WASHINGTON — The newest nominee for chief of naval operations listed his top three technology priorities to the Senate Armed Services Committee during his July 31 confirmation hearing, with artificial intelligence coming in as No. 1. “On the top of…
Latent Lethality: Offensive Mine Warfare Sees Renewed Focus in Era of ‘Great Power Competition’
The focus of the U.S. Navy’s efforts in mine warfare over the last two decades has been mine countermeasures (MCM) — locating and neutralizing hostile mines. New airborne systems such as the Airborne Laser Mine-Detection System and the Airborne Mine…
Former PACFLEET Commander: FONOPs Should Be Consistent, Not Unique to China
WASHINGTON — The previous commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet said the United States should conduct more freedom-of-navigation operations (FONOPs) and not limit them to Chinese claims but include sailings through the disputed claims of other nations as well. “Specific…
Navy Awards Billion-Dollar Sonobuoy Contract
Arlington, Va. — The U.S. Navy’s increasing focus on anti-submarine warfare is reflected in a recent mega-contract award for its primary air-dropped sensor, the sonobuoy. Naval Air Systems Command has awarded to ERAPSCO, a joint venture of Sparton and USSI…
Iranian Drone Downed by Marine Corps Electronic Attack System
ARLINGTON, Va. — An Iranian fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicle downed by U.S. naval forces July 18 was brought down not by missiles or guns but by a vehicle-mounted electronic attack system. The Iranian UAV had flown within 1,000 yards of…
Marine Commandant Berger: Force Design is Top Priority
ARLINGTON, Va. — The new commandant of the Marine Corps has made force design as his top priority as he moves to shape the Marine Corps for the future. The “Commandant’s Planning Guidance” (CPG), issued by Gen. David H. Berger…
Navy Issues Request for Proposals for Medium-Displacement USV
WASHINGTON — The Navy has issued its Request for Proposals (RFP) to the defense industry for the Medium Unmanned Surface Vehicle (MUSV), a vessel planned to be part of its Future Fleet concept. The RFP, posted on the FedBizOps.gov website…
Defense Secretary Nominee Supports Modernization of Nuclear Deterrent
WASHINGTON — President Trump’s nominee for secretary of defense said he supports modernization of the nation’s strategic nuclear deterrent. “Clearly, modernization of the [strategic nuclear] triad is top priority,” Mark T. Esper said June 16 during his confirmation hearing before…
State Department Approves Possible Sale of MH-60R Helicopters to Greece
ARLINGTON, Va. — The U.S. State Department has approved the possible sale of MH-60R helicopters to the Hellenic navy at the request of the Greek government, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) said in a July 12 release. The sale,…
Prospective Joint Chiefs Chairman Supports Sub-Launched Low-Yield Nuke
WASHINGTON — The president’s nominee for chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said that he supports development and deployment of a low-yield nuclear warhead as part of the nations’ strategic deterrent. “I think it is an important capability to…
