition following Orca. Prime industrial team combines Norwegian and US expertise.

Army RecognitionJul 20

NAVANTIA lays the keel of the F113 frigate at the Ferrol shipyard seven months ahead of schedule

Navantia has laid the keel of the F-113, third of Spain's F-110 frigate class, at Ferrol seven months ahead of schedule. The 6,100-ton ships feature SCOMBA combat system and integrated mast. Programme progress bolsters Spanish shipbuilding capacity for NATO commitments.

Naval NewsJul 20

Belgium seeks new frigate builders as Dutch ASWF partnership faces soaring costs and seven-year delay

Belgium is seeking alternative frigate builders after the Dutch-led ASWF programme faces a 7-year delay and cost overruns. Defence Minister Francken issued an RFI to European yards. Move could reshape Benelux naval cooperation and open opportunities for Naval Group, TKMS or Fincantieri.

Army RecognitionJul 20

GlobalNaval

JAGM-Armed Saildrone Surveyor USV Joins RIMPAC 2026

A JAGM-armed Saildrone Surveyor unmanned surface vessel is participating in RIMPAC 2026. Marks first known integration of Joint Air-to-Ground Missile on a USV. Demonstrates armed autonomous maritime strike capabilities emerging from USN programs.

Naval NewsJul 20

Royal Netherlands Navy Integrates Uncrewed Systems into Fleet Combat Management System

The Royal Netherlands Navy has integrated uncrewed maritime systems into its fleet Combat Management System. Milestone enables coordinated manned-unmanned operations from surface combatants. Represents Dutch progress in USV/UUV C2 integration ahead of European peers.

Naval NewsJul 20