Current Events in Europe

I don't know if this news report was referenced on his day a few months ago, 27 January 2017. Intrigued by the fate of the upcoming Sea Ceptor naval SAM, no news in a long time. Looking for it in Internet only found this recent report: http://navaltoday.com/2017/01/27/hms-westminster-starts-sea-trials-after-major-refit/ Apparently from October 2016 is finished the refit adding Sea Ceptor launcher and Artisan 3D radar (some had it previously, I think) in the frigates Westminster, Montrose and Argyll (the latter designed as test ship for Sea Ceptor), waiting now for the induction in service of Sea Ceptor. Note Wesminster is equipped with towed Sonar 2087 (Current…

In Navy Recognition: http://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php/focus-analysis/naval-technology/5119-in-details-french-navy-aircraft-carrier-charles-de-gaulle-mid-life-refit.html

Indian Navy retires fleet of Tu-142M maritime patrol aircraft (Jane's)

Russia To Float Out First Upgraded Ballistic Missile Sub in 2017 (The Diplomat)

First use of US KC-135 refuelling Romanian F-16: http://www.f-16.net/f-16-news-article5054.html

Russia's Most Powerful Nuclear Attack Submarine Ever Is Almost Ready for Sea (National Interest)

Russia details ambitious effort to modernise nuclear-powered submarines to bolster order of battle (Jane's)

Trident missile went off course after launch from British SSBN

Russia's PAKFAs to be transferred to Aerospace Forces later this year (Jane's)

The Myth of Russian Aggression and NATO Expansion (Strategy Bridge)

Clear and short article on MiG-31 and his possible future: http://nationalinterest.org/blog/russias-mig-31-fighter-mach-3-monster-even-35-years-old-18376

Eight to be built of an originally planned 13 However, five smaller Type 31 general purpose vessels are planned.

Russia designing new ‘aircraft carrier killer’ torpedo to boost naval power (Russia Beyond the Headlines)

Will be known as the Dreadnought class. Update your databases now...

Very interesting official briefing for fishing vessels and ferries in the current Joint Warrior 16-2 exercise in Scotland (a pity only the MCM ships are named, but a lot of intersting operational details, including sea grid use in submarine operations): http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/-/media/qhm/clyde/documents/20160928-jw162-brief-for-fishing-vessels-and-ferries-u-sosm-v2.pdf?la=en-gb

US and NATO apparently retiring fast and irreversibly from Turkey! http://www.euractiv.com/section/global-europe/news/us-moves-nuclear-weapons-from-turkey-to-romania/

Meteor at last in service first time, in the Swedish Air Force from 11 July 2016 (in Brazilian Portuguese): http://www.aereo.jor.br/2016/07/11/missil-meteor-da-mbda-entra-em-servico-no-gripen-da-forca-aerea-sueca/

The three Spanish SH-3W (AEW) Sea King equipped with Searchwater radar were converted in utility transports between December 2015-January 2016, losing the Spanish Armada his AEW capability. Never were modernized or equipped with any type of ESM: https://foronaval.wordpress.com/2016/05/27/adios-a-las-paqueteras/

Russia To Modernize Its Lone Aircraft Carrier Next Year, New Carrier Program Could Start in 2025 (USNI News)