Pentagon Eyes New USV for Indo-Pacific Contested Logistics
The Pentagon’s Defense Innovation Unit announced a solicitation for dozens of Autonomous Resupply Vehicles (ARV‑S), unmanned surface vessels designed to transport 20‑foot containers for Army logistics in contested Indo‑Pacific environments. The ARV‑S must achieve a 1,600‑nautical‑mile round‑trip range, operate autonomously in sea states 4‑6, and carry at least two containers per mission. Production scalability is a key requirement, with the Army seeking to quickly field a fleet that can augment its aging watercraft. Congressional leaders have echoed the need, adding USV procurement language to FY‑27 legislation.
Japan Considers AEW Radar Pod for MQ-9B SeaGuardian Drones
Japan’s Ministry of Defense is evaluating a Saab‑GA‑ASI airborne early‑warning radar pod for its MQ‑9B SeaGuardian drones to close a surveillance gap over the Pacific. The move follows heightened concerns about Chinese bomber and carrier activity near the Bashi Channel....
U.S. Congress Wants to Review At-Sea VLS Reloading Plans
The U.S. House Armed Services Committee has added language to the FY‑2027 National Defense Authorization Act requiring the Navy to brief Congress on its plans for at‑sea reloading of vertical launching system (VLS) cells. The capability, originally conceived after the...
Indonesia Eyes JMSDF Asagiri-Class Destroyers as Japan Tailors Warship Transfers to Southeast Asian Partners
Japan and Indonesia have agreed to start working‑level talks on transferring a used JMSDF Asagiri‑class destroyer, the first such deal since Tokyo loosened its defense export rules in April. The discussions will cover training, maintenance and operational support, reflecting Indonesia’s...
Royal Navy Progresses Towards Project Vanquish Demo From Aircraft Carrier
The UK Royal Navy is moving toward flight trials of a jet‑powered Autonomous Collaborative Platform (ACP) from a Queen Elizabeth‑class carrier by late 2025. The effort, called Project Vanquish, is a joint initiative with the Royal Air Force and feeds...
Japan Is Developing a New Unmanned AAV Which Will Bring MUM-T to Amphibious Operations
Japan’s Ministry of Defense announced a domestic unmanned amphibious armored vehicle (AAV) that will incorporate manned‑unmanned teaming (MUM‑T) for amphibious assaults. The new AAV uses tracks and rear water jets to cross coral reefs and will mount a remote weapon...
Hanwha Ocean Partners to Strengthen Greece’s Shipbuilding Capabilities
South Korean shipbuilder Hanwha Ocean and Greek ONEX Shipyards & Technologies Group signed a Strategic Alliance Agreement at the U.S. Embassy in Athens. The deal outlines a €1.35 billion (≈$1.48 billion) phased investment in ONEX’s shipyard infrastructure, partially financed by the U.S....
New Mystery Submarine Signals China’s Rapid Undersea Expansion
China has unveiled a new, sailless submarine at Shanghai's JN Shipyard, marking the latest addition to its rapidly expanding undersea fleet. The 120‑meter vessel, likely nuclear‑powered, appears distinct from the previously identified Type‑095 and may represent a new class. Satellite...
Fincantieri’s FCx30: A Sea-Proven Corvette Designed to Evolve
Fincantieri unveiled the FCx30, a 107‑metre, 3,200‑ton corvette that builds on the Al Zubarah class delivered to Qatar. The design emphasizes modularity, allowing navies to swap sensors, missiles and combat systems throughout the ship’s service life. A digital‑twin framework underpins predictive...
HD Hyundai Heavy Industries Partners with Greece’s Maritime Power for Naval Defense
Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) signed a comprehensive MoU with Greece’s largest shipyard, Skaramangas, to cooperate on Greek Navy and Coast Guard vessel projects, unmanned surface vehicles and maintenance services. The agreement marks HHI’s first strategic gateway into Europe, extending its...
Romania: Rheinmetall Contracted to Supply OPVs and Diver Support Boats
On May 29, 2026 Romania’s Ministry of Defence signed a €920 million (~$1 billion) contract with Rheinmetall’s NVL BV& Co. KG to deliver two offshore patrol vessels and two diving‑support boats. The funding comes from the EU’s Security Action for Europe (SAFE)...
Philippines Verifying Reports of Structure in Scarborough Shoal
The Philippines is reviewing raw intelligence that China may have installed a new structure in Scarborough Shoal, a contested fishing ground west of Luzon. Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro said officials cannot yet confirm whether the object is a fixed platform...
Fincantieri Lays Keel of Italy’s 8th PPA in Genoa
On May 29, 2026, Fincantieri held a keel‑laying ceremony in Genoa for the eighth Multipurpose Offshore Patrol Vessel (PPA) of Italy’s naval modernization programme. The ship will be built to an upgraded “full combat system” configuration, making it the third...
U.S. Navy Selects 7 Contenders for the MUSV Program
The U.S. Navy has selected seven companies—including Sea Machines, Leidos, and Huntington Ingalls—to advance designs for its Medium Unmanned Surface Vessel (MUSV) program. Each contender will receive an additional $15 million to conduct sea trials from June through October, after which...
Saronic Launches First Marauder Medium Unmanned Surface Vessel
Saronic has launched the first Marauder Medium Unmanned Surface Vessel, moving the hull from concept to water trials in under a year—a speed not seen in U.S. shipbuilding since World War II. The 150‑metric‑ton vessel can travel over 5,400 nautical miles...