International Naval News & Discussion

Philip · Post by **Philip** » 08 Feb 2010 18:38

deleted - copyright

Brando · Post by **Brando** » 08 Feb 2010 23:38

http://www.defensenews.com/story.php?i= ... =SEA&s=TOP

Russia Wants 4 Amphibs From France: French Ministry

PARIS - France has agreed to sell a first amphibious assault warship to Moscow in a deal the French defense minister said Feb. 8 that highlighted Europe's new relationship with a new Russia.

The sale of the ultra-modern Mistral-class helicopter carrier had worried Russia's neighbor Georgia and raised eyebrows among France's allies as the first sale by a NATO member of such advanced technology to Moscow.
..........
Having initially tendered for one, Russia now wants to buy up to four Mistral-class ships, a French defense ministry official said, adding that a decision on the other three would be made in the coming weeks.

The Moscow daily Moskovski Komsomolets reported Feb. 8 that Russian President Dmitri Medvedev has decided to buy one Mistral from France for between 500 and 600 million euros (up to $820 million).

The Mistral, the second largest warship in the French fleet, is a 21,000-ton, 200-meter (650-foot) amphibious assault vessel that can carry heavy-lift helicopters, landing craft, tanks and up to 900 commandos.

In December, six U.S. senators expressed their concern over the proposed sale, which they said would send the message that France supports what they called Russia's "increasingly bellicose and lawless behavior".

India should think of getting some of these Amphibious Assault ships and some LCACs from the US to significantly boost Amphibious Assault capabilities of the Indian Armed forces. With 4-5 of these ships, the operational range and logistical flexibility would be greatly increased for the Indian military.

Philip · Post by **Philip** » 09 Feb 2010 13:41

Yes,but just check out the JUan Carlos class,which are larger and superior to teh Mistral with an extra deck,more capability for carrying aircraft/helos,armoured vehicles,troops and landing craft.

Philip · Post by **Philip** » 11 Feb 2010 10:31

Oz's Collins class repputation takes a further "dive"!

http://www.smh.com.au/national/reputati ... -nsd0.html

Gerard · Post by **Gerard** » 15 Feb 2010 07:51

US admits salvaging sunken Soviet submarine

NRao · Post by **NRao** » 16 Feb 2010 09:23

http://www.defensenews.com/story.php?i= ... =SEA&s=TOP

Russia Wants 4 Amphibs From France: French Ministry

In December, six U.S. senators expressed their concern over the proposed sale, which they said would send the message that France supports what they called Russia's "increasingly bellicose and lawless behavior".

Six US senators? That is it? Out of a 100?

Phooey.

Wonder why that logic has never applied to Pakistan. Lawless behavior!!

rohitvats · Post by **rohitvats** » 16 Feb 2010 15:26

[quote="NRao
Six US senators? That is it? Out of a 100?

Phooey.

Wonder why that logic has never applied to Pakistan. Lawless behavior!![/quote]

This when Russia will pay from their pockets.......

Singha · Post by **Singha** » 16 Feb 2010 16:03

seems even 'advanced bidesi nations' like sweden can get in over their heads when operating
outside of their key areas of strength. the goofed up big time and even american help couldnt really keep these subs on high uptime - a fleet that was supposed to dominate the IOR and show the flag to the wogs now marks time in drydock.

Philip · Post by **Philip** » 16 Feb 2010 16:58

"The sky is falling!The sky is falling! Russia is getting French Mistrals..."

The US gangsta lot are hyper-ventilating so much with Russia getting a few amphib ships,that too half the size of US amphibs,that it is truly amusing to see the paranoia in the Yanqui camp.

When the Georgian spat was going on,US and NATO forces including MIliband-the-Moron,did their best to intervene on behalf of the Georgians and Shakashvili,whom they had given a menu of assurancs and promises which they miserably failed to keep when he took them at their word and started his imbecelic war with Russia.The pragmatic French see no danger from a Russia which now has a drastically reduced military that can barely defend itself with its mostly obsolete Cold War eqpt.Engaging Russia in military cooperation will further reduce east-west tensions and the French have wisely seen this.It is the US which wants to perpetrate a new Cold War to instil paranoia in their allies and friends,make them rush to buy US arms for defence and are now inveigling the Bulgarians and Rumanians into stationing missiles in Euope aimed at Russia.No longer is there the pretence about the threat from Iranian missiles and their non-existant nukes.We se here another scare similar to Saddam's non-existant WMDs and a case being made out for an attack against Iran.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB1000142 ... theadlines

Excerpt:

Given that the vital supply route to Afghanistan passes through Russia and its allies in Central Asia, it is perhaps understandable that NATO is still trying to build bridges with Moscow. The Obama administration also keeps pushing the "reset" button with the Kremlin, hoping Moscow will finally help stopping Iran's nuclear weapons program and complete the negotiations on strategic arms reduction. Washington also kept mum about the Mistral deal so not to antagonize the Elysée, in the hope that President Sarkozy might still send more French troops to Afghanistan—which he didn't. Nor does President Barack Obama want to endanger Paris' crucial cooperation on Iran.

Arunkumar · Post by **Arunkumar** » 16 Feb 2010 18:12

mistral cutaway

http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/ima ... ais_lg.gif

Superb ship !!!
The space savings due the azimuth propeller pods are hugh.
Cant help dreaming about a shore landing at port Qasim using few of these ships.

Hope Mod junks its RFI -> RFP -> RIP policy and buys a few of these immediately.

Craig Alpert · Post by **Craig Alpert** » 16 Feb 2010 19:54

BEL signs contract with Suriname Armed Forces at Defexpo 2010

Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) signed a contract with the Suriname Armed Forces (SAF) at Defexpo 2010 today (February 16, 2010) for the delivery of Coastal Communication System Network (CCN) Server.
CCN was supplied to SAF during 2008-09. This is an additional requirement to facilitate roaming feature in the Network.

Mr Ivan Fernald, Minister of Defence, Suriname, and Mr D L Kamperveen, Director, Ministry of Defence, Suriname, were present at the signing of the contract.

Singha · Post by **Singha** » 16 Feb 2010 21:53

the Mistral looks like a nice commercial ship than a lean and mean warship - apart from a couple
of MGs in the corner and one turret, not much in way of self defence .... the Rus will surely pep it up with a ugly Kashtan cannons pointing their snouts to the side

the podded prop thing is seen in commercial cruise ships and helps in moving into confined or small docks without tug assistance or delays.

all in all, a nice ship - but I prefer something uglier like the tarawa class.

Craig Alpert · Post by **Craig Alpert** » 17 Feb 2010 02:00

Thales launches maritime radar ESM for small vessels

17 Feb 2010 8ak: European arms major Thales announced the launch of Vigile LW, a lightweight, naval Radar Electronic Support Measure (RESM) on Tuesday during the ongoing DefExpo in Delhi. Thales PR said that the new system will redefine situational awareness for small vessels. The company hopes that the Vigile LW will interest the Indian government, which is spending billions on modernising its armed forces after the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, wherein the terrorists are suspected to have used water as a means to enter India’s financial capital. A costal command has also been exclusively set-up under the naval command to step up maritime surveillance.

“Vigile LW detects, identifies and displays air and surface threats in real time, providing tactical situational awareness wherever needed for small vessels,” said Jean-Marc Goujon, Thales’ head of marketing for military products, at its unveiling.

“It is primarily designed for naval applications but can play a major role in coastal security. This is because it can be mounted on vessels, on land or can even be transported on land,” Goujon added further.

Signalling the emergence of India as a prospective hub for defence production, Goujon said that there was a possibility that a new joint venture company may be floated by Thales in India if the response of the government towards its products was encouraging.

The statement also said that Vigile LW is the core element of a Self Protection Suite and can be operated as a standalone RESM or as a central Electronic Warfare controller. It can control the communication and Radar ESM, Laser Warning, Missile warning and programmable decoying functions. Installed across several vessels, Vigile LW can provide a network-centric compatible solution for increased protection.

“This new member to the Vigile family meets a true requirement in the market and aims to fill a very real capacity gap – at a lower acquisition and possession cost.,” commented Pierre-Eric Pommellet, Thales Senior Vice President, in charge of defence mission systems.

The Vigile LW is the fifth product in the Vigile family of advanced naval electronic support measures/electronic intelligence systems. The system operates automatically and therefore is autonomous and easy to support. Tracks can optionally be overlayed onto the radar picture, removing the need for a dedicated Electronic Warfare operator and thereby keeping through-life costs low and easing crew workloads.

Philip · Post by **Philip** » 18 Feb 2010 13:45

Interesting German stealth corvette deisgn which Israel might acquire.Compare it with the P-28.
http://www.defense-update.com/features/ ... 90110.html

Excerpt:

Israel Turns to Germany for Naval Stealth ShipsIsrael is interested in acquiring two corvette size ships to extend its naval operational capabilities. After analyzing the U.S. Littoral Combat Ship (LCS), Israel decided these vessels would be too costly. While each LCS would have cost $480, Israel was prepared to spend up to $300 per ship, which roughly corresponds with what the Malaysian Navy spent on a similar design (MEKO A-100 Kedah class). Yet, an obstacle that could hinder the potential sale is the recent acquisition of Blohm + Voss Shipyards - the shipbuilder of the MEKO Class vessels - by the Abu Dhabi MAR Group of the United Arab Emirates. (read more...)

Philip · Post by **Philip** » 19 Feb 2010 14:34

Spanish Scorpenes (S-80s) progress.

http://www.defpro.com/news/details/13273/
Excerpt:

Weapons Launch System for Spanish S-80 Submarines Achieves Milestone
February 18, 2010 Babcock International has completed delivery, on-schedule, of all six of the internal slide valve lengths for the Weapon Handling and Launch System (WHLS) for the first of the new Spanish S-80 submarines. These items (part of a new design for the S-80) are the first major elements of system hardware to be delivered, marking an important milestone in the project.

OZ-New sub corp.
http://www.australiandefence.com.au/ind ... 5056B05D57

Excerpt:

New Submarine Project Office to be formed
19 Feb 2010

A new Australian Submarine Program Office will be established in Adelaide in March, Greg Combet, Minister for Defence Personnel, Materiel and Science, has announced.
"The establishment of the joint Australian Submarine Program Office is a vital step towards achieving the submarine output Government expects," Combet said.

"The idea for a new project office follows discussions between the Navy, the Defence Material Organisation and ASC Pty Ltd on how better results can be achieved.

"The Government has made clear to all parties involved in the maintenance of the Collins class submarines that we expect better results.

Philip · Post by **Philip** » 20 Feb 2010 15:37

Amazing nes w Russian invention-"pedal powered sub"!
SEveral countries reportedly interested,including China.

http://english.ntdtv.com/ntdtv_en/ns_eu ... 67566.html

Russian engineers have overcome seeming mathematical impossibilities and devised a submarine that glides through the water on pedal-power. The Blue Space is the first man-powered machine capable of generating enough energy to propel the submarine through water.

Austin · Post by **Austin** » 04 Mar 2010 08:54

The fourth submarine of the project "Northwind" build a modernized

Fourth nuclear cruiser submarine project 955/955A Northwind will be built in the new versions - 955U, informs RIA Novosti with reference to the representative of the military-industrial complex of Russia. The new submarine will be used new technical solutions, details of which were not disclosed.

Philip · Post by **Philip** » 10 Mar 2010 10:45

Oz' sub ambitions are clearly far beyond its tchnical capability,but the security establishment's ambitions seem insatiable,despite the fiasco of their Collins class subs.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010 ... 841073.htm

EXcerpt:

In too deep: Defence anchored by cost of new subs
By Nick Grimm for The 7.30 Report

Defence recently acknowledged that only two of Australia's six Collins-class submarines are seaworthy. (File photo) (Australian Navy)

Related Story: First new submarine contract awarded Related Story: Navy submarine breaks down Related Story: Submarine fleet a major concern, Faulkner admits Related Story: ASIO alerted to suspect submarine buyer As Australia prepares to commit to its most expensive defence project yet, military chiefs are being warned not to get out of their depth when buying new submarines.

"You can be absolutely sure that what they're cooking up is a very big, very complex, very sophisticated, very expensive and very risky submarine," says Professor Hugh White, head of the Strategic and Defence Studies Centre at the Australian National University and a Visiting Fellow at the Lowy Institute for International Policy.

Another leading defence analyst, Andrew Davies from the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, says he is also worried.

"There are certainly a lot of things to worry about when planning a future submarine project because you'd have to say at the moment the Collins fleet is in a shambolic state," he said.

Philip · Post by **Philip** » 12 Mar 2010 14:06

Top Paki warships to take part in Qatar at "DIMDEX".A good oppportunity o take a dekko at them,o[pen only to Paki nationals.

http://www.onlinenews.com.pk/details.php?id=159860
EXcerpt:

Qatar- Two Pakistani ships, submarine to participate in DIMDEX 2010
DOHA: Pakistan Embassy has announced the participation of Pakistan Navy in DIMDEX 2010. Two Pakistani Navy ships and a submarine will be in arriving at the Doha Port on March 28 to participate in DIMDEX 2010 exhibition and seminar, according to Pakistan Embassy in Qatar.

Units participating include PNS Zulfiquar, a frigate recently commissioned in Pakistan Navy. The ship is fitted with state of the art weapons and sensors and carries a Z9EC helicopter, according to a Qatari newspaper The Pennisula.

The ship is part of the F-22P Project which encompasses construction of three frigates in China and also envisages complete transfer of technology for the construction of fourth ship at Karachi Shipyard and Engineering Works.

PN Submarine Humza is also going to be present in Doha during the exhibition. The submarine was constructed by Pakistan Navy in collaboration with DCNS of France.

Hamza is the first submarine to incorporate Mesma which is an air independent propulsion system installed to achieve an increase in submerged endurance. The submarine by virtue of its weapons and sensors outfit, equipment efficiency, stealth and well-knit crew is fully capable of undertaking variety of missions.

Third unit to be present at the DIMDEX is PN Missile boat Quwwat. PNS Quwwat was constructed at the Karachi shipyard in 2006. It is fitted with ’state of the art weapons and sensors. It can be utilized in variety of roles like maritime interdiction operations, anti-surface vessel operations, Air Defence, Coastal defense, ESM support, picket duties and SAR.

.

Austin · Post by **Austin** » 15 Mar 2010 09:33

Russia developing new destroyer

Russia has begun developing a new-generation destroyer for its Navy, which will be built using stealth technology, a source from the defense industry told Interfax-AVN on Thursday.

“Research is being done now to determine the image of a new offshore maritime zone vessel, and technical documents for the project are being drawn up. This process will last about 30 months,” the source said.

The future warship will be multifunctional, which will determine the choice of weapons for it, he said.

“The destroyer will have a missile weapon system using universal vertical launchers to fire high-precision missiles at ground, surface, and underwater targets. The ship’s air defense will be provided by short, middle, and long-range anti-aircraft missiles,” the expert said.

The destroyer’s artillery systems will also be universal and will be capable of firing high-precision guided projectiles at coastal and marine targets, he said.

The vessel’s multifunctionality will also affect its electronic equipment, the expert said. “The destroyer will be equipped with a universal target detection and designation system, electronic warfare systems, and hydro-acoustic equipment to detect submarines, mines, and underwater sabotage groups,” he said.

One of the features of the new destroyer will be a high level of environmental security, which so far is not a characteristic of Russian warships, he said.

Singha · Post by **Singha** » 15 Mar 2010 09:48

the specs on the MEKO A-100 look weak compared to the P-28

Type: MEKO 100 RMN
Displacement: 1,650 tons full load
Length: 91.1 metres
Beam: 12.85 metres
Draught: 3.4 metres
Propulsion: Main Propulsion: 2x Caterpillar 3616 (5450kW) diesel, 16000 bhp, 2 shafts, 2 controllable pitch propellers, CAE Integrated Platform Management System
Speed: 22+ kts
Range: 6050nm@12knots
Endurance: 21 days
Complement: 78 (accom. for 98)
Sensors and
processing systems:

Combat System: Atlas Elektronik COSYS-110 M1/ARGOS
Search radar:EADS TRS-3D/ 16ES
Navigation radar:
Fire control radars:Oerlikon Contraves TMX/EO electro-optic fire director
Thermal Imager: Rheinmetall TMEO Mk2
Integrated Communications System:
Electronic warfare
and decoys:

ESM: Thales Sceptre-X
ECM:
Decoy: Sippican ALEX/SRBOC chaff / decoy launching system
Armament:

Guns : 1 x 76mm 62cal OTO Melara Rapid DP
1 x Oto Melara / Mauser 30mm short-range gun
2 x 12.7 Machine Guns
Sonar: L-3 ELAC Nautik NDS-3060 Obstacle Avoidance sonar
Aircraft carried: 1 x Super Lynx 300 or Sikorsky S-70B Seahawk

-----
there is no comparision of the weapons suite. the Malaysia vessel is armed
like a OPV and CG ship compared to P-28

P-28
dimensions about same

Armament is to include a license-built OTO Melara 76mm Super Rapid Gun in a stealth mount and the usual assortment of weapons similar to what is found on the Talwar Class and Shivalik Class frigates including an eight cell Klub-N (3M-54E variant) missile system, a 16-cell Barak SAM launcher, a pair of AK-630M CIWS (Close In Weapon System), two Larsen & Tubro built derivatives of the RBU-6000 anti-submarine rocket launcher and four Larsen & Tubro built 533mm torpedo launchers. Revati - the naval variant of the DRDO-made Central Acquisition Radar (CAR) - which is capable of tracking 150 targets at ranges of 200 km, is a confirmed sensor aboard the vessel. Hangar and aviation facilities will also be standard features.

Austin · Post by **Austin** » 15 Mar 2010 18:01

Finally we will get to see Yasen SSGN

Russia to float out new nuclear sub on May 7

MOSCOW, March 15 (RIA Novosti) - A new Russian nuclear-powered multipurpose attack submarine will be floated out on May 7, a shipyard spokesman said on Monday.

Construction of the Severodvinsk, a Project 885 Yasen (Graney) class submarine, began in 1993 at the Sevmash shipyard in the northern Russian city of Severodvinsk but has since been dogged by financial setbacks.

"A floating out ceremony for Russia's new Severodvinsk nuclear submarine at the Sevmash shipyard has been scheduled for May 7," the official said.

Graney-class nuclear submarines combine the ability to launch a variety of long-range cruise missiles (up to 3,100 miles or 5,000 km) with nuclear warheads, and effectively engage submarines, surface warships and land-based targets.

The submarine's armament includes 24 cruise missiles, including the 3M51 Alfa SLCM, the SS-NX-26 Oniks SLCM or the SS-N-21 Granat/Sampson SLCM. It will also have eight torpedo launchers, as well as mines and anti-ship missiles such as SS-N-16 Stallion.

Severodvisk is expected to enter service with the Russian Navy by late 2010.

shyamd · Post by **shyamd** » 15 Mar 2010 22:19

IOL: 4 Mistrals will be sold to Moscow. Sergei Pugachev will be in the centre of the deal.

Gerard · Post by **Gerard** » 16 Mar 2010 04:28

Commander of submarine in crash misread chart, court martial told

sumshyam · Post by **sumshyam** » 22 Mar 2010 08:09

Russia needs minimum 50 nuclear subs for fleet - Navy Vice Admiral

The Russian Navy ideally needs to have at least 50 nuclear-powered submarines, a high-ranking Navy officer said during a live interview with Ekho Moskvy radio station on Saturday.

The Russian Navy has some 60 strategic, multi-functional and diesel-powered submarines in its fleet that are combat ready.

"The number of nuclear submarines in Russia's Navy should be no less than 40-50," First Deputy of the Naval General Staff Vice Admiral Oleg Burtsev said.

He said that France, Britain and the United States have at least nine combat ready nuclear subs at sea at all times.

"In order to counterbalance them, we need to have two or three nuclear-powered submarines. They need to know that we are prepared to respond to any strike," Burtsev said.

In answering a call-in question of whether Russia is behind in developing its fleet in comparison with China, which builds two or three submarines a year, Burtsev said that Russia was not behind in development.

"Trial runs are taking place with the Yasen class subs, and this year the final trial stages of the Lada class submarine will be held."

Austin · Post by **Austin** » 24 Mar 2010 11:19

Interesting design improvement and innovation in the new Russian Liquid Fuel SLBM, this has a throw up weight of 2.8T and max tested range of 11,000 km

Details of Sineva SLBM

The missile comprises a number of new technical designs:

* three-stage missile of silo-limited dimensions;
* application of a high-accuracy astro-inertial control system and “GLONASS” navigation satellite radio correction system substantially increased the firing accuracy;
* various flight trajectories at minimum and intermediate firing ranges and dispensing of re-entry vehicles within an arbitrary zone can be realized ;
* operational capabilities of missiles were improved due to the possibility of launching from high latitudes of Arctic.

Infact Sineva is the most accurate Russian SLBM or any BM till date , it is so accurate that the Russians were contemplating conventional armed Sineva as a response to US Prompt Global Strike Capability

Here is one video of Sineva doing North Pole Launch

Singha · Post by **Singha** » 24 Mar 2010 12:23

Makeyev (specialists in SLBM) must either fix the Bulava(50% fail rate is unacceptable) or come up with a smaller version of Sineva to fit the Borei class tubes (bulava was custom designed for that).

there is no other option - Sineva is 25 yrs old now and getting long in tooth.

the head of Bulava from moscow instt of thermodynamics was deposed and
perhaps specialists from Makeyev could join project then.

sher khan ICBMs do not use GPS I believe because their existence cannot be
assumed when the situation is such that strategic nukular weapons are released. they use a ARIS (inertial reference sphere) and stellar navigation kit.
likewise India cannot permanently depend on ground based beacons no matter how distributed or well protected. the PRC is going to locate and POUND such locations as a precursor to a strike.

Austin · Post by **Austin** » 24 Mar 2010 14:18

Singha wrote:there is no other option - Sineva is 25 yrs old now and getting long in tooth.

Sineva ( R-29RMU ) is a new missile designed in late 90's and accepted in 2007 for service using the previous R-29RM dimension and commonality to fit into Delta 4 and Delta 3 silos , its a replacement to R-29RM developed in mid 80's.

It uses many concepts/technologies from the cancelled Makeyev solid fuel Bark program ( which was superseded by MITT Bulava ) , chief among them are sustained depressed trajectory flight , beter MIRV penetration , very accurate guidance , higher boost phase speed and 10 new gen MIRV ( although limited to 4 with upload potential to 10 ) Sineva will remain in service for the next 15 to 20 years irrespective of what happens to Bulava/Borei program , the Delta IV and some Delta 3 has been recently upgraded.

the head of Bulava from moscow instt of thermodynamics was deposed and perhaps specialists from Makeyev could join project then.

These are competing bureau beyond the lip service they would be happy to see Bulava fail and they get the opportunity to develop a new SLBM , lets see by June Bulava fate will be sealed. After all MITT snatched the SLBM project from Makeyev using political contacts and not through fair competition since SLBM was not their speciality , well pay back time

sher khan ICBMs do not use GPS I believe because their existence cannot be
assumed when the situation is such that strategic nukular weapons are released. they use a ARIS (inertial reference sphere) and stellar navigation kit.

Using GPS/Glonass is not an absolute requirement but an addition to improve on the accuracy , the INS/Stellar are just good to do their job specially the new RLG/INS

And the day they would resort to real use of these missile , well GPS will hardly matter as the world we know would change forever.

Austin · Post by **Austin** » 24 Mar 2010 22:15

Russia To Test New Unique Project 855 Yasen Nuclear Submarine

The submarine was named Severodvinsk. Engineers of the company said that it would be quieter and much more powerful than the USA’s Sea Wolf.

Severodvinsk is a twin-hull nuclear submarine with decreased level of acoustic field. The submarine has ten compartments. The cruiser carries an extraordinarily strong complex of arms capable of solving combat tasks with practically any type of modern surface vessels and submarines. For the first time in the history of domestic ship-building, torpedo-launching systems are located behind the compartment of the central station. The new sonar complex Irtysh was installed in the fore end of the sub. Severodvinsk has eight vertical missile-launching systems: each of the systems houses three missiles.

Anti-vessel 3M55 Onix missiles will reportedly become the basic attack weapon of the new submarine. The missile was designed to strike targets at a distance of up to 300 kilometers under the condition of radio-electronic and combat resistance. The missiles are equipped with the system of artificial intelligence and can recognize all electronic images of surface vessels. They destroy the central target in a group, change their tactics and continue to destroy targets on the principle of their importance.

The new submarine will become the perfect weapon for military actions in the distant ocean zone. Official spokespeople for the Russian Navy said that the Severodvinsk would be passed into service in 2011.

Russia also plans to launch the serial production and put into service eight strategic submarines of Project 955, Borei class. The submarines will make the basis of Russia’s strategic nuclear forces after 2018. The Yury Dolgoruky submarine is currently being tested in the White Sea. JSC Sevmash is currently building three nuclear submarines. Each of them will carry up to 20 intercontinental ballistic missiles.

Ameet · Post by **Ameet** » 26 Mar 2010 22:36

SKorean navy ship sinks in waters near NKorea

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100326/ap_ ... ship_sinks

SEOUL, South Korea – Military officials say a South Korean navy ship has sunk off an island not far from North Korea.

An official with the Joint Chiefs of Staff in Seoul said early Saturday that the ship sank some four hours after it began taking on water. The official spoke on condition of anonymity, in line with department policy.

The official said at least 58 of the 104 crew members have been rescued. There was no immediate confirmation of casualties. A rescue operation was still under way.

The cause of the sinking was not immediately clear.

Philip · Post by **Philip** » 27 Mar 2010 16:51

The "Kursk",based upon the tragic accident and sinking of the Russian sub,is a play not to be missed.Absolutely fabulous.I saw the play last year and recommend it most strongly for anyone with a nautical interest.The unique feature is that you sit/stand/walk around with the cast within the set of the sub,which features all the key spaces aboard.

Kursk is an exciting play inspired by the Russian submarine tragedy

Tonight until Apr 17, Young Vic, Mon to Sat 7.45pm, Wed and Sat mats (from Apr 3) 2.45pm, £20. Tel: 020 7922 2922. www.youngvic.org Tube: Waterloo/Southwark

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldne ... rship.html

S.Korean corvette sinking.

'No evidence' that North Korea was behind sinking of warship
South Korea’s president has ordered a “swift and thorough” investigation into the sinking of a naval patrol vessel which went down in a disputed sea border area in the Yellow Sea on Friday night.

Excerpts:

Navy divers are being dispatched to the scene of the sinking of the 1,200 tonne corvette Cheonan to inspect damage to the ship’s stern which was holed by a massive explosion which lifted the boat 1ft into the air, according to the Yonhap news agency.

“We will begin searching and rescuing the missing soldiers today. At the same time, we will also check whether we can salvage the hull,” a naval official told the Korean Herald. “We will also deploy our divers from the Ship Salvage Unit to check the hole in the sunken vessel.”

Poor weather conditions prevented the divers reaching the site of the sinking on Saturday morning, with a second attempt scheduled for later today. If that failed, efforts would resume on Sunday an official added.

Some 58 sailors, several of whom jumped into the sea from their stricken craft, have now been rescued with 13 injured personnel described as being in a “stable condition”. Searches are continuing by air and sea.

Initial reports of the sinking had provoked fears that North Korea had attacked the ship, possibly with a torpedo, however South Korean military authorities have now said there is no evidence so far that North Korean forces were to blame.

Speculation is now turning to the possibility that the Cheonan, which would have been carrying torpedos, suffered an accident or had perhaps struck a sea mine that had broken free from its mooring.

"It's looking more and more like it was just an accident that happens on a ship," Carl Baker, an expert on Korean military relations at the Pacific Forum CSIS think tank in Honolulu, said by telephone, adding that Pyongyang was unlikely to attack South Korea which has vastly superior forces.

Gerard · Post by **Gerard** » 29 Mar 2010 01:00

Navy's newest nuclear sub commissioned in Va.

The Navy accepted its newest nuclear-powered submarine on Saturday with the commissioning of the USS New Mexico, a 377-foot, technology laden ship that was delivered months ahead of schedule. The $2.3 billion Virginia-class attack submarine was commissioned before its crew of 134 officers and enlisted men, family and shipbuilders at Naval Station Norfolk.

Craig Alpert · Post by **Craig Alpert** » 29 Mar 2010 19:56

SKorea: Mine from NKorea may have sunk naval ship

SEOUL, South Korea – A North Korean mine may have caused the explosion that sank a South Korean naval ship three days ago near a disputed maritime border, the defense minister told lawmakers Monday.

Defense Minister Kim Tae-young said military authorities have not ruled out North Korean involvement in the sinking of the Cheonan, which split apart within minutes of an explosion in the rear hull late Friday night, according to the ship's captain.

Surya · Post by **Surya** » 29 Mar 2010 20:02

One of the weird side effects was the hysterical display by relatives. Does not bode well for a country that has a nutjob neighbour and should expect large casualties in any future war.

Kinda like the IA hijacking victims relatives.

PratikDas · Post by **PratikDas** » 30 Mar 2010 02:21

Surya wrote:One of the weird side effects was the hysterical display by relatives. Does not bode well for a country that has a nutjob neighbour and should expect large casualties in any future war.

Kinda like the IA hijacking victims relatives.

I do know exactly what you mean - that we must have some inner strength to fall back upon in testing times, but I haven't experienced loss like this and I don't know if you have. It might be much easier to cast this stone than to face it.

Klaus · Post by **Klaus** » 30 Mar 2010 13:00

Just when the IN was thinking of Seychelles as a vantage point, comes this. Its during times like these, that one feels that we could have the promised capability sooner rather than later.

Surya · Post by **Surya** » 31 Mar 2010 16:34

Surya wrote:
One of the weird side effects was the hysterical display by relatives. Does not bode well for a country that has a nutjob neighbour and should expect large casualties in any future war.

Kinda like the IA hijacking victims relatives.

I do know exactly what you mean - that we must have some inner strength to fall back upon in testing times, but I haven't experienced loss like this and I don't know if you have. It might be much easier to cast this stone than to face it.

No I have not - but most of us on the forum were distressed at the pressure by relatives which led to the subsequent capitulation to the hijackers.

For the relatives of the naval guys, how does it help putting so much pressure ?? The North will only be be gleefully thinking of using this for their benefit.

Singha · Post by **Singha** » 31 Mar 2010 22:19

BBC:

US Navy aircraft crashes into Arabian Sea
An E-2C Hawkeye aircraft. File photo
The aircraft was returning from an operation in Afghanistan

A US Navy plane with four crew members on board has crashed into the Arabian Sea, the US Fifth Fleet said.

It said in a statement that the E-2C Hawkeye aircraft experienced mechanical malfunctions, forcing the crew to perform a controlled bail-out.

Three of the four crew were later recovered and a search is now under way for the fourth crew member.

An investigation has been launched into the incident. The crew was stationed on the USS Dwight D Eisenhower.

The aircraft had crashed into the sea at about 1400 local time (1000 GMT) on Wednesday, the statement said.

It said the plane "was returning from conducting operations in support of Operation Enduring Freedom" in Afghanistan when the problems had occurred.

The identities of the crew are being withheld pending notification of next-of-kin.

Craig Alpert · Post by **Craig Alpert** » 01 Apr 2010 00:46

Somali pirates hijack another vessel; 11 Indians held hostage

AHMEDABAD/NEW DELHI: Striking again, Somali pirates have hijacked a Dubai-based cargo vessel taking 11 Indians hostage even as the government on Wednesday indicated that some of the eight Indian vessels captured earlier have been located.

"According to information received late last night, some 11 men from Mandvi (Gujarat) who were working on the Dubai-based vessel Al-Barari were taken hostage after Somalian pirates hijacked the ship from near the port of Mogadishu," Kutch Vahanvati Association (KVA) president Kasam Ali Bholim said.

"The pirates attacked the ship when it was anchored near Mogadishu port after unloading the cargo it had brought from Dubai," he said, adding he got the information from crew of another vessel which was anchored at the same port.

The fresh strike came even as the government was trying to rescue the nearly 100 Indian sailors on board eight vessels which were seized by pirates off the Somalian coast about a week back. India is in touch with Indian missions in Seychelles and Nairobi, working out ways to rescue the hostages.
Shipping Secretary K Mohandas said that there were about 100 Indian sailors on board the hijacked ships and so far there was no information on their fate. Director General of Shipping, Lakshmi Venkatchalam said that eight ships have gone missing off Somalia's coast and five or six have been seized by pirates. She, however, said, the total number of crew is 97.

She said the government has indication about the location of some of the missing vessels which had reached certain ports not allowed for traders. Normally, if merchant ships go missing there are electronic alert systems, recording etc but these were different type of vessels and information about these have reached us from local sources, she added.

Venkatchalam said efforts are being made to locate the whereabouts of other missing vessels.

"We are in constant touch with our Naval attache at Seychelles and Nairobi for rescue operations of the Indian crew and Gujarat-based vessels", she said.

When asked about the development, External Affairs Minister S M Krishna told reporters, "Somalian pirates are always springing up surprises" and Government would take up the matter with authorities concerned.

Venkatchalam said the Government has issued a notification prohibiting Indian Sailing vessels (Dhows) to trade in piracy-infested areas.

According to the Naval headquarters in Delhi, the abduction of the sailors took place at high seas off the Somalia coast in the Gulf of Aden a week ago.

VinodTK · Post by **VinodTK** » 01 Apr 2010 05:42

Indian navy ships to be fitted with cruise missiles

The president and general director of the Russian-Indian joint venture company "Bramos", Sivatkhan Pillei, who is heading the company's delegation to the International Naval Exhibition-2010 in Doha, has said that India plans to equip its home-made submarines with supersonic cruise missiles to be developed in collaboration with Russia.