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Updates are graciously provided by Marine Forum, with additional information from Naval Todayand the Naval Open-Source Intelligence Blog. The commentary is my own. Here's a few updates to get you through the weekend. Enjoy! Summary to follow: 23 November RUSSIA There have been conflicting numbers; some media reporting Almaz launched the “6th” SOBOL class patrol boat (215), others claim the 16th boat of this class … delivery in June 2013 to border guard service in Murmansk region. 27 November PIRACY Anti-Piracy Forces (aka, the Keystone Kops): The 12th Chinese anti-piracy task group (YIYANG, CHANGZHOU, QIANDAO HU) has completed handover to 13th group (HUANGSHAN, HENGYANG, QINGHAI HU) … groups parted after short joint escort mission in the Gulf of Aden … 12th group now leaving for home, probably with some port visits enroute. (rmks: Intel collection complete, time to head home and process it. Oh, I almost forgot ... the pirates breathe a sigh of relief – NOT!) 28 November PIRACY Anti-Piracy Forces (dittos from above): Belgium navy frigate BNS LOUISE-MARIE has joined EU NavFor in operation “Atalanta” … until February. (rmks: "Holy crap, here come the Belgians!" Has never been said by a pirate.) 29 November AUSTRALIA +++ An intruder overpowered the duty member of an HMAS ARMIDALE class patrol boat moored inside the naval base in Darwin, accessed the vessel’s armory, removed a number of weapons and departed with them … regarded as “breach of national security.” (rmks: That's an understatement!) +++ Netherlands Damen Schelde has been contracted with building a “Rescue Gear Ship” (RGS 9316) … to support the Australian navy submarine fleet … design similar to British SD VICTORIA … to be built at Damen facility in Vietnam … delivery in 2016. (rmks: This will likely help to keep the COLLINS SSKs held together with bubblegum and bailing wire until a final solution for a replacement is reached) CANADA After passing a “critical dive test” submarine HMCS WINDSOR may be “only months” from becoming fully operational … at long last providing the Atlantic coast with an operational submarine. (rmks: With all the trouble our northern cousins have been having with their SSKs, here's hoping they can finally light this candle!) CHINA +++ As of 01 Jan, Chinese police (Hainan province) will “board and seize control of foreign ships,” which enter into what China considers its territorial waters in the disputed South China Sea. (rmks: It remains to be seen where exactly and how this “order” would be implemented. Additionally, I can see this going over real well with the neighbors!) +++ Photos published on the internet seem to suggest development of a carrier-based AEW aircraft which bears a “striking resemblance” to the US Navy’s E-2C Hawkeye. (rmks: Could be a hoax. If true, wonder if it would manage ski-jump take-off from LIAONING …) IRAN +++ (Related) The United States has set a March deadline for Iran to start “cooperating in substance” with an IAEA investigation, warning Tehran the issue may otherwise be referred to the U.N. Security Council. +++ (Sudan) The announced visit of two Iranian warships to Port-Sudan, initially scheduled to start on 30 Nov, has been delayed to 07 Dec. ISRAEL Unconfirmed media reports that Germany “recently” has agreed to Israel navy plans for modification of the DOLPHIN class submarines’ torpedo tubes, to launch cruise missiles. (rmks: These very same media outlets have claimed for some ten years the DOLPHINS already have been carrying such missiles. Go figure) NETHERLANDS In “solving various obsolescence issues” all 16 Goalkeeper CIWS operational with the Netherlands navy will receive an update. PIRACY (Cockroaches on Parade) +++ Arabian Sea: A possible Pirate Attack Group comprising two skiffs sighted south of Masirah (Oman) +++ Arabian Sea: A possible pirate mothership (whaler) observed in central Arabian Sea (some 500 nm east of Hobyo). (rmks: Where are the Keystone Kops when you need them?) TURKEY In planned acquisition of four air-defense frigates, feasibility studies have been completed and a “project model” will now be devised … expect domestic shipyard to build the ships with foreign assistance … no time-table yet. USA At Patuxent River, the X-47B Unmanned Combat Air System (UCAS) demonstrator successfully completed its inaugural land-based catapult launch. 30 November UNITED KINGDOM “Cougar 12”: the RN Response Group Task Force (et al helicopter carrier ILLUSTRIOUS and dock landing ship BULWARK) is returning to home ports … ending the two-month “Cougar 12” deployment to the Mediterranean.

Updates are graciously provided by Marine Forum, with additional information from Naval Todayand the Naval Open-Source Intelligence Blog. The commentary is my own. Interesting nuggets continue to be mined concerning the world's navies. Enjoy! Summary to follow: 26 November FRANCE The French navy took delivery of its 4th new EDA-R landing craft. (rmks: With the Russkies now interested in the platform, it looks like the economies of scale principle will come into play) RUSSIA The Russian navy reportedly rejected acceptance of STEREGUSHCHIY class corvette RFS BOYKIY as a subcontractor had failed to deliver the main gun in time. (rmks: They ran acceptance trials without the gun). 27 November USA Modified OHIO class (SSGN) submarine USS FLORIDA arrives at Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean. 28 November CHINA The East Sea Fleet has begun another “routine training” in the West Pacific … destroyers HANGZHOU and NINGBO, frigates ZHOUSHAN and MAANSHAN and supply ship POJANG HU have passed through the Miyako Strait (south of Okinawa). IRAN +++ On the occasion of “Navy Day”, the Iranian navy commissions two more GHADIR class midget submarines and two hovercraft (one refurbished BH7 and one – smaller – new TONDAR) … launches new SINA class (reverse engineered COMBATTANTE) missile corvette which “finished phase 1” of construction (rmks: Likely meaning hull completed) … showcase new MOWJ missile frigate SAHAND under construction (hull and superstructure completed). +++ Iranian VLCC tanker VOYAGER heading for South Korean port of Ulsan … may carry 2 million barrels crude oil … indicating South Korea still has no intention to join EUJ/US sanctions. (rmks: What the old adage about friends and enemies?) INDIA The MoD will ask the government for additional funding needed to meet cost overrun and complete indigenous aircraft INS VIKRANT, built al Cochin shipyard but already at least four years behind schedule. PIRACY Anti-Piracy Forces (aka, the Keystone Kops): Russian Pacific Fleet anti-piracy task group (RFS MARSHAL SHAPOSHNIKOV, IRKUT and ALATAU) arrives at Mumbai (India) for a scheduled port visit until 02 Dec and subsequent PASSEX with the Indian navy. RUSSIA +++ During a ceremony at Makhachkala, the Caspian Sea Flotilla has commissioned GEPARD class missile corvette RFS DAGESTAN. +++ KILO class submarine RFS MAGNITOGORSK has completed two-week return voyage from the Baltic to its parent Northern Fleet. +++ Black Sea Fleet deployment: no word yet that the RFS MOSKVA task group may have passed the Suez Canal (originally scheduled on 27 Nov) … actually, not word at all on the group’s activities … indicating may still be on stand-by in the Eastern Med for “possible Gaza evacuation operations”. 29 November IRAN (related) Greek coast guard is searching for Tanzanian-flagged Iranian tanker BAIKAL which had approached Syros with a shipment of 146,000 tons of - probably Iranian - crude oil … after initial inspection for possible embargo violation, the ship set sail … and switched off its Automatic Identification System. (rmks: Once again, don't you just love how the sanctions are working) UPCOMING / PLANNED EVENTS RUSSIA (14 Dec) Almaz (St. Petersburg) is to launch second Project 22120 “ice class patrol vessel” on 14 Dec … the “051” is destined for border guard service.

Updates are graciously provided by Marine Forum, with additional information from Naval Todayand the Naval Open-Source Intelligence Blog. The commentary is my own. Interesting nuggets continue to be mined concerning the world's navies. Enjoy! Summary to follow: 26 November FRANCE The French navy took delivery of its 4th new EDA-R landing craft. (rmks: With the Russkies now interested in the platform, it looks like the economies of scale principle will come into play) RUSSIA The Russian navy reportedly rejected acceptance of STEREGUSHCHIY class corvette RFS BOYKIY as a subcontractor had failed to deliver the main gun in time. (rmks: They ran acceptance trials without the gun). 27 November USA Modified OHIO class (SSGN) submarine USS FLORIDA arrives at Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean. 28 November CHINA The East Sea Fleet has begun another “routine training” in the West Pacific … destroyers HANGZHOU and NINGBO, frigates ZHOUSHAN and MAANSHAN and supply ship POJANG HU have passed through the Miyako Strait (south of Okinawa). IRAN +++ On the occasion of “Navy Day”, the Iranian navy commissions two more GHADIR class midget submarines and two hovercraft (one refurbished BH7 and one – smaller – new TONDAR) … launches new SINA class (reverse engineered COMBATTANTE) missile corvette which “finished phase 1” of construction (rmks: Likely meaning hull completed) … showcase new MOWJ missile frigate SAHAND under construction (hull and superstructure completed). +++ Iranian VLCC tanker VOYAGER heading for South Korean port of Ulsan … may carry 2 million barrels crude oil … indicating South Korea still has no intention to join EUJ/US sanctions. (rmks: What the old adage about friends and enemies?) INDIA The MoD will ask the government for additional funding needed to meet cost overrun and complete indigenous aircraft INS VIKRANT, built al Cochin shipyard but already at least four years behind schedule. PIRACY Anti-Piracy Forces (aka, the Keystone Kops): Russian Pacific Fleet anti-piracy task group (RFS MARSHAL SHAPOSHNIKOV, IRKUT and ALATAU) arrives at Mumbai (India) for a scheduled port visit until 02 Dec and subsequent PASSEX with the Indian navy. RUSSIA +++ During a ceremony at Makhachkala, the Caspian Sea Flotilla has commissioned GEPARD class missile corvette RFS DAGESTAN. +++ KILO class submarine RFS MAGNITOGORSK has completed two-week return voyage from the Baltic to its parent Northern Fleet. +++ Black Sea Fleet deployment: no word yet that the RFS MOSKVA task group may have passed the Suez Canal (originally scheduled on 27 Nov) … actually, not word at all on the group’s activities … indicating may still be on stand-by in the Eastern Med for “possible Gaza evacuation operations”. 29 November IRAN (related) Greek coast guard is searching for Tanzanian-flagged Iranian tanker BAIKAL which had approached Syros with a shipment of 146,000 tons of - probably Iranian - crude oil … after initial inspection for possible embargo violation, the ship set sail … and switched off its Automatic Identification System. (rmks: Once again, don't you just love how the sanctions are working) UPCOMING / PLANNED EVENTS RUSSIA (14 Dec) Almaz (St. Petersburg) is to launch second Project 22120 “ice class patrol vessel” on 14 Dec … the “051” is destined for border guard service.

Updates are graciously provided by Marine Forum, with additional information from Naval Todayand the Naval Open-Source Intelligence Blog. The commentary is my own. Some more interesting developments in today's naval news summary. Enjoy! Summary to follow: 22 November PIRACY Anti-Piracy Forces (aka, the Keystone Kops): Spanish frigate SPS MENDEZ NUNEZ sails from Rota (Spain) for the Horn of Africa … will join EU NavFor in operation “Atalanta”. (rmks: The pirates are quaking with fear ... NOT!) 23 November RUSSIA Almaz launches 6th SOBOL class patrol boat (215) … delivery in June 2013 to border guard service in Murmansk region. (rmks: One more hull in the water before everything freezes over) 26 November CHILE Submarine SIMPSON arrives at US Naval Station Mayport to take part in the Diesel Electric Submarine Initiative (DESI) partnership program with the US Navy. INDIA – RUSSIA India has given end of 2013 as “deadline,” for delivery of aircraft carrier VIKRAMADITYA. (rmks: Talking about your hollow threats. This coming from someone who can't even deliver their own ships on time) PIRACY Anti-Piracy Forces (dittos from 22 Nov): Italian navy dock landing ship ITS SAN MARCO sails from Taranto for Djibouti … flag ship of NATO SNMG-2 (new commander Italian RAdm Antonio Natale) … on 07 Dec, take over anti-piracy operation “Ocean Shield” from SNMG-1. (rmks: "Holy crap, the San Marco is coming!" Said no pirates ever) UNITED KINGDOM “Cougar 12”: Response Force Task Group with helicopter carrier HMS ILLUSTRIOUS leaves the Mediterranean … off Gibraltar ILLUSTRUIOUS conducted more trials with British army Apache combat helicopters … scheduled to arrive back at home port Portsmouth on 30 Nov. (rmks: Why can''t we – the makers of the Apache – develop the platform for the USMC as a replacement of the Sea Cobra, which entered the service right after the earth cooled) 27 November IRAN (related) +++ According to a diagram obtained by the IAEA and “leaked” to a news agency, Iranian scientists have run computer simulations for a nuclear weapon that would produce more than triple the explosive force of the WWII bomb that destroyed Hiroshima. (rmks: Yet the mullah, have absolutely no intention of developing one. If you believe that one, I have a bridge in Brooklyn, I can sell you ... dirt cheap!) +++ While Tanzania stated in August that it would de-register Iranian ships, reports indicate that Iranian NITC vessels have recently been reflagged in Tanzania … partly in a fraudulent ownership and insurance scheme … one such tanker (BAIKAL) currently “quarantined” off Greece while the origin of its load of crude oil is being investigated. (rmks: Don't you just love how the sanctions are working) +++ Iranian Navy Commander RAdm Sayyari: “Upcoming naval drills more massive and cover a vaster area than previous exercises”. RUSSIA +++ Admiral Chirkov reaffirms the first two MISTRAL class helicopters will both be stationed with the Pacific Fleet in Vladivostok … berthing space currently under construction. (rmks: I hate to be skeptical, but iIll believe when I see it) +++ Construction of (first) new aircraft carrier could start in 2018, although Russian navy rejected first draft concept as “completely obsolete”, reflecting technologies of the 1980s (based on former - unfinished - ULYANOVSK) +++ The Caspian Sea Flotilla will get three Project 11770 SERNA class amphibious craft over the next two years. +++ Training ship RFS PEREKOP to be overhauled in Bulgaria … in April/May 2013 … sister ship SMOLNIY already there … part of Bulgarian repayment of debts to former USSR … SMOLNIY reportedly (rmks: unconfirmed) to be stationed in Toulon (France) to provide accommodation for first crews of new MISTRAL class helicopter carriers. SOUTH KOREA The ROK Navy has deployed KDX-III Aegis-destroyers ROKS SEJONG DAEWAN and SEOAE RYU SEONG-YONG south of the Peninsula to monitor and track a space rocket to be launched later this week. (rmks: The third South Korean attempt to send a rocket to space; first two had failed) 28 November USA Frigate USS VANDEGRIFT scheduled to return to home port San Diego, ending a six-month independent deployment to the West Pacific … participated in five exercises supporting CARAT 2012.

Updates are graciously provided by Marine Forum, with additional information from Naval Todayand the Naval Open-Source Intelligence Blog. The commentary is my own. Several interesting things in today's naval news. Enjoy! Summary to follow: 17 November CHINA In Ukraine, the PLAN has taken delivery of the first ZUBR (POMORNIK) class LCAC … two Chinese crews in Ukraine, starting on-board training. 24 November USA High-Speed Vessel SWIFT (HSV 2) completes training period with the Ghanaian navy as part of Africa Partnership Station (APS) 2012. 26 November IRAN Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy (IRGCN) to take over two more GHADIR midget submarines and two BH7 hovercraft on naval day (28 Nov). Additionally, the IRGCN is set to receive new, domestically built missile corvette SINA-7 (reverse-engineered COMBATTANTE class) to be “unveiled” (rmks: Publicly displayed; apparently not yet completed). ITALY Offshore patrol vessel ITS COMANDANTE BETTICA south of Lampedusa intercepts and assists craft loaded with 120 mostly Sub-Saharan migrants. RUSSIA +++ For the past two years Russia has been designing a prospective nuclear-powered aircraft carrier … Admiral Chirkov: design work to be completed by 2020. +++ YASEN class submarine RFS SEVERODVINSK conducts first missile test against land target … in the White Sea successfully fired a supersonic cruise missile (rmks: Likely a Kalibr/Club missile) THAILAND Decommissioned landing ship HTMS CHANG (Type US-LST) sunk as artificial reef off Koh Chang. UNITED KINGDOM In a hand-over in the Red Sea, TYPE 23 frigate HMS NORTHUMBERLAND has relieved sister ship HMS SUTHERLAND in operations “East of Suez” … to join anti-terror operation “Enduring Freedom” but also conduct anti-piracy operations off the Horn of Africa. SUTHERLAND now heading home. USA Aircraft carrier USS HARRY S. TRUMAN has embarked a Northrop Grumman X-47B Unmanned Combat Air System (UCAS) demonstrator aircraft … for upcoming first carrier-borne trials of the UAV … extensive carrier deck handling tests ahead of first flying operations later this winter. (rmks: During recent overhaul TRUMAN was fitted with gear and software to operate the X-47B. Will likely be the new DTARPS platform) VENEZUELA Domestic Ucocar shipyard to build seven patrol boats for Venezuelan coast guard … with technology transfer from Netherlands Damen Schelde … two Stan Patrol 4207, five Stan Patrol 2606. 27 November PAKISTAN A Pakistan navy ship (unnamed as of yet) is expected to dock at Port Sudan (Sudan) for a scheduled two-day visit. (rmks: partly overlapping with upcoming visit of two Iranian navy ships – see below) UPCOMING / PLANNED EVENTS IRAN (30 Nov) Two (yet unnamed) Iranian navy ships will arrive at Port Sudan (Sudan) on 30 Nov for replenishment and three day “routine” visit. (rmks: Media speculate on escort for an Iranian cargo ship loaded with new Fajr-5 missile shipment for Gaza Hamas rspv. Islamic Jihad) RUSSIA (01 Dec) +++ New “Arctic” motorized infantry brigade (incl. naval infantry elements) officially to be established with the Northern Fleet … based at Pechenga. (rmks: Boy, there's a name I haven't heard in a long while) +++ Yantar shipyard (Kaliningrad) now plans launching of Project 22010 oceanographic research vessel YANTAR on 05 Dec. UAE (10 Dec) „Offshore Patrol Vessels Middle East Summit” to be held in Abu Dhabi from 10-12 Dec … discuss piracy and protecting offshore oil assets from terrorist attack and sabotage … senior admirals from Bahrain, Kuwait, Nigeria, Oman, Qatar, United Kingdom, Ukraine, USA as well as CTF-151 and EUNAVFOR to attend.

Updates are graciously provided by Marine Forum, with additional information from Naval Todayand the Naval Open-Source Intelligence Blog. The commentary is my own. Well, this was a welcome sight, when I logged-on this morning ... we've broken the 10K view barrier for NNSoTD! I hope everyone had an enjoyable holiday. Back to work, this week. Here are some naval news tidbits to start your week. Enjoy! Summary to follow: 21 November INDIA The Indian coast guard has commissioned hovercraft H-189, third in a series of twelve 21-m air cushion vehicles ordered from Griffon Hoverworks (UK). 23 November FRANCE DCNS delivers first FREMM type frigate, FS AQUITAINE, to the French navy. IRAN (related) In letters to the UN Secretary-General and the Security Council, Iran accuses the US Navy of carrying out “illegal and provocative acts” in the Persian Gulf and Sea of Oman … “repeatedly violated Iranian airspace.” (rmks: The Mullahs are as clean as the wind-driven snow) NORTH KOREA US satellites reportedly have picked up signs that North Korea has begun preparations for another long-range missile launch. PIRACY Vietnam: Vietnamese police frees a Malaysia-registered tanker hijacked on 19 Nov … 11 pirates arrested … pirates had renamed the ship and given it a different IMO number, indicating not asking for ransom but wanted to keep it for own purposes. (rmks: I wonder how the Vitnamers deal with cockroach infestations?) RUSSIA +++ Black-Sea Fleet deployment: The Russian navy reportedly ordered the MOSKVA task force to for the time being remain in the Eastern Mediterranean near Gaza … in case situation escalates again and evacuation operations should become necessary. (rmks: possibly mere political move to “balance” US Navy deploying its IWO JIMA group. This doesn't look good) +++ Supplementary to MISTRAL class helicopter carriers, the Russian navy wants to acquire new French EDA-R landing craft … no numbers yet. (rmks: Heck, if they're buying the LHD, they might as well get the landing craft that goes with them right?) +++ There are - as yet unconfirmed – reports that the crew of Pacific Fleet DELTA-III submarine K-433 RFS SVJATOY GEORGIY will be “disbanded” on 01 Dec … if true would suggest decommissioning of the submarine imminent. USA The US Navy will “retire” all its mine-detecting dolphins by 2017. (rmks: Score one for the eco-freaks at PETA) 24 November BRAZIL With promotion to Rear Admiral, Director of the Naval Clinic Dalva Maria Carvalho Mendes has become the Brazilian navy’s first female two-star admiral. CHINA A J-15 fighter aircraft (i.e., a Su-33 Flanker “clone”) has made a first successful landing on aircraft carrier LIAONING. (rmks: Still long way to go from first test-pilot landing/take-off to operational deployment of combat aircraft. But the Chinese will attain this capability) IRAN (related) Israeli intelligence allegedly has been tracking an Iranian ship loaded with Fajr-5 missiles … heading for the Red Sea … cargo to be offloaded in Sudan and then via land routes to be smuggled to rearm Gaza Hamas. (rmks: Although unconfirmed, Iranian “violation of UN resolution” could justify intercept at sea. This would make for an interesting scenario) 25 November CHINA China has launched Yaogan 16 observation satellite, believed to fulfill naval surveillance missions. COLOMBIA – NICARAGUA Territorial dispute after The Hague last week ruled that Pacific islands of the San Andres Archipelago belong to Nicaragua … Columbia defies the ruling … president has ordered the navy to remain there and “preserve national sovereignty.” (rmks: Here's another interesting situation)

Updates are graciously provided by Marine Forum, with additional information from Naval Todayand the Naval Open-Source Intelligence Blog. The commentary is my own. Another weekend is upon us. FYI, Next week is Thanksgiving here in the US. I will be taking the week off to focus on family and my job search. I'll keep my ears to the rails and report significant highlights the first week of December. Enjoy! Summary to follow: 13 November PIRACY Nigeria: Nigerian navy foils attempt to hijack fishing trawler off the Niger Delta … seven suspected pirates arrested. (rmks: No pirates were harmed reporting this tidbit of news ... Blast it all) 14 November PIRACY Anti-Piracy Forces (aka, the Keystone Kops): 22nd Iranian task group (frigate SHAHID NAQDI, supply ship KHARG) returns to Bandar Abbas, ending a 75-day mission to the Gulf of Aden and Southern Red Sea (incl. visit to Port Sudan) … no word yet on probable deployment of 23rd task group. (rmks: I'm sure the pirates are breathing sighs of relief ... NOT!) UNITED KINGDOM -ALBANIA “Cougar 12”: The Royal Navy Response Task Group (et al helicopter carrier HMS ILLUSTRIOUS and dock landing ship HMS BULWARK) completes bilateral amphibious exercise “Albanian Lion” with Albanian armed forces … 16-hour “assault” on Sazan Island (off Vlore in Strait of Otranto) to “drive out a hostile occupying force”. 15 November ALGERIA +++ Another KONI frigate and NANUCHKA corvette (source names RAIS CORFU and ALI REIS) reportedly scheduled to arrive at Kronshtadt (Russia) for repairs and modernization … third such pair. (rmks: This trend continues to illustrate the lack of shipbuilding competency in the MENA region. They can modestly operate the ships in their fleet, but they can't fix 'em). +++ The Defence Ministry has requested a 14.2% increase (over last year) to the 2013 defense budget … pay for acquisitions, among them German / Chinese frigates and Italian dock landing ship. (rmks: That is an interesting turn of events. It's likely the DB increase will get eaten up, as their supply chain lengthens) NORWAY Frigate HNoMS THOR HEYERDAHL deploys to Svalbard Islands in “Arctic naval presence” mission. RUSSIA +++ Northern Shipyard (St. Petersburg) will start building fourth GORSHKOV class (Project 22350) frigate “in the nearest term” … may be named after Soviet admiral IVAN S. ISAKOV … meanwhile confident to feature type ship RFS ADMIRAL GORSHKOV at the summer 2013 IMDEX (St. Petersburg) … ship currently in “final stages” of outfitting. (rmks: As the Russian GDP shows signs of slowing, the is no sign of slowing on the building ways around St. Petersburg – even if the contracts are behind schedule) +++ Starting in 2013, AUKLA-II as well as KILO-II class submarines might be (re-)fitted with new Caliber cruise missiles, a Club-family variant with ranges from 300 up to 2,500 km … same missile system also envisioned for YASEN, KILO-III and possibly future LADA class submarines. (rmks: Very interesting. Since the Club didn't take off internationally, it looks like they will be used domestically) UNITED KINGDOM British tabloid reports “design and construction flaws” with new submarine HMS ASTUTE … did not reach top speed, early corrosion, flooding during routine dive, computer circuit boards fail safety standards, concerns over instruments monitoring the nuclear reactor, flaws with periscope, generally poor quality and installation of equipment … MoD confirms "teething problems" during sea trials. (rmks: Bad day for the Brits) USA Two of the four AVENGER class mine hunters deployed to the Persian Gulf this summer, will return to San Diego in February, the other two remain throughout 2013, to keep a total of six boats there … an additional two crews to increase sustainability … more MCM drones (to be) brought to the region. USA LOS ANGELES class submarine USS KEY WEST, in a change of home port, arrives at Guam … replaces sister boat USS BUFFALO which will transfer to Pearl Harbor (Hawaii) in early 2013. 16 November AUSTRALIA – NEW ZEALAND During meeting in Perth (Australia) defense ministers agree to boost ANZAC Defence Cooperation … a.o.t. mutual sealift cooperation program with cross crewing of RAN /RNZN vessels and afloat support to each other’s fleets. UPCOMING / PLANNED EVENTS UNITED KINGDOM (19 Nov) “Cougar 12”: The Royal Navy Response Task Group (et al helicopter carrier HMS ILLUSTRIOUS and dock landing ship HMS BULWARK) will visit Malta from 19-23 Nov. NORWAY (19 Nov) Norwegian armed forces will conduct joint exercise “Flotex Silver Rein II 2012” from 19 – 28 Nov … in Troms and Nordland region … practice and enhance interaction between three services while operating from sea to shore and inland … besides army and air force involve Norwegian navy frigates and one submarine but also some (yet unnamed) foreign naval forces and aircraft.

Updates are graciously provided by Marine Forum, with additional information from Naval Todayand the Naval Open-Source Intelligence Blog. The commentary is my own. Some very interesting news to start your Thursday. Enjoy! Summary to follow: 13 November CANADA The Canadian coast guard … in November … took delivery of second of nine new HERO class Mid-Shore Patrol Vessel CCGS CAPORAL KAEBLE V.C. 14 November RUSSIA +++ The Russian navy reportedly has decided to put veteran TANGO class (Proj 641B) submarine B-380 RFS SVYATOI KNYAZ GEORGY (former GORKOVSKY KOMSOMOLETS) back to service with the Black Sea Fleet … gap-filler until arrival of LADA class … has been kept at Sevastopol shipyard since 1991 … repairs to start in 2013 (problematic, due to lack of spare parts, especially for batteries). (rmks: Hmmm … must be somewhat desperate … could indicate they expect more delays to LADA class. Its likely they will have to scrounge parts from other boneyards around the country) +++ Northern Shipyard (St. Petersburg) begins construction of RFS ELBRUS, first (of three) Project 23120 new fleet supply/support ships (90m, ice-capable). +++ Construction of two STEREGUSHCHIY class (Proj 20380) corvettes RFS SOVERSHENNIY and RFS GROMKYY at Far East Amur shipyard reportedly delayed due to MoD and shipyard disagreement on financial issues. +++ Med-Deployment: Repairs to destroyer RFS SMETLIVIY completed in Taranto (Italy); together with salvage tug MB-304 now underway for rendezvous with missile cruiser RFS MOSKVA, landing ship SARATOV and tanker IVAN BUBNOV, currently in the Eastern Mediterranean (conduct tactical training and air defense exercises). (rmks: Kinda figured the SMETLIVIY would get fixed, it's always bad form if you have to be towed back to port) USA +++ The DoD has tasked Science Applications International Corp (SAIC) with development of an unmanned surface vessel that autonomously, with only “sparse remote supervisory control”, will be able to continuously track a diesel-electric submarine for months over thousands of kilometers (part of Anti-Submarine Warfare Continuous Trail Unmanned Vessel program). (rmks: Saw the concept at SAS in April. Pretty awesome USV!) +++ In 2013, defense contractors will be asked to submit proposals for a next-generation unmanned aerial system that will be deployed from aircraft carriers … Unmanned Carrier-Launched Surveillance and Strike (UCLASS) to be operational by 2020. (rmks: Its interesting they are asking for RfP's when UCLASS hasn't been fully tested. I think they are putting the cart before the horse) 15 November CHINA Xi Jinping named chairman of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Military Commission. (rmks: Although Xi seems like a progressive, he carries a lot of ChiCom baggage. I suspect as a result of his selection we will see more weight throwing in the disputed regions and additional saber-rattling) ISRAEL (Gaza) Israel navy corvettes reportedly operating off Gaza, targeting Hamas/Islamic Jihad positions.

Updates are graciously provided by Marine Forum, with additional information from Naval Todayand the Naval Open-Source Intelligence Blog. The commentary is my own. A couple of interesting notes in today's highlights. Enjoy! Summary to follow: 12 November FRANCE French navy begins regular fleet training “Gabian” … until 15 Nov in Mediterranean Sea (off Toulon) … comprehensive exercise with focus on air defence … 15 French navy surface ships incl. two helicopter carriers FS MISTRAL and DIXMUDE plus Italian navy frigate ITS GRECALE. RUSSIA Contracts with Yantar shipyard for construction of landing ship RFS IVAN GREN about to expire … MoD intent on revised contracts to complete the ship (next year). (rmks: Started already in 2004, the program is woefully behind schedule and its not likely the program will EVER be completed) 13 November JAPAN Some updates: New TYPE 19DD destroyers JDS FUYUZUKI (DD 118) launched on 22 Aug and JDS SUZUTSUKI (DD 117) on 17 Oct. (rmks: Better late than never, right) NORWAY Shipbuilders bidding for the Norwegian navy’s logistics and support vessel (LSV) program have been given until 4 January 2013 to submit their tender responses. (rmks: Since there is not very many capable domestic naval systems houses in Norway, its highly likely they will need to turn to an outside entity, to fulfill their needs) PAKISTAN Navy chief Adm Sandila: … “working on plans to further enhance combat potential of the navy within limited resources” … submarine component “insufficient in view of long Indian coastline”. (rmks: Wow, that's a stunning to say the least. Look for India to begin checking for cracks in the Paks naval capabilities in 2013) PHILIPPINES The Philippine coast guard has ordered four Type FPB 24 patrol boats from French OCEA (such as built for Nigeria) … deliveries from 2014. Negotiating for a larger 82-m OPV with an unnamed French shipyard. RUSSIA Med-Deployment: Black Sea Fleet destroyer RFS SMETLIVIY together with salvage tug MB-304 still in Taranto (Italy) …destroyer requires repairs after technical problem … missile cruiser RFS MOSKVA and landing ship RFS SARATOV to rendezvous with tanker IVAN BUBNOV for replenishment (Aegean Sea or Eastern Med). (rmks: Now I see whey they sortied the tug with the DDG. I wonder if the CO will lose face if the SMETLIVIY has to be towed back to port) SPAIN Polar research ship SPS HESPERIDES sails from Cartagena for Antarctic campaign 2012/13 (XIX Campaña Antártica) … visit Mar Del Plata (Argentina) and Punta Arenas (Chile) … operate around South Shetlands … resupply Spanish stations. UNITED KINGDOM Four new fleet auxiliary tankers (Project MARS) planned to enter service from 2016 will be called TIDE class … ships to be named HMS TIDESPRING, TIDERACE, TIDESURGE and TIDEFORCE. (rmks: Catchy names. Hopefully the RFA will remain solvent in order to see the ships actually enter service) USA General Dynamics NASSCO (San Diego) has launched the first Mobile Landing Platform … future MLP-1 MONTFORD POINT to become operational by 2015.

Updates are graciously provided by Marine Forum, with additional information from Naval Todayand the Naval Open-Source Intelligence Blog. The commentary is my own. Hope everyone had an enjoyable Veterans Day. Back to work updating the big naval news stories around the globe. Enjoy! Summary to follow: 08 November CHINA Blogger: second new destroyer Project 052D (LUJANG-III) launched. (rmks: Once again the ChiComs are showing the west how to crank ships off the building ways) USA Marinette Marine (Wisconsin) laid the keel for the US Navy’s seventh littoral combat ship, future FREEDOM class LCS-7 USS DETROIT. (rmks: Alas, another colossal waste of funds and resources) 09 November ARGENTINA Port authorities in Tema (Ghana) would like to move impounded Argentina navy sail training ship ARA LIBERTAD from her current berthing place (desperately needed for commercial container vessels), to a less used part of the port … remaining crew threatens to open fire if any such attempt is made. (rmks: Or they could do the logical thing and just release it to sail home. Nah, that solution contains too much common sense) IRAN (related) +++ US lawmakers are working on a set of new and unprecedented sanctions … bipartisan financial and trade restrictions would amount to a "complete sanctions regime" that could prevent the Islamic republic from doing any business with most of the world. (rmks: Once again stomping on the common man, while the Mullahs use back channels for everything) +++ Saudi Arabia reportedly has sent a stern warning that it will retaliate if Iran continues to intrude on the airspace and waters around its offshore oil facilities in the Persian Gulf … “reserves the right to retaliate” … in several instances Iranian helicopters or speed boats recently crossed the line demarcating the border between the two countries' offshore fields to approach Saudi offshore facilities or even stop ships. (rmks: Despite what we are doing, the Mullahs are still throwing their weight around the region) MALTA A large fishing craft with 246 African migrants in “difficulties” after leaving the Libyan coast … three Malta armed forces patrol vessels intercept boat some 140 nm southeast of Malta and take over all people. PIRACY Anti-Piracy Forces (aka, the Keystone Kops): China’s 13th anti-piracy task group departs from Southern Fleet base Zhanjiang for the Gulf of Aden … JIANGKAI-II class frigates HUANGSHAN and HENGYANG and fleet supply ship QINGHAI HU. (rmks: And the pirates are quaking with fear ... NOT!) RUSSIA GenCol Valery Gerasimov appointed new Chief of General Staff … “clean-up” in MoD top ranks continues with several former Serdyukov confidants dismissed or resigning “out of their own will”. (rmks: Let the sacking begin) SRI LANKA A Sri Lanka navy fast patrol boat intercepts a trawler shortly after sailing for Australia; 83 suspected illegal migrant arrested. 10 November BANGLADESH Blogger: Already back in June this year, the Bangladesh navy ordered two Chinese Project 056 corvettes … to be built in China at Wuchang Shipyard. (rmks: Although unconfirmed, this continues to indicate Bangladeh is increasingly turning to the ChiComs for naval related resources and equipment) CHILE The Chilean navy has begun its “Antarctica Campaign 2012/13” … deploying research vessel CNS OSCAR VIEL and salvage tug LAUTARO … during Antarctic summer until April 2013 conduct research and support/resupply Chilean stations in Antarctica. PAKISTAN A “senior naval official” reportedly confirmed that the China will provide another four frigates F-22P to the Pakistan navy. (rmks: This conflicts with some info that indicates the Paks are seeking a larger class than the Swords) 11 November CHINA Aircraft carrier LIAONING departs Dalian for another round of sea trials, probably to include practicing aircraft operations. INDIA (RUSSIA) DepDir Russian United Shipbuilding Corp.: “… confident to hand over aircraft carrier VIKRAMADITYA already in June, 2013 … “problems identified and taken care of”. (rmks: I'll believe it when I see it) NIGERIA The Nigerian navy has begun “Exercise Farauta” … until 17 Nov in the Niger Delta region (Bight of Bonny) … eight ships, six “gun boats”, three helicopters … Chief of Naval Staff, VAdm Dele Ezeoba, embarked on patrol ship NNS THUNDER (ex-USCG HAMILTON class)… combat illegal maritime activities especially crude oil theft, illegal oil bunkering and piracy in the Niger Delta. (rmks: Dubbed “fleet evaluation exercise” but its likely just a small training operation) RUSSIA Black Sea Fleet ALLIGATOR class landing ship RFS SARATOV passes the Turkish Straits enroute the Mediterranean … will join missile cruiser RFS MOSKVA (reportedly already passed Turkish Straits on 06 Nov) and tanker RFS IVAN BUBNOV …ROPUCHA class landing ship RFS NOVOCHERKASSK also scheduled to head for the Med. (rmks: Task group to conduct exercises in the EastMed; subsequently - in Dec - deploy to the Indian Ocean.) UNITED KINGDOM “Cougar 2012”: Dock landing ship HMS BULWARK, part of Royal Navy Response Task Group, completes visit to Corfu (Greece) … now heading for Albania for exercise “Albanian Lion”. 12 November ARGENTINA +++ Argentina will ask a U.N. court to order the release of the navy’s sailing training vessel ARA LIBERTAD impounded in Tema (Ghana). (rmks: This legal route is likely to ensure, no progress is ever made, concerning the issue) +++ Patrol ship ARA SUBOFICIAL CASTILLO sails from Mar del Plata naval base to commence seasonal “Antarctic Patrol”. AUSTRALIA Defence spokesman rules out suggestions to consider buying nuclear submarines as replacement for COLLINS-class. (rmks: Told ya so) IRAN +++ New TONDAR class hovercraft unveiled at Bandar Abbas … “domestically designed and manufactured … capable of launching missiles and aerial drones” … photos show unusual missile launcher with triangular cross section. (rmks: My goodness, I se the sanctions haven't affected the Mullahs shipbuilding capablities) +++ Joint air force / IRGC air defense exercise "Modafe' an-e Aseman-e Velayat 4" did not start on 10 Nov as had been announced last week … now reportedly to begin today (12 Nov) … exercise area to include “half of the country”, with focus on eastern Iran (main threat direction for cruise missiles /carrier-borne aircraft). IRAN (related) +++ Hong Kong will stop allowing 19 ships linked to Iranian IRISL shipping line from operating under its flag. That'll show those pesky Mullahs) +++ Saudi Arabia in an official letter to the UN SecGen protested Iranian “incursions into its territory”. (rmks: See above rmks concerning going to the UN for ANYTHING) PIRACY Anti-Piracy Forces (aka, the Keystone Kops): A British Royal Navy Super Lynx helicopter is preparing to deploy on board French frigate FS SURCOUF for EU operation “Atalanta” … ship scheduled to sail from Toulon end of Nov. (rmks: And this is supposed to help what?) RUSSIA After completing bilateral exercise “Ionex 2012”, Black Sea Fleet (BSF) destroyer RFS SMETLIVIY and salvage tug SORUM MB-304 have left Taranto (Italy) and sail for the Easter Med … to join task group with missile cruiser RFS MOSKVA. TAIWAN Taiwan successfully test-fired a long range (250 nm) supersonic (Mach 3.0) Hsiung Feng III anti-ship missile … dubbed “carrier killer”. (rmks: Incidentally within a month of China commissioning aircraft carrier LIAONING) USA Next class of amphibious ships already “in the making” … formerly dubbed LSD(X) now called LX®, reflecting a multi-role ship … replacement for today’s LSDs (USS WHIDBEY ISLAND / HARPERS FERRY classes) … current plans call for ordering an initial 11 ships in 2019. (rmks: Currently defining requirements) USA USS WASP, SAN ANTONIO and CARTER HALL have ended relief operations off New York (Hurricane “Sandy”) and returned to Norfolk. UPCOMING / PLANNED EVENTS RUSSIA (14 Nov) Northern Shipyard (St. Petersburg) to begin construction (keel laying) of new Project 23120 (ELBRUS) logistic support vessel for the Russian navy on 14 Nov.

Updates are graciously provided by Marine Forum, with additional information from Naval Todayand the Naval Open-Source Intelligence Blog. The commentary is my own. Yesterday was a busy day of Veterans Day assemblies. Some interesting news items today. Hopefully, they generate some thought towards interesting scenarios. Have a wonderful weekend. Summary to follow: 05 November CHINA The deputy chief designer of China's aircraft carrier project suggests China is building its own carrier …. “LIAONING is only a start … more good news will come.” (rmks: Isn't that peachy-keen news to start your day) USA The USS IWO JIMA Amphibious Ready Group has left 5th Fleet area, passing the Suez Canal toward the Mediterranean (rmks: home transit to complete deployment started in March; relieved by USS PELELIU ARG) 06 November FRANCE Frigate FS DUPLEIX completes three days of exercises with Indian navy … in the Arabian Sea … Indian navy provided frigate INS GANGA, patrol vessel INS ABHAY (PAUK class) and a maritime patrol aircraft. 07 November BANGLADESH About 50 people are missing after an overcrowded fishing boat carrying some 70 illegal migrants to Malaysia capsized off the Bangladesh coast … 23 rescued. (rmks: Some of the migrants are Rohingya Muslims, but many just Bangladeshi trying to earn a living in Malaysia) CHINA +++ Photos show a first new Type 056 corvette has begun sea trials … at least eight ships (built by four shipyards) already in water. +++ Chinese admiral claims new 052D (LUJANG-III class) destroyers will have a VLS to carry newly developed 3.5 Mach supersonic anti-ship missiles “more advanced than Indian/Russian Brahmos”. (rmks: Although this could be mere propaganda, it could mean that the Chi-Coms are developing a hypersonic missile to counter the "carrier killing" anti-ship cruise missile being developed by Taiwan) IRAN (related) “In retaliation for western sanctions” Iranian parliamentarians have prepared a draft law to reduce the country's crude exports by up to a third this year. (rmks: Although this could slightly effect US gas prices, once again the real victims will the European consumer and the Iranian populace themselves) ITALY Italy's provisional defense budget for 2013 will rise 5.8 percent over 2012 spending, suggesting the huge cuts made this year will not be repeated despite a continuing recession in Italy. (rmks: If the US economy sours (which is likely to happen), these increases could be moot as Europe may be plunged into a deeper financial crisi) PIRACY Anti-Piracy Forces (aka the Keystone Kops): Belgium navy frigate BNS LOUISE-MARIE sails from Zeebrugge for the Mediterranean… after short work up in Crete continue for the Horn of Africa… on 29 Nov join EU NavFor in operation “Atalanta”. (rmks: Holy smokes! The pirates are really scared now, the Belgians are coming. I think NOT) RUSSIA +++ Expedition „Arctic 2012“ … conducted by civilian ice breakers DIKSON and KAPITAN DRANITSIN (with support of research submarine LOSHARIK) … allegedly “has proven” Russian claims that the Lomonosov Basin and the Mendeleyev Plateau are integral part of the Russian continental shelf. (rmks: Although it still needs to be verified by international authories, this tidbit once again shines light on the growing Arctic claims issue. Then again it could be just another wild Russkie claim, like those that always occurred during the bad old days of the Cold War) +++ First YASEN class submarine RFS SEVERODVINSK successfully conducts live cruise missile firing … in the White Sea … fired Club-family variant Caliber. (rmks: Sounds like fodder for another DB update) USA L-3 has delivered its first refurbished Lockheed Martin P-3C Orion maritime patrol aircraft back to the US Navy under the sustainment, modification and installation program (SMIP). 08 November CANADA The Canadian coast guard has received (first of three) new near-shore fishery research vessels CCGS VLADYKOV … built at Meridien Maritime (Quebec). (rmks: Although it's taken awhile for the NSPS to get rolling, the units have finally begun to roll off the ways. However, this ship is a glorified commercial vessel. There is still no news on the RCN units being planned. Each day that passes, puts those programs further behind schedule) CHINA +++ In a move to “strengthen law enforcement capacity” (read that, tighten their stranglehold) in the South China Sea, three provinces and one autonomous region (Guangxi, Guangdong, Fujian, Hainan) will jointly patrol region … first such patrol started with ships including large HAIXUN 31. +++ President Hu Jintao to 18th CPC National Congress: “We should enhance our capacity for exploiting marine resources, resolutely safeguard China’s maritime rights and interests, and build China into a maritime power.” (rmks: Layman's translation – We are planning to amass sufficient naval resources to complete our plans in the pacific and beyond. No surprise there) IRAN (related) +++ An Iranian Su-25 Frogfoot fighter bomber aircraft shot at a MQ-1 Predator US reconnaissance drone conducting surveillance over the Persian Gulf “near Iranian airspace” (Pentagon Speaker: in international airspace 60 nm from the Iranian coast) … drone returned to its base unscathed. (rmks: The mullahs boys claim they shot it down. Man if you can't hit a drone from a bird like a Frogfoot, you REALLY have got to suck as a combat pilot) +++ Iranian armed forces and IRGC announce air defense exercise Velayat-4 “about to begin” … focus on eastern Iran (rmks: Initially scheduled in October, this could be the Mullahs response to the re-election of President Obama) ITALY – RUSSIA Italian and Russian navies begin at-sea phase of exercise “Ionex-12” … in the Ionian Sea … participants include Italian frigates ITS AVIERE and ZEFFIRO as well as Russian Black Sea Fleet destroyer RFS SMETLIVIY and salvage tug MB-304. RUSSIA +++ Black Sea Fleet task group with missile cruiser RFS MOSKVA and landing ships RFS SARATOV and NOVOCHERKASSK preparing for Mediterranean deployment … will be joined there by destroyer SMETLIVIY (currently in bilateral Italian-Russian exercise) … after exercises in the Mediterranean possibly pass the Suez Canal toward the Indian Ocean region. +++ The Russian navy will have to wait at least three more years for ship-based new Pantsir-M air defence systems … as of now, unclear whether MoD has even ordered development of naval variant yet. SOUTH KOREA DSME (Daewoo) reportedly has been selected to assemble (the first) two new KSS-III 3,000 ton class conventional submarines … construction could start as early as next year … to be completed by 2018. (rmks: If these boats are successful, they could be exported to Austalia, who is seeking a replacement for their aging COLLINS class SSKs) 09 November INDIA (RUSSIA) Russian Yantar shipyard (Kaliningrad) hands over second of three TALWAR Batch 2 frigate INS TARKASH (woefully behind schedule) to the Indian navy … third ship INS TRIKAND (currently on dock trials) to follow in summer 2013. RUSSIA Chief of General Staff, Gen Nikolai Makarov, has handed in his resignation … no reasons given … reportedly “sacked” by new defense minister Shugoi. (rmks: It is probable that some form of graft was involved) SPAIN - AUSTRALIA Defense ministers sign (finalize) bilateral arrangement for the deployment of Spanish navy supply ship SPS CANTABRIA to Australia … from mid-February until November 2013 … augment Australian HMAS SUCCESS and SIRIUS in providing support to the RAN during domestic and international training and exercises.

Updates are graciously provided by Marine Forum, with additional information from Naval Todayand the Naval Open-Source Intelligence Blog. The commentary is my own. In times of stress, we find comfort in familiar things. My silver lining in the election results posting my daily NNSoTD. Enjoy! Summary to follow: 02 November USA Boeing delivers a fifth P-8 Poseidon (low rate initial) production new maritime patrol aircraft to the US Navy … final delivery in this year, more aircraft to follow in 2013. 06 November BANGLADESH Update: with regards to upcoming transfer of two Chinese frigates to the Bangladesh navy, bloggers seem to agree on 053HT JIANGHU-III class (vs. previously mentioned JIANGWEI) … focus on WUHU (536) and ZHOUSHAN (537). (rmks: Waiting for a confirmation) PIRACY Anti-Piracy Forces (aka, the Keystone Kops): The Finnish navy is preparing for another mission in support of EU anti-piracy operation “Atalanta” … in 2013 … recruiting supplementary personnel. (rmks: It's pretty sad when you have to beat the bushes for recruits, just to mount a deployment) RUSSIA +++ Decommissioned Baltic Fleet KRIVAK-II class frigate RFS NEUKROTIMIY has sunk at her berth at the Baltiysk naval base … rusted through … taken from service three years ago … had been up for sale. (rmks: Obviously no one is interested now) +++ RUSSIA – IRAN: Caspian Sea Flotilla ships might conduct (historic) visit to an Iranian port in 2013. (rmks: I'm sure that'll be great liberty) SRI LANKA (AUSTRALIA) The Sri Lanka navy intercepts a trawler with 47 migrants illegally bound for Australia. TURKEY (multinational) Another update to ongoing exercise “Mavi Balina”: Three Turkish navy submarines and also NATO SNMG-2 participating. USA Despite increasing reconnaissance/intelligence requirements, the US Navy will phase out four of its 16 EP-3 Aries II SIGINT planes (by Sep 2014) and one of its six “special projects aircraft”, another P-3 variant (by Sep 2013) … filling the gap with unmanned aircraft.

Updates are graciously provided by Marine Forum, with additional information from Naval Todayand the Naval Open-Source Intelligence Blog. The commentary is my own. Here are some election day naval news updates. Enjoy! Summary to follow: 02 November USA Future USS ARLINGTON (LPD 24) completes acceptance trials, sailing from and returning to Huntington Ingalls shipyard in Pascagoula (Mississippi) … expected to be delivered later this year and commissioned in April 2013 in Norfolk. 04 November CHINA Military authorities confirm that carrier-based jets have been conducting take-off and landing training (touch-and-go) on aircraft carrier LIAONING. (rmks: Interesting there has been absolute silence in international media over this development) 05 November BANGLADESH Transfer of two former Chinese navy Type 053H2 frigates reportedly “confirmed”, although no details given … handover after necessary refit by mid-2013. (rmks: This was pretty much a no-brainer. The Bangladesh Navy was been looking for international secondary market deals and ex-PLAN ships are a bluelight special) IRAN (related) Iran proposes increased barter trade with Pakistan. (rmks: Another way around the vaunted sanctions) JAPAN – USA In the Philippine Sea (near Okinawa), Japan and the USA have begun 11-day exercise “Keen Sword” … aimed at boosting the defense of Japan’s southwestern island territories … involve more than 37,000 Japanese personnel and 10,000 US forces, including the USS GEORGE WASHINGTON Carrier Strike Group. (rmks: The exercise was originally planned to incorporate a mission to simulate the retaking of an island, but that portion has been scrapped in order not to unnecessarily provoke China) NATO NATO’s standing mine countermeasure force SNMCMG-1 has begun a 10-day operation to clear remaining WWII mines in the Somme Bay … operating out of Boulogne-sur-Mer. PIRACY Somalia: Somali pirates have released two Seychellois fishermen they had in captivity for a year … hijacked last November in their boat some 65 miles west of Mahe in Seychelles. (rmks: Good news for their families. No pirates were harmed during the reporting of this piece. Blast it all!) RUSSIA +++ Washington Post: A Russian SIERRA-II nuclear submarine “late last month” identified within 200-miles of the US East Coast … near US Navy submarine base of Kings Bay (Georgia) … additionally, a Russian intelligence-gathering vessel was granted safe harbor in the commercial port of Jacksonville (Florida), to shelter from approaching hurricane Sandy. (rmks: And the Russkies are no longer a threat ... yeah, right!) +++ Construction of 3rd and 4th MISTRAL class helicopters may start in Russia as early as next year … initial funding already included in 2013 budget. (rmks: This was a follow-on of the turnover of technical specs, which were reported yesterday) +++ YASEN class submarine RFS SEVERODVINSK has begun another, reportedly “final”, round of sea trials. (rmks: Conflicting reports whether commissioning this year or in 2013. Typical of Russkie naval media). TAIWAN A domestic shipbuilding company has begun building a prototype 450-ton missile boat for the ROC Navy … expected to complete it by Nov 2014. (rmks: It will likely be a counter-balance to the Chi-Com Houbei class FAC) TURKEY - ISRAEL Turkey puts four former Israeli military commanders on trial in absentia for the 2010 killing of nine Turks on Gaza-bound aid ship MAVI MARMARA. TURKEY (multinational) Update: Exercise “Mavi Balina 2012” actually is a trilateral event … besides hosting Turkish navy and Pakistan navy also US Navy taking part with destroyer USS FORREST SHERMAN and a P-3C Orion maritime patrol aircraft. 06 November RUSSIA President Putin by decree has fired defense minister Serdyukov … former Moscow region governor and civil emergencies minister Sergej Shoigu named as successor. (rmks: Serdyukov reportedly involved in major real estate fraud scheme – selling military assets. Likely this is reciprocity for not cutting Vlad in on the deal)

Updates are graciously provided by Marine Forum, with additional information from Naval Todayand the Naval Open-Source Intelligence Blog. The commentary is my own. Hope everyone has a great weekend. Here are some updates to help you mull over some possible scenarios. Enjoy! Summary to follow: 30 October PORTUGAL Former Portuguese navy vessels NRP OLIVEIRA E. CARMO (F 489) and ZAMBEZE (P 1147) sunk off the Algarve … part of Project “Ocean Revival” to attract tourist divers … planned sinking of two more ships, NRP HERMENGILDO CAPELO (F 481) and research vessel UAM ARMEDA DE CARVALHO postponed due to bad weather. 31 October RUSSIA OSCAR-II class submarine RFS OREL to begin comprehensive overhaul/modernization in 2013. USA Aircraft carrier USS ENTERPRISE arrives at Mayport (Florida) … embark crew relatives and friends for the ship`s final “Tiger Cruise” to Norfolk … scheduled to arrive there on 04 Nov. (rmks: That will be a TC to remember) 01 November ARGENTINA While sail training vessel ARA LIBERTAD remains stuck in Ghana, the Elliott hedge fund (USA) is trying to have another Argentine navy ship seized … hired a major South African law firm in an attempt to impound frigate ARA ESPORA, which after participating in exercise “Atlasur” is undergoing repairs in Simonstown (South Africa). (rmks: What everybody got against the Argentines?) CHINA The North Sea Fleet has completed a major exercise in western areas of the Pacific Ocean (passing through the Miyako Strait … ”first large-scale action aimed at testing the coordination between different forces” … seven ships participating with destroyer HARBIN acting as flag ship. FRANCE Fiscal outlook for French navy tough; much hangs on the government’s defense white paper, due to be published by the end of the year. (rmks: I'm going to predict it ain't going to be a very rosy picture!) FRANCE Armed civil supply ships are to cover the temporary capability gap resulting from the withdrawal of the BATRAL class amphibious light transports. IRAN (related) +++ Industry sources: Iran has been storing large volumes of fuel oil offshore Fujairah in the UAE and has been selling the product on a cash basis at heavy discounts through a Sharjah-based company, in an effort to bypass sanctions. (rmks: Don't you love this shell game) +++ Iran for the very first time confirmed it has completed installation of uranium enrichment centrifuges at its Fordo plant. NORWAY With a reduced 2013 budget the Norwegian coast guard will have to curtail its at-sea operations … ships to “spend an extra two months pier-side." (rmks: That's interesting news) PIRACY General: Weeklong (until 08 Nov) multinational anti-piracy exercise “Cutlass Express 2012-2” kicks off with simultaneous pre-sail conferences in Djibouti; Port Louis (Mauritius) and Dar es Salaam (Tanzania) … US AFRICOM) sponsored exercise focusing on coordinated operations among East African navies … participants include Djibouti, Mauritius, Mozambique, Netherlands, Seychelles, Tanzania, Uganda, and the United States … in-port portion of training (pier-side workshops) focusing on maritime interdiction operations, vessel boarding drills and communications … followed by at-sea portion in the Indian Ocean and Gulf of Aden, using Netherlands dock landing ship HMLNS ROTTERDAM. (rmks; This is the maritime version of the Keystone Kops going to a doughnut stand) SPAIN Spain’s southern coast is experiencing a massive arrival of Sub-Saharan immigrants in open boats … probably due to the good weather in the region … in the last three days, a total of 95 immigrants traveling in 16 open boats have been rescued in the Strait of Gibraltar. 02 November PIRACY Anti-Piracy Forces (aka the Keystone Kops): 8th Russian Pacific Fleet anti-piracy task group sails from Vladivostok for the Gulf of Aden … comprised of destroyer RFS MARSHAL SHAPOSHNIKOV, tanker IRKUT and salvage tug ALATAU. (rmks: And the pirates quake with fear ... NOT!)

Updates are graciously provided by Marine Forum, with additional information from Naval Todayand the Naval Open-Source Intelligence Blog. The commentary is my own. Hope everyone had a safe and happy halloween. Lord willing, no one is suffering from a sugar hangover. Some interesting things happening in naval-related news. Enjoy! Summary to follow: 26 October VIETNAM Two Russian (Vladivostok)-built SVETLYAK class patrol boats commissioned as HQ-266 and HQ-267. (rmks: Both of these units were delivered earlier this year. It will be interesting to watch how the VPN employs them) 29 October ISRAEL SA’AR-5 corvette OHH EILAT and SA’AR 4.5 corvette OHH KIDON pass the Suez Canal, southbound toward the Red Sea … no further information. (rmks: Likely they are headed for Sudan, to show the flag in the face of the Mullah's navy) PIRACY Anti-Piracy Forces (aka, the Keystone Kops): Danish navy frigate HDMS IVER HUITFELDT has passed the Suez Canal southbound … officially joined NATO SNMG-1 in anti-piracy operation “Ocean Shield.” (rmks: The pirates likely ain't worried about this development) RUSSIA Admiral Nikolai Maksimov (former Northern Fleet Commander) “relieved as Chief of Staff - First Deputy Commander Western Military District and dismissed from the military” … by decree of President Putin. (rmks: No further details given, however at age 56, he's certainly not yet up for regular retirement. Likely he got caught with his fingers in some kind of cookie jar) USA Aircraft carrier USS GEORGE WASHINGTON departs Manila (Philippines), to continue her West Pacific Patrol. 30 October AUSTRALIA Frigate HMAS SYDNEY arrives at Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam), for a scheduled six-day visit. (rmks: Correction to yesterday’s report: Besides HMAS ARUNTA not SYDNEY, but “Sydney-based” ANZAC class frigate HMAS STUART placed in extended readiness) BRAZIL New river hydrographic research vessel RIO TOCANTINS (H-12) conducts first mission … first of class built by INACE, commissioned on 27 July, 2012. CHINA +++ Aircraft carrier LIAONING has ended another round of sea trials and returned to Dalian. (rmks: Still no word on flight ops) +++ Research vessel / icebreaker XUELONG ("Snow Dragon”) sails from Shanghai for the China's 29th scientific expedition to Antarctica … intermediate stops at Guangzhou and Australia to embark more scientists and equipment … expected to return home in early April, 2013. +++ Shuffle of the military’s top brass ahead of the 18th Communist Party Congress continues … media report “Admiral” (?) Fang Fenghui to take over as chief of the General Staff of the People’s Liberation Army. (rmks: Rather unusual to have a navy officer head the PLA) IRAN (related) Iran has banned the export of around 50 basic goods. (rmks: Likely preserving supplies of essential items, in the face of tightening Western sanctions) JAPAN – CHINA Four China Marine Surveillance (CMS) ships and two Chinese fishing boats are reported to have entered "Japan's territorial waters," near disputed Senkaku/Diaoyu islands. (rmks: As the sands slip through the hour glass, so another day passes in the WESTPAC version of this soap opera) RUSSIA +++ Helicopter manufacturer Kamov will assemble first Ka-52K combat helicopters, destined to operate from new MISTRAL class helicopter carriers already in 2013; well ahead of delivery of first ship. +++ Project 10830 research submarine RFS LOSHARIK (titanium hull) reportedly participated in recent (September) Arctic mission … collected geological data and samples from the seabed, to support Russian claims that Mendeleyev ridge is part of Russian continental shelf. +++ Seven years after starting construction, Admiralty Shipyards launches submarine rescue ship RFS IGOR BELOUSOV … navy chief Adm Chirkov attending ceremony … scheduled to be commissioned in 2014 … first of class, with all fleets to receive one such ship. (rmks: What's the old saying ... good things come to those who wait) UNITED KINGDOM TYPE 45 destroyer HMS DAUNTLESS ends 7-month maiden deployment (Atlantic), returns to home port Portsmouth. (rmks: Welcome home, good Dauntless) USA +++ Frigate USS UNDERWOOD returns to Mayport (Florida), ending her final deployment (190 days “Southern Seas 2012” in 4th Fleet region) … to be decommissioned in March 2013. (rmks: It will be interesting to see who picks her up, from the secondary market) +++ The USS PELELIU Amphibious Ready Group and embarked 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit arrive in the 5th Fleet Area of Operations. (rmks: Probably to replace the IWO JIMA group, deployed since March) 31 October DENMARK New Arctic Command established at Nuuk (Greenland), merging and relocating previous Greenland Command and Faroer Command. IRAN (related) +++ Iran and Syria have arranged a gasoline-for-diesel swap, helping each other overcome international sanctions … Iran delivering diesel to Syria in return for gasoline. +++ Patrol frigate SHAHID NAQDI and supply ship KHARG (rmks: Iranian media call the latter a “Helicopter Carrier”), end their “routine” visit to Port Sudan (Sudan), returning to the Gulf of Aden to resume anti-piracy operations. (rmks: 22nd Iranian anti-piracy task group) PHILIPPINES Coast Guard chief Rear Admiral Luis Tuason: Will buy five new patrol craft from France next year … one 82-m offshore patrol vessel and four 24-m patrol boats. PIRACY Anti-Piracy Forces (aka, the Keystone Kops): Russia plans deploying two Ilyushin-38 May maritime patrol aircraft to Djibouti … to operate out of French air base … France discussing request. (rmks: That's an interesting twist) General: Six suspected Somali pirates, detained on board Netherlands navy dock landing ship HNLMS ROTTERDAM (NATO) after allegedly attacking Spanish tuna fishing vessel IZURDIA (24 Oct), will face trial in Spain … temporarily transferred to Spanish dock landing ship SPS CASTILLA (EU NavFor), now on their way to Spain for prosecution. (rmks: Likely will be sentenced to time-served and then given honorary EU citizenship and then allowed to go on the public dole. Oh, I almost forgot ... as usual no pirates were harmed in reporting ANY of these stories. BLAST IT ALL!) RUSSIA +++ Hoisting the navy ensign above St. Petersburg’s Admiralty building officially completes moving the navy’s high command headquarters from Moscow to St. Petersburg … transfer “smoothly with no impairments to command & control functions”. +++ Pacific Fleet surface ships and submarines “recently” conducted joint missile firing exercise … in the Sea of Okhotsk … nuclear submarine RFS TVER (?) launched one cruise missile while NANUCHKA class missile corvettes RFS INEJ and RAZLIV, fired SS-N-9 against a surface target. SOUTH AFRICA Durban-based Southern African Shipyards has been contracted with overhauling the three remaining WARRIOR class strike craft (converted to offshore patrol vessels) SAS ISAAC DYOBHA, MAKHANDA and GALESHWE … work to be completed by March 2013. USA (Hurricane Sandy) +++ The US Navy is moving the Norfolk-based WASP Amphibious Ready Group (USS WASP, SAN ANTONIO and CARTER HALL) to waters off New York/ New Jersey, in case they might be requested to assist in storm recovery and relief efforts … no such official request yet … WASP already at sea (rode out the storm), now heading north; the other ships ordered to follow. +++ NOAA survey vessels (NOAAS FERDINAND R. HASSLER, THOMAS JEFFERSON, BAY HYDRO II and POTAWAUGH) have begun checking waterways, ports and approaches for underwater debris and shoaling that may pose a risk to navigation.

Updates are graciously provided by Marine Forum, with additional information from Naval Todayand the Naval Open-Source Intelligence Blog. The commentary is my own. Another day of interesting morsels of Navy News. Enjoy! Summary to follow: 26 October NETHERLANDS While on international anti-drug operations “Martillo” in the Caribbean (off Curacao), frigate HNLMS VAN AMSTEL intercepts a speedboat carrying 840 kg of cocaine. RUSSIA Astrakhan Ship Repair Plant has delivered new Project 705B harbor tug RB-259 to the state acceptance board … destined for Caspian Sea flotilla. USA USS PELELIU Amphibious Ready Group has entered the Indian Ocean … enroute scheduled Mid-East deployment. (rmks: Godspeed, guys and gals) 29 October AUSTRALIA Frigates HMAS ARUNTA and SYDNEY placed in "extended readiness" due to shortage of technical sailors … blamed on the mining boom's high wages for cornering the market in highly qualified technicians. (rmks: Is this a sign the Aussie navy is struggling?) INDIA About to complete overhaul/modernization at Russian Zvezdochka shipyard (Severodvinsk), KILO class submarine INS SINDHURAKSHAK begins two-week sea trials in the White Sea. IRAN Iranian navy corvette SHAHID NAQDI and supply ship KHARG dock at Port Sudan (Sudan). (rmks: Anti-piracy task group currently employed in the Gulf of Aden, diverted for a “political visit,” in the aftermath of the - Israeli - attack on Sudanese arms factory. I restrain myself from making any comments on the supposed religion of peace. I'd hate to have a fatwah cast upon me) JAPAN – CHINA +++ Japanese Fisheries Agency arrested the captain of a Chinese fishing boat engaged in unauthorized fishing in Japan's exclusive economic zone off Kyushu … released after paying fine. (rmks: And the soap opera continues) +++ A group of former senior US officials (incl. former DepSecState, Richard Armitage) … during a visit to Beijing … have “made clear” to Chinese officials that the Diaoyu/Senkaku Islands are covered by America's bilateral security treaty with Japan. (rmks: It's nice that somebody is beginning to show some intestinal fortitude) PHILIPPINES Second former US Coast Guard HAMILTON class patrol ship BRP RAMON ALCARAZ (ex-USCG DALLAS) scheduled to arrive in the Philippines in February, 2013 … currently still in the US for overhaul and modification (incl. re-arming). RUSSIA By year-end, experimental submarine B-90 SAROV is scheduled to start testing a new air-independent propulsion system based on hydrogen fuel. (rmks: I'm not surprised the Russkies went that route. A hydrogen-based AIP is the lower tech flavor of the propulsion system. It's also the more economical route, as it gets the hydrogen right from the sea water. The drawback is masking the cavitation of the oxygen in the exhaust, in order to keep the boat quiet) UNITED KINGDOM +++ Loaded on to a huge sea going barge, an 11,000-ton section of future aircraft carrier HMS QUEEN ELIZABETH has begun a 600-mile journey from Govan around Scotland to Rosyth. +++ VANGUARD class ballistic missile submarine HMS VIGILANT test-fired an unarmed Trident II ballistic missile … in the Atlantic … Britain’s first ballistic missile launch in three years. USA +++ Hurricane Sandy: Off North Carolina’s Outer Banks, tall ship BOUNTY (replica of historic vessel also used in the famous movie) had to be abandoned by her crew of 16 after losing propulsion and taking on water … later sank … US Coast Guard rescued 14, 1 missing, 1 body recovered. +++ The US Navy is reported to be testing Israeli-built (Rafael) remote-controlled PROTECTOR unmanned surface vehicle. (rmks: Old news, the USN has been using Protector, for several years. I guess the cat is now officially out of the bag) +++ Amphibious assault ship USS BONHOMME RICHARD arrives at Hong Kong (China) for a scheduled port visit. VENEZUELA President Hugo Chavez has appointed navy chief Admiral Diego Molero (former head of naval intelligence) as his new defense minister.

Updates are graciously provided by Marine Forum, with additional information from Naval Todayand the Naval Open-Source Intelligence Blog. The commentary is my own. Interesting weekend out there, with a hurricane churning off the east coast. Enjoy the news updates. Summary to follow: 25 October CHINA Another Type 056 corvette launched at Wuhan … image shows hull number 585. (rmks: And the ChiCom ships juct keep rolling off the building ways) NORTH KOREA The government has announced a nationwide semi-state of war alert … to last through 31 October … second highest readiness level, just below state of war alert… probably related to one-week South Korean annual exercise, involving 240,000 ROK army, navy, air force and marine corps personnel … and some 500 US soldiers. 26 October CANADA An invitation posted on a government contract site, aimed at firms offering everything from ship design to systems integration and logistical support, is seen as the kick-off for the Canadian surface combatant project, to replace the navy's 1970s-era destroyers and subsequently also the HALIFAX class frigates. (rmks: This will be interesting to watch. Sadly, out of the gate, the program is behind schedule) IRAN (related) +++ Using shadowy middle men, multiple bank accounts and a fleet of ghost ships, Iran's coal trade is quietly booming as the Islamic Republic tries to sidestep Western sanctions. (rmks: And the current administration thinks the sanctions are working. Hey Mr. President, please start listening to your daily briefings in the few weeks you have left in office) +++ Britain reportedly has denied US forces use of military bases in the UK, on Cyprus, Ascension Island and Diego Garcia for build-up of forces in the Gulf … legal advice said that any pre-emptive strike on Iran could be in breach of international law. (rmks: Man, with friends like this, we don't need any enemies) RUSSIA SLAVA class missile cruiser RFS MARSHAL USTINOV in dry dock at Zvezdochka shipyard (Severodvinsk) … major overhaul period … scheduled to be returned to the navy in May, 2013. (rmks: Can't tell if this is the real deal of the vodka version) USA +++ In a precautionary measure, the US Navy ordered all ships in the Norfolk (Virginia) area - incl. aircraft carrier USS HARRY S. TRUMAN - out to sea beyond the reach of approaching hurricane Sandy … “sortie condition Alpha”. (rmks: Batten down the hatches. This is going to be a rough one. The 2012 hurricane season is going out with a terrible bang) +++ The US Navy has test fired anti-armor missiles from a 36-foot inflatable hulled, remote-controlled boat. Six missiles fired by personnel onshore at the Patuxent River Naval Air Station hit floating targets over two miles away. (rmks: Interesting, are we adopting IRGCN boghammer tactics?) +++ During a ceremony in Pearl Harbor (Hawaii), the US Navy has decommissioned PERRY class frigate USS CROMMELIN. The only other frigate based at Pearl Harbor, the USS REUBEN JAMES, is scheduled to be inactivated Aug. 30, 2013. (rmks: Any estimates on who will buy them, now that Pakistan is on the outs?) +++ Already while still at sea in the Atlantic Ocean, heading for Norfolk, aircraft carrier USS ENTERPRISE transferred all (some 1,700 tons) ammunition and ordnance - other than small arms used for security purposes – to two Military Sealift Command dry cargo and ammunition ships (T-AKE2 and T-AKE 9) … final ammunition offload ahead of inactivation on 01 Dec. (rmks: Another sad sign of the impending decomm) 27 October THAILAND The United States has offered to sell Thailand second hand military equipment, among it decommissioned PERRY class frigates. (rmks: This could be the answer to my above question. Although it sounds nice, I don't see the Thai's inking the deal. Their supply chain is long and convoluted already. Adding US tech to the mix will only make things in the RTN worse, before they become better with the added teeth a Perry class platform would add to their fleet) USA +++ Prompted by an Inspector General’s investigation of allegations of “inappropriate leadership judgment”, the US Navy has replaced the commander of the USS JOHN C. STENNIS Carrier Strike Group, currently deployed to the Middle East. (rmks: What did the guy say or do? Do we now have to fear thought police??) +++ The US Navy christened its newest (10th) VIRGINIA class attack submarine USS MINNESOTA (SSN 783) during a ceremony at Newport News Shipbuilding 28 October GREECE Up to eight arms deals signed by the Greek government since the late 1990s are being investigated by judicial authorities for possible illegal bribes and kickbacks to state officials and politicians … including purchase of four POMORNIK class hovercraft from Russia and Ukraine. (rmks: Say it ain't so! I wonder what the statute of limitations on arms deals is) RUSSIA +++ Sevmash shipyard reportedly to claim “penalties” from the Russian MoD for postponing takeover of first BOREJ class submarine RFS YURI DOLGORUKIY … keeping the submarine longer than planned at the shipyard creates additional expenses. Of note: Sevmash alleges delivery postponed due to “unavailabitiy of berthing space at naval bases” (rmks: Don't you just love Russkie politics!) +++ Deployment of LADA class submarine RFS St. PETERBURG for deep water tests to the Barents Sea postponed to 2013 … no reason given … had been scheduled for June, then late September this year. (rmks: Could be a double check of all work during construction. In the past Russkie SUBSAFE standards haven't been the greatest) UKRAINE Black Sea Shipbuilding Plant (Nikolayev) has completed overhaul of MUNA class intelligence collector PEREYSLAV (U-512). Shipyard currently repairing three more Ukrainian navy ships (KONSTANTIN OLSHANSKIY, KIROVOGRAD, DNIPRO) 29 October USA Hurricane Sandy: US Fleet Forces Command has modified guidance for US Navy ships in Hampton Roads/Norfolk (Virginia). Ships currently in port have been directed to remain there. Ships at sea continue to maneuver to clear the path of the storm. (rmks: Godspeed everyone. Stay safe out there!)

Updates are graciously provided by Marine Forum, with additional information from Naval Todayand the Naval Open-Source Intelligence Blog. The commentary is my own. Last big summary before the weekend. Some interesting news items today. Hopefully, this weekend I can cobble some time out of a busy schedule to work on the next BRICS scenario - I have been delayed due to family commitments and a pressing personal project called finding employment. Hope everyone has a great weekend. See you next week. Enjoy! Summary to follow: 22 October USA After US$700K repairs in the United Emirate Emirates, destroyer USS PORTER (who two-months ago collided with a Japanese tanker outside the Strait of Hormuz), has become operational again … rejoined its USS ENTERPRISE Carrier Strike Group in the Mediterranean. 23 October ITALY Two boats loaded with African migrants/asylum seekers intercepted … one with 111 people just 30 nm from the Libyan coast, another one with 117 people south of Lampedusa. USA The USS ENTERPRISE Carrier Strike Group passes the Strait of Gibraltar into the Atlantic … heading home for Norfolk. (rmks: Last out-chop for the Big-E) 24 October AUSTRALIA Controversial report by Center for Independent Studies suggests Australia could save AU$10B by leasing nuclear-powered VIRGINIA class submarines from the US instead of pursuing domestic program. (rmks: I thought we covered this earlier this year. Australia is about as likely to acquire SSN/SSGNs, as pigs will begin sprouting wings and taking to flight) INDIA India will increase spending on naval forces in the next 10-years, but is unlikely to raise total defense spending above the current level of a little under 2 percent of GDP. (rmks: This will bode ill for india's ability to improve its naval shipbuilding infrastructure, which is woefully inadequate for the aspirations of the IN) IRAN (related) Some analysts expect Iran weighing a more confrontational strategy, suggesting that economic pressures and diplomacy have pushed Iran to the point of considering an ultimatum-style end game. (rmks: Duh, do ya' think! That's one of the results of the zero sum game, called economic sanctions) PIRACY +++ Somalia: Netherlands dock landing ship HNLMS ROTTERDAM (NATO) on reconnaissance mission spots suspicious dhow close to Somalia shore … boarding party RHIB fired at from both dhow and pirates on shore … return-fire destroyed dhow, killed one person … 25 suspected pirates pulled from water (while still being shot at) and detained … none of ROTTERDAM's crew injured, though RHIB damaged. (rmks: Oh my goodness, the Keystone Kops did something! Now if this were to happen more often, the cockroaches might begin to fear the exterminators. I'm happy to report that a slight dent was put in piracy, reporting this story ... which is about time!) RUSSIA +++ Both operational Caspian Sea Flotilla BUYAN class “artillery ships” (RFS ASTRAKHAN and VOLGODONSK) sail from Astrakhan for 10-day exercises involving live firing drills (at sea, land and air targets). +++ Black Sea Fleet landing ship RFS NOVOCHERKASSK arrives at Piraeus (Greece) for a scheduled port visit. UAE The United Arab Emirates are interested in buying small, corvette-sized (60-85 m) combatants. A number of shipbuilders recently received a letter from the UAE government seeking interest and proposals. (rmks: If the US shipbuilding industry was properly positioned (which it currently isn't), this may have been an excellent opportunity to promote a couple of Huntington-Ingalls designs) USA +++ Aircraft carrier USS GEORGE WASHINGTON arrives off Manila (Philippines) for a scheduled 5-day visit. +++ During a short ceremony at the General Dynamics NASSCO Ship Yard San Diego, Military Sealift Command accepted delivery of dry cargo/ammunition ship USNS CESAR CHAVEZ (T-AKE 14) … final ship in the T-AKE program. +++ The Missile Defense Agency conducted the largest, most complex missile defense flight test ever attempted … at Kwajalein (West Pacific) … integrated (land/sea) air and ballistic missile defense architecture used multiple sensors and missile defense systems (THAAD, Patriot, Aegis) to simultaneously engage five targets … while land-based THAAD and Patriot PAC-3 successfully intercepted and destroyed their targets, an SM-3 Block 1A interceptor launched from destroyer USS FITZGERALD against a short-range ballistic missile apparently failed to intercept (though before, FITZGERALD successfully engaged a low flying cruise missile target). (rmks: Still perfecting hitting a needle with a needle) 25 October CHINA – JAPAN Japan claims renewed Chinese activity around disputed Diaoyu/Senkaku islands … three paramilitary China Marine Surveillance ships entered territorial waters (12-nm) off the islands, another one operating in the 24-nm contiguous zone. (rmks: And so the soap opera continues) FRANCE +++ French navy frigate FS DUPLEIX arrives at Mumbai (India) for a port visit and short exercise with the Indian navy … afterwards will join EU NavFor off Somalia in anti-piracy operation “Atalanta”. +++ DGA / MBDA successfully completed submerged launch of new Scalp Naval missile … in combat configuration … from an underwater platform. (rmks: This is very interesting news. Scalp is fast becoming the flavor of the week, in multi-purpose anti-ship missiles) ITALY The Italian army is evaluating its Aster-30 air defense missiles for Ballistic Missile Defence capabilities … “likely to be involved in NATO’s ballistic missile defense program.” (rmks: Same missile system also carried on board Italian navy ITS ORIZZIONTE class destroyers) JAPAN MCM command ship JDS URAGA and mine hunter HACHIYO complete a port visit to Kochi (India), (rmks: On return transit from multinational MCMEX exercise conducted in September around the Arabian Peninsula) NORTH-/SOUTH KOREA A North Korean naval patrol boat briefly (7 minutes and just 36-meters) crossed the disputed Yellow Sea border with South Korea, while tracking Chinese fishing vessels … swiftly retreated after a warning radioed by South Korean naval ships. (rmks: More button-pushing) RUSSIA - ITALY Russian and Italian companies resumed discussion on possible joint development of a non-nuclear 1,000 ton coastal submarine (SSK), optimized for tropical waters … no decisions yet … preliminary “agreement” had been signed already in 2004. (rmks: Okay, this one has my curiosity peaked! Very strange bedfellows in a very interesting situation. This one one could be very interesting for some Med scenarios) PIRACY Anti-Piracy Forces (aka the Keystone Kops): While it had seemed that there would be no more Russian anti-piracy task group be deployed this year, the MoD now has announced that a Pacific Fleet task group will sail for the Horn of Africa “in early November” … comprised of UDALOY class destroyer RFS MARSHAL SHAPOSHNIKOV, tanker IRKUT and INGUL class salvage tug ALATAU. (rmks: Although RFS ALATU may miss the candlelighting, as it has been listed as "Laid-Up" on several reliable ship listings). SPAIN Spanish Maritime Rescue Service has found 14 bodies in the sea and rescued 17 people after a boat carrying sub-Saharan migrants from Morocco began to sink in the Mediterranean. UNITED KINGDOM TYPE 42 destroyer HMS EDINBURGH stops in Cape Verde as part of her final deployment. (rmks: Heading for South Atlantic patrol) 26 October IRAN (related) Israeli Haaretz: “Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu formed a war cabinet last night that will lead Israel into a confrontation with Iran.” (rmks: Typical liberal press reporting. It probably should have read, "BeBe formed a coalition counsel, to defend the country against a possible Iranian attack." Good on him! Class, this is called leadership) 27 October USA The US Navy will christen its newest (10th) VIRGINIA class attack submarine USS MINNESOTA (SSN 783), during a ceremony at Newport News Shipbuilding, in Hampton Roads, Virginia. UPCOMING / PLANNED EVENTS NATO (05 Nov) NATO’s standing mine countermeasure force SNMCMG-1 to conduct clearance of WW-II mines in the Somme Bay … from 05-07 Nov, staging from Boulogne-sur-Mer. (rmks: It amazes me that ordnance is still laying around from the conflict!)

Updates are graciously provided by Marine Forum, with additional information from Naval Todayand the Naval Open-Source Intelligence Blog. The commentary is my own. I got my dander up today, concerning a couple of issues. Sorry, but I have a hard time stiffling my passions. It grieves me when I see the world is in such turmoil and it seems no one has a backbone, to make the hard choices, to stand-up and do what's right. What's that old line, "Evil prospers, when good men do nothing." Summary to follow: 19 October PIRACY Bab el Mandeb: Pirates in four skiffs attack Hong Kong-owned, Panama-flagged merchant vessel DEHANG … break off and speed away when Chinese frigate CHANGZHOU approaches and fires warning shots. (rmks: Holy smokes, somebdy in the UN is going to need to have a talk with the ChiComs about how things work on the cast of the Keystone Kops. They are giving the group a good name) 23 October FRANCE Arms procurement agency DGA has delayed ordering the fourth BARRACUDA class (SSN) submarine. Not included in 2013 budget; probably to be ordered in 2014. (rmks: Depending on how the Eurozone situation plays out. The smaller less well-financed European countries are likely to kick-up a fuss, over the fact that France isn't doing its "fair share" to help them. Man, don't you just love socialism) IRAN (related) +++ The Saudi Arabian coastguard has arrested a group of 15 Iranians who with a boat attempted to infiltrate the country by sea near the northeastern frontier with Kuwait. (rmks: I think some heads are going to roll (literally) in the Kuds Force chain of command for this little screw-up) +++ The United Arab Emirates’ key Fujairah pipeline bypassing the Strait of Hormuz will be fully operational by the end of the year and then carry most of Abu Dhabi’s oil exports. (rmks: That's interesting, I haven't heard of this before. Does anyone know where the pipeline goes to?) NIGERIA – RUSSIA The Nigerian navy has seized a Russian-owned offshore support vessel carrying arms and ammunition (rifles and some 8,000 rounds) and arrested its 15 mainly Russian crew members … ship was travelling from Madagascar to Conakry (Guinea) … authorities: “no indication that the vessel was authorized to come into Nigeria and worse still, to carry arms" … Russia: “legal cargo included in the load manifest.” (rmks: This one is going to be interesting to watch!) PIRACY General: Some ship operators hiring private armed guards to protect their vessels from hijack by Somali pirates, aren’t reporting attempted attacks … possibly fearing liability or following ship owners’ orders to keep mum on incidents. (rmks: So the problem will just keep getting worse, because it's now going to be swept under the rug. I tell ya' folks, the problem was handled in an easier fashion a couple of hundred years-ago. But, noooo. We're a kinder and enlightened society) PORTUGAL Lockheed Martin has re-delivered the last upgraded P-3C CUP Orion maritime patrol aircraft to the Portuguese Air Force. (rmks: The venerable P-3 continues service!) RUSSIA Black Sea Fleet KASHIN class destroyer RFS SMETLIVIY arrives at Valetta (Malta) for a scheduled visit. SPAIN The Spanish navy takes over its 5th BAZAN class Aegis frigate, SPS CRISTOBAL COLON. (rmks: Live up to your namesake's name) USA Fielding the first generation of “directed energy” (laser) weapons aboard US Navy ships “just two years away.” (rmks: Someone please tell me why we are goofing around with the golly gee-whiz stuff, that is burning-up good money, when we can be using it to build and develop ships with REAL teeth? UPCOMING / PLANNED EVENTS RUSSIA (03 Jul 2013) 2013 IMDEX naval exhibition in St. Petersburg rescheduled from 03-07 July … originally planned from 20-22 June, but postponed due to International Economic Forum planned at that time.

Updates are graciously provided by Marine Forum, with additional information from Naval Todayand the Naval Open-Source Intelligence Blog. The commentary is my own. Some interesting tidbits in today's NNSoTD. Definitely some solid scenario fodder. Enjoy! Summary to follow: 19 October CHINA LUDA-I class destroyer YINCHUAN (107) decommissioned. (rmks: Another likely candidate for the Asia-Pacific secondary market) 20 October PHILIPPINES - USA The US Navy USS BONHOMME RICHARD Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) departs from Subic Bay (Philippines), after completing ten-day bilateral exercise “Phiblex”. RUSSIA Black Sea Fleet destroyer RFS SMETLIVIY has passed the Turkish Straits towards the Mediterranean … while some media speculate her to be enroute Tartus (Syria), she is scheduled for port visits to Malta (22 Oct) and subsequently to Taranto (Italy) for participation in bilateral exercise “Inonex-12” (07-09 Nov) with the Italian navy. 22 October CAMBODIA – USA A US Navy task group with frigate USS VANDEGRIFT and two more vessels arrives at Sihanoukville Cambodia) for the Cambodian phase of this year’s Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT). RUSSIA DefMen Serdyukov: Expect BOREJ class (SSBN) submarine RFS YURI DOLGORUKIY to be commissioned in 2013, and sister ship RFS ALEXANDER NEVSKIY to join the Pacific Fleet in 2014. YASEN class (SSN) submarine RFS SEVERODVINSK still on trials. (rmks: More delays, but not really surprising. I wonder if this is a tell-tale sign the class is a lemon) RUSSIA (FRANCE) French STX will launch the first MISTRAL class helicopter carrier built for the Russian navy in September 2013. (rmks: This will be interesting to see, if it comes to fruition) TURKEY The Turkish intelligence agency (MIT) is planning to procure a new intelligence gathering (SIGINT) ship … feasibility study already initiated. (rmks: This is VERY interesting news) USA The USS BONHOMME RICHARD Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) arrives at Kota Kinabalu (Malaysia) for a scheduled visit (rmks: Fall deployment to 7th Fleet area of responsibility. It's interesting that the ARG is lingering in the area. I wonder if something is getting ready to happen?)

We have known for years there are several "safe havens" for pirates along the Somali coast. These could be eliminated via Predators. This strong show of force provides the proper amount of fear-factor to deter the pirates. Sadly, the proability this will happen is extremely small.

Updates are graciously provided by Marine Forum, with additional information from Naval Todayand the Naval Open-Source Intelligence Blog. The commentary is my own. A busy weekend, with lots of family events. While you were enjoying things, the world's navies were quite busy. Enjoy! Summary to follow ... 16 October USA Aircraft carrier USS ENTERPRISE anchored off Naples (Italy) for its final ever foreign port visit … after a 7-month Middle East deployment, returning to home port Norfolk where she will be deactivated on 01 Dec. (rmks: A 'thanks for the memories' liberty port call) 17 October RUSSIA Keel laying for first Project 21900M (LK-16) diesel-powered ice breaker at Vyborg shipyard … Deputy Minister of Transport: Russia will receive about 30 nuclear- or diesel-powered ice breakers by 2030. (rmks: Hmm, it seems they are the only ones really serious about the Arctic issue. Is something in the works?) USA The USS NIMITZ Carrier Strike Group begins 18-day Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX) off California … working up for a scheduled 2013 deployment. 18 October ARGENTINA The head of Argentina's military intelligence resigned in the wake of sail training vessel ARA LIBERTAD’s seizure by Ghana over a bond dispute. (rmks: Too bad, so sad) USA +++ FREEDOM class littoral combat ship USS FORT WORTH (LCS 3) arrives at future home port San Diego, completing her maiden voyage after commissioning in Galveston (Texas) on 22 Sep. +++ Austal holds keel-laying ceremony for the third INDEPENDENCE class Littoral Combat Ship USS JACKSON (LCS 6). (rmks: Big whoopty-do! Why are we building these useless tinker-toys, instead of laying down ships with real teeth? In a world of increasing tensions, we a building ships that can't fight their way out of a wet paper bag. Does that sound logical to you?). 19 October IRAN (related) Tanzania government claims Iranian oil tankers are deliberately signaling their flag state as Tanzania-Zanzibar, although there is no such registration. (rmks: Ah, the soap opera continues) RUSSIA The Russian navy’s only remaining missile range instrumentation/satellite tracking ship, MARSHAL KRYLOV, has completed a one-year overhaul and sailed from Vladivostok for a first new mission. INDIA – USA Bilateral naval submarine rescue exercise “Indiaex 2012” starts in Mumbai (India) … until 13 Nov, with at-sea phase scheduled from 30 Oct – 06 Nov … four Indian navy submarines are scheduled to participate with the US Navy's Undersea Rescue Command to practice rescue scenarios and demonstrate its Submarine Rescue Diving and Recompression System (SRDRS) … first time exercising the compatibility of a US Navy SRDRS with Indian navy submarines. MYANMAR Photos suggest recent launching of new frigate … show hull number F12 … name given as UMS KYANSITTHA. PIRACY +++ Somalia Basin: A fishing vessel has reported being hijacked off the Somalia coast, approx. 60nm north east of Eyl (rmks: Just another cockroach (excuse me pirate day). +++ Germany: Ten Somali men have been convicted in Germany on charges related to the 2010 (read that – two-years later) hijacking of cargo ship M/V TAIPAN in the Gulf of Aden … sentenced to prison terms ranging between two and seven years … Germany’s first piracy conviction in centuries. (rmks: I' surprised they didn't just hand them citizenship papers and let them off for time-served) +++ Anti-Piracy Forces (aka the Keystone Kops): French navy frigate FS FLOREAL has joined EU NavFor in operation “Atalanta” (rmks: The pirates are very concerned ... NOT!) +++ Somalia: Somali pirates release Panama-flagged bulk cargo vessel M/V/ ORNA, hijacked in Dec 2010 … undisclosed sum of ransom paid … however, only 13 of its 19 crew members have been released with the vessel … remaining six seem to be held by another pirate group, which has not agreed to the deal. (rmks: Oh, I almost forgot ... No pirates were harmed, reporting anyone of these stories. Would someone please explain to me the logic of why we are dealing with these cockroaches?) RUSSIA +++ Pacific Fleet DELTA-III class (SSBN) submarine RFS GEORGIY POBEDONOSETS successfully fires a SS-N-18 ballistic missile from the Sea of Okhotsk toward the Chizha test range on the Kanin Peninsula. … part of major exercise including all components of the nuclear triad. (rmks: I was just thinking, how many SLBM tests does the US and Brits conduct? I think the answer would be ... ZILCH! I have a bad feeling about all of this) +++ Black Sea Fleet ROPUCHA class landing ship RFS NOVOCHERKASSK arrives at Pylos (Greece) for a scheduled visit … timed to the 185th anniversary of the naval battle of Navarino, where the combined fleet of Russia, Britain and France defeated the Turkish-Egyptian fleet. (rmks: Strike up the band! The Russians are coming!) UNITED KINGDOM Type 23 frigate HMS MONMOUTH sails from Plymouth on a 7-month deployment “East of Suez” (Persian Gulf region). (rmks: long-planned routine deployment. Godspeed!) USA – MYANMAR The US reportedly plans to invite Myanmar to join major regional exercise “Cobra Gold” in 2013. (rmks: Now that's interesting news) 20 October ARGENTINA The Argentine navy is evacuating some 300 crew members from sail training vessel ARA LIBERTAD … impounded in Tema (Ghana) as collateral for unpaid bonds … only the captain and a few other members will remain on the ship. (rmks: Man that's gotta suck) CANADA President of Irving Shipbuilding: Contingent on the federal government approving funding for the design and engineering phase of the project, work on the first batch of Arctic patrol vessels could begin as early as 2015. (rmks: Construction starts, as the program is behind schedule. Oh well, better late than never) ISRAEL (Gaza) The Israel navy intercepts and boards Finnish-flagged “Freedom Flotilla” sailing vessel ESTELLE when approaching blockade zone off Gaza … no resistance … ship carrying some 30 pro-Palestinian activists diverted to nearby Israeli port of Ashdod. (rmks: See, told ya' so) PIRACY (double funnies day) +++ Somalia Basin: German frigate FGS SACHSEN (EU NavFor) located and boarded an Iranian dhow, reported to have been hijacked … 20 Iranian sailors freed … boarding team detained seven suspected pirates, confiscated several assault rifles AK47 as well as a Rocket Propelled Grenade launcher. (rmks: Wow, I'm suprised the Keystone Kops actually did something) +++ Bab el Mandeb: a pirate attack group reportedly, "disrupted temporarily" (whatever that means) in the Bab el Mandeb … still presenting a threat. (rmks: Could somebody explain that one to me) +++ Malaysia: Malaysian authorities have arrested four Indonesian pirates, who on 18 Oct had tried to hijack a tugboat and barge off Borneo island (Sarawak) … first such attack there this year. (rmks: The cockroaches (excuse me, pirates) are making up for lost time) (add'l rmks: Once again, no pirates were harmed reporting any of these stories ... BLAST IT ALL!) RUSSIA Black Sea Fleet AMUR class “floating workshop” PM-56 and salvage tug SORUM MB-304 sail from Sevastopol for the Mediterranean … PM-56 headed for Tartus (Syria) to replace sister ship PM-138 as “station ship” … MB-304 to join KASHIN class destroyer RFS SMETLIVIY in bilateral exercise “Ionex-12” with the Italian navy (07-09 Nov). USA Christening ceremony for new amphibious assault ship USS AMERICA (LHA 6) at Huntington-Ingalls facility in Pascagoula (Miss.) 21 October ARGENTINA Argentina will take conflict with Ghana over sail training ship ARA LIBERTAD to the United Nations. (rmks: Now that will get the problem solved ... in about 100-years, if ever) CHINA China will build two bases for maritime surveillance drones … one at Yingkou to cover the Bohai Sea, the other one at Dalian to cover parts of the Yellow Sea. (rmks: Now that's interesting news!) EGYPT President Mohamed Morsi and other officials attended a naval drill (incl. live firing) off Alexandria … on board PERRY class frigate TOUSHKA … part of celebrations remembering sinking Israeli destroyer EILAT in Oct 1967. IRAN (related) USA “prepared to talk one-on-one with Iran” to find a diplomatic settlement to the impasse over Tehran's alleged pursuit of nuclear weapons, but there's no agreement now to meet. (rmks: The mullahs are likely stonewalling to see what takes place on Nov 6) ISRAEL – USA Three-week bilateral missile defense “Austere Challenge 12” kicks off …participants include a US missile cruiser. (rmks: mostly computer-simulated activities) JAPAN – USA According to Japanese media, Japan has decided to cancel a planned joint naval exercise with the United States … planned in November … was to feature “recapture” uninhabited Irisuna Island (in Okinawa Prefecture) … fearing that it would provoke a negative reaction from China. (rmks: Class, this is another fine example of appeasement and this form of diplomacy NEVER works) NIGERIA French Ocea “in late September” delivered three 24-m FPB 72 Mk II patrol boats to Nigeria. SENEGAL French Ocea has been contracted with building four FPB 98 MkII patrol boats for the Senegalese navy. 22 October PHILIPPINES – AUSTRALIA Annual bilateral five-day naval exercise “Lumbas 2012” starts off Manila … focus on maritime security operations … Australia deployed frigate SYDNEY, Philippine navy participating with patrol boats BRP MARIANO ALVAREZ and BIENVENIDO SALTING, plus soldiers from Naval Special Operations Group. UPCOMING / PLANNED EVENTS AUSTRALIA (03 Oct 2013) International Fleet Review 2013 planned in Sydney from 03-11 Oct, 2013 … commemorate the centenary of the first entry of the Royal Australian Navy's fleet into Sydney on October 4, 1913. More than 40 navy ships are expected to participate.

Updates are graciously provided by Marine Forum, with additional information from Naval Todayand the Naval Open-Source Intelligence Blog. The commentary is my own. Hope everyone has an enjoyable weekend. Here are some navy news nuggets, to tide you over 'til Monday. Enjoy! Summary to follow: 16 October IRAN Some 15,000 paramilitary IRGC and Basij forces hold a military drill southeast of Tehran … images suggest practicing urban warfare. SWEDEN Swedish navy 3rd and 4th flotillas commence major national exercise “Swenex” … until 26 Oct … practice the majority of traditional maritime warfare areas, such as ASW, AAW and ASuW. 17 October USA Aircraft carrier USS JOHN C. STENNIS has arrived in the Arabian Sea, while aircraft carrier USS EISENHOWER may have entered the Persian Gulf. 18 October CHINA In order to “improve emergency response in missions to safeguard territorial sovereignty and maritime interests,” the Chinese navy (East Sea Fleet) together with paramilitary China Marine Surveillance and Fishery Administration conducted exercises in the East China Sea … involving 11 ships and eight aircraft. (rmks: The ChiComs are upping the ante) FRANCE DCNS at Lorient floats out second French navy FREMM type frigate, FS NORMANDIE (D651). Two more currently under construction: LANGUEDOC (since Sep 2011) and AUVERGNE (since Aug 2012). FRANCE – UNITED KINGDOM Off Corsica bi-lateral exercise “Corsican Lion” kicks off … until 02 Nov … implementation of Franco-British Defence Agreement from 02 Nov 2010 … focus on amphibious operations … 13 warships including French aircraft carrier FS CHARLES DE GAULLE and helicopter carrier FS MISTRAL, as well as Royal Navy Response Task Group with helicopter carrier HMS ILLUSTRIOUS and dock landing ship HMS BULWARK. IRAN (related) Ship-tracking databases show a growing number of Iranian oil tankers re-flagged to Tanzania … incl. at least eight of the NITC tankers evicted last month by Tuvalu … Tanzanian authorities claim no such Iranian ships registered. (rmks: Another fine example of the success of the sanctions ... NOT!) RUSSIA +++ Black Sea Fleet destroyer RFS SMETLIVIY sails from Sevastopol for the Mediterranean … annual bilateral exercise “Ionex-12” scheduled with the Italian navy from 07-09 Nov … also “a number of business visits to Mediterranean ports for replenishment.” (rmks: Wonder if the latter includes Tartus, Syria) +++ Third BUYAN class “small artillery ship” RFS MAKHACHKALA has started acceptance trials in the Baltic, incl. weapons tests … after successful completion to be commissioned … scheduled to transfer to the Caspian Sea (by inland waterways) in November. +++ Joint operational headquarters established with the General Staff … all services except Strategic Rocket Forces. (rmks: Part of streamlining operational command structures) USA Frigate USS CARR, currently deployed off Central America in anti-drug operation “Martillo,” chased a speed boat, then recovered cocaine worth $26 million, which the suspected smugglers had tossed overboard. (rmks: The cockroaches (excuse me, the suspected drug runners) live to smuggle another day) 19 October IRAN (related) An explosion in eastern Turkey has (temporarily) halted flow of Iranian natural gas. (rmks: No add'l info on the cause of the blast)

Updates are graciously provided by Marine Forum, with additional information from Naval Todayand the Naval Open-Source Intelligence Blog. The commentary is my own. Wow! We are nearing 10K views of NNSoTD. Thanks for your support. Hope the naval news nuggets have generated ideas for innovative scenarios. Summary to follow: 16 October FRANCE Dock landing ship FS SIROCO currently employed off West Africa in national naval presence operation “Corymbe”. ISRAEL (Gaza) “Freedom Flotilla” sailing ship ESTELLE at the southern coast of Crete (Greece), replenishing with food and water and taking more pro-Palestinian activists on board, then continues towards Gaza to “break the Israeli blockade” … expect to arrive there around 20 Oct. (rmks: Will likely be intercepted in international waters by the Israeli Navy and turned away, before it reaches Israel's EEZ) NATO Standing naval force SNMG-2 begins a scheduled visit to Tunis (Tunisia). (rmks: I'm sure that will be a memorable liberty port) SWEDEN The Swedish Maritime Administration (Sjöfartsverket) has ordered seven new AgustaWestland AW 139 helicopters … for search & rescue service off the Swedish coasts. 17 October INDIA (RUSSIA) Russian Yantar shipyard (Kaliningrad) has completed sea trials for 2nd TALWAR-mod (Batch 2) frigate INS TARKASH … all set for delivery to Indian navy, scheduled on 09 Nov. (rmks: If there are no punch list items discovered) PIRACY Anti-Piracy Forces (aka, the Keystone Kops): South African media alleges that due to “a diplomatic bungle in an agreement between South Africa, Mozambique and Tanzania,” the South African navy has halted its anti-piracy operation “Copper” and withdrawn frigate SAS AMATOLA, which had been operationing in the Mozambique Channel and off Tanzania … frigate started patrol in August but broke off in September, to instead join multinational exercises “Atlasur” and “Ibsamar” off the Cape. (rmks: Is it any wonder that nothing sems to get done. The exterminators are bound-up in administrative messes, so the cockroaches (excuse me the pirates) have free reign of the seas. Oh, I almost forgot ... No pirates were harmed reporting this piece of news. DRAT!) RUSSIA +++ Draft budget for 2013-2015 calls for a 59 percent increase to annual defense spending by 2015 (to reach 3.7 percent of GDP). (rmks: No telling if this is the vodka version or the actual numbers) +++ Yantar shipyard (Kaliningrad) has postponed keel-laying of 4th ADMIRAL GRIGOROVICH class frigate (to be named RFS ADMIRAL BUTAKOV), for an “indefinite period” … had been scheduled on 12 Oct. (rmks: no reason given, but it's likely due to antiquated shipbuilding infrastructure and delays on other projects).

Updates are graciously provided by Marine Forum, with additional information from Naval Todayand the Naval Open-Source Intelligence Blog. The commentary is my own. Another light news day. Some potentially interesting scenario-related stuff in SSA (Sub-Saharan Africa). Enjoy! Summary to follow: 16 October AUSTRALIA The hull of LHD CANBERRA has arrived off Australia (southwest of Melbourne), completing a nine-week transit from Spain on board special ship M/V/ BLUE MARLIN … will now be moved by tug to the Williamstown shipyards in Victoria, for further construction. CHINA Seven Chinese warships pass international waters south-southeast of Japanese Yonaguni island (east of Taiwan) … probably returning to China after routine training in the Pacific Ocean … Japanese media speculating they might be heading for Diaoyu/Senkaku Islands area. (rmks: They had passed north of Okinawa towards the Pacific on 04 Oct. If they do steam through the disputed region, it will send a message) FINLAND Finnish Marine Alutech Oy Ab has been contracted with building an initial 12 new U-700 class fast transport boats for the Finnish navy… part of “Project Mera,” to compliment the coastal forces’ equipment … delivery is estimated from 2014-16 … more may follow. (rmks: Some data: 19m x 5m, top speed 40+ knots, carry 32 personnel) NIGERIA Chinese Wuchan shipyard reportedly has begun construction of first of two P18N 95-m Offshore Patrol Vessels for the Nigerian navy. (rmks: This has scenario potential!) PAKISTAN Vice Admiral Muhammad Shafiq appointed as vice chief of the naval staff. PIRACY Anti-Piracy Forces (aka: The Keystone Kops (KK)): Russia is planning for three task groups to deploy to the Gulf of Aden in 2013 … possibly joint operation with the Ukrainian navy. No word that another mission might be scheduled this year; last one (destroyer RFS VIZEADMIRAL KULAKOV) ended in July, with no replacement. (rmks: A joint Ukraine/Russia deployment would be VERY interesting news – even for the KK forces) RUSSIA Black Sea Fleet ROPUCHA class landing ship RFS NOVOCHERKASSK completes short visit to Bar (Montenegro) … now heading for Pylos (Greece). (rmks: On a six-week - annual - cruise to the Mediterranean, with a number of port visits, mainly to Greece, to attend anniversaries of historic events) UNITED KINGDOM “Cougar-12”: Task Force “Cougar” (HMS ILLUSTRIOUS, BULWARK, et al) completes three-day visit to Gibraltar, entering the Mediterranean. USA Four sailors were injured when a line snapped during refueling at sea between tanker USNS PATUXENT and aircraft carrier USS HARRY S. TRUMAN off Florida. (rmks: Praise the Lord, no one was killed) 17 October AUSTRALIA A navy patrol boat intercepts and assists an asylum seeker boat with 139 passengers, north-northwest of Christmas Island … after it had radioed for help.