MOBILE, Ala. — Austal USA launched the future USS Canberra (LCS 30) into Alabama’s Mobile River on March 30, the company said in an April 1 release. The Canberra, an Independence-class littoral combat ship, is the first ship to be launched…
Light Carrier Concept ‘Not Compelling,’ Navy’s Air Warfare Director Says
ARLINGTON, Va. — The U.S. Navy’s director of Air Warfare does not see a compelling case for the service to build and deploy light aircraft carriers to augment or replace the service’s large, nuclear-powered aircraft carriers (CVNs). “I believe the…
Navy Grapples with Slow Strike Fighter Training Output, Admiral Says
ARLINGTON, Va. — The U.S. Navy is struggling with supplying the fleet with enough strike fighter pilots to fill its squadrons, but is seeing some progress after resolving some training aircraft issues. The strike fighter training pipeline is “too darn…
Navy’s Next-Generation Air Dominance Increment to Replace EA-18G, Admiral Says
ARLINGTON, Va. — The U.S. Navy’s Next-Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) family of systems is planned to include a replacement for the EA-18G Growler electronic attack aircraft in addition to the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet strike fighter, a senior official said. Rear…
Unmanned Missile Carrier a Potential for Aerial Manned/Unmanned Teaming, Admiral Says
ARLINGTON, Va. — As the Navy looks forward to fielding its MQ-25A Stingray unmanned carrier-based aerial refueling tanker, it is looking to the future potential of unmanned carrier-based aircraft in other missions, including those involving manned/unmanned teaming and incorporating artificial…
Navy Orders One Additional MQ-4C Triton UAV
ARLINGTON, Va. — The U.S. Navy has ordered an additional MQ-4C Triton high-altitude, long-endurance unmanned aerial vehicle. The Naval Air Systems Command has awarded Northrop Grumman Systems Corp. a $98.9 million contract modification to a previously awarded, fixed-priced incentive contract…
Navy Accepts Delivery of First Tomahawk Block 5 Missile
ARLINGTON, Va.—The U.S. Navy accepted its first Block 5 Tomahawk cruise missile from Raytheon Missiles & Defense in March 25 ceremonies at the company’s facility in Tucson, Arizona. The missile is one of the first five Block 4 Tactical Tomahawk missiles that…
Navy Orders 10th Block V Virginia-Class Attack Submarine
ARLINGTON, Va. — The Navy has exercised a contract option and ordered a tenth Block V version of the Virginia-class nuclear-powered attack submarine (SSN). The Naval Sea Systems Command awarded General Dynamics Electric Boat a $2.4 billion fixed-price incentive modification…
Low-Yield Warhead, Nuclear Sea-Based Cruise Missile Will Survive, HASC Ranking Member Says
ARLINGTON, Va. — Two naval nuclear weapons deployed or planned are likely to survive cancellation efforts from Democratic members Congress, said the new ranking member of the House Armed Services Committee (HASC). Mike Rogers, R-Alabama, speaking March 22 during a…
Congressman Supports Defense Digital Service Academy for Cyber, AI
ARLINGTON, Va. — The ranking member of the House Armed Services Committee supports establishment of a new training institution for cyberwarfare and artificial intelligence (AI) to help the nation to meet cyber threats. Rep. Mike Rogers, R-Alabama, speaking March 22…
