Paris – Naval Group awaits a high-level political decision on the next-generation aircraft carrier, particularly whether the vessel will be nuclear or conventionally powered, the executive chairman of the French shipbuilder said Oct. 19. A number of “scenarios” have been studied for the carrier, including the propulsion system, Pierre Eric…
While the new agreements among Israel, Bahrain and the UAE reshape Middle Eastern dynamics, Qatar is enhancing its position working with European allies. A recent article on the UK's Ministry of Defence website highlighted a deepening relationship with Qatar. During a joint visit to RAF Coningsby on October 14, 2020,…
By Robbin Laird In this September 23, 2020 story published by 3rd Marie Aircraft Wing, the historic deployment of USMC F-35Bs onboard the UK’s largest warship ever built by the UK was highlighted. PORTSMOUTH, England -- Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 211 embarked 10 F-35B Lightning II Joint Strike Fighters onboard…
According to a UK Ministry of Defence article published on September 30, 2020, a three year extension of a NATO contract for submarine rescue missions has been completed. Worth more than seven million pounds, the contract extension will reach into 2023 and provide operational support to the NATO Submarine Rescue…
On October 7, 2020, the Japanese Ministry of Defence issued a joint press release which highlighted the EU-Japan joint naval exercise. According to that statement: On 5-6 October, the EU and Japan carried out a joint naval exercise in the Gulf of Aden off the coast of Somalia. The exercise…
Recently, the Australian Aegis combat ship, the HMAS Hobart, returned from its engagement in the Regional Presence Deployment 2020, This Australian Department of Defence video highlights the engagement of the ship in the deployment. This year, one of Australia’s most advanced warships is leading the Royal Australian Navy’s largest and…
By Robbin Laird On Friday, October 9, 2020, I had a chance to visit the USS Ford and to get an update on the progress of this formidable warship. Earlier, Ed Timperlake and I have visited the USS Ford in 2015 and discussed the next generation large deck carrier with…
By Pierre Tran Paris - France recently published its 2021 draft defense budget, which set aside €5 billion ($5.9 billion) for the nuclear deterrent, taking a chunk out of a total budget of €39.2 billion. Hitting that nice round number showed the significance of nuclear weapons, on which France relies…
