PACIFIC FLEET
Australia launches plan to build missiles domestically
Australia announced a US$570 million deal to build missiles domestically, aiming to enhance military capabilities amid rising regional tensions. The project, unveiled by Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy, will see the development of naval and air-launched Joint Strike Missiles (JSM) at a new facility near Sydney. Set to begin production in 2027, the factory will produce up to 100 missiles annually. The move reflects Australia's broader push to strengthen its defense industry in response to increasing regional defense spending and global security concerns.
China teases New Coast Guard 'mothership': What it means for naval warfare in the Indo-Pacific
China has built the world's first drone carrier, a Yulan-class Landing Helicopter Assault ship, pioneering a new era in naval warfare. This advanced vessel boosts China's amphibious capabilities, potentially targeting Taiwan and the South China Sea. This move could reshape the strategic balance in the Indo-Pacific, prompting other nations to reassess their military strategies.
Australia, US, UK sign nuclear transfer deal for AUKUS subs
Australia has signed a deal with the US and UK to exchange nuclear material and secrets, advancing its plans to acquire nuclear-powered submarines under the AUKUS agreement. The deal includes security arrangements for the transfer and handling of nuclear material but reinforces Australia's commitment to non-proliferation. China has raised concerns about potential proliferation risks.
China naval power aims at parity with the USA
China is rapidly expanding its naval fleet, surpassing other nations in shipbuilding numbers. The People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) is growing in size and capability, with advanced destroyers and submarines being constructed at a remarkable pace. This expansion, including the use of dual-purpose shipyards and civilian vessels, is part of China’s broader strategy to enhance its maritime power. Experts warn that this growth, coupled with a coercive approach, could impact global naval dynamics and regional security.
US military eyes Australia's Indian Ocean toe hold to deter China
The U.S. is considering Australia's remote Cocos Islands for military construction as part of the Pacific Deterrence Initiative to counter China. This island, key for maritime surveillance, is closer to the strategic Strait of Malacca than other U.S. bases. Australia plans to expand its airfield to accommodate larger military aircraft. The potential U.S. presence underscores the island's geostrategic importance in the Indo-Pacific region amidst increasing Chinese submarine activity and broader geopolitical tensions.
Russian navy starts drills involving 20,000 personnel, 300 ships
On Tuesday, the Russian navy began large-scale exercises, involving 20,000 personnel and 300 ships. The drills aim to test command bodies across three fleets and the Caspian Flotilla. This exercise follows a series of recent military drills, including mobile nuclear missile launcher drills and collaborations with countries like China and South Africa since the Ukraine invasion.
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Why does Nepal suffer so many air crashes?
Nepal has a poor record on air safety, with over 360 deaths in airplane or helicopter crashes since 2000. The country's landlocked terrain, including eight of the world's 14 highest peaks, and the lack of flat terrain make navigation difficult. The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) identified collision with terrain as the main risk, accounting for 93% of deaths in air accidents in the past decade.
Indian Ocean Region acts as a bridge between Pacific & Atlantic
The Indian Ocean Region (IOR), bridging the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, is becoming a critical axis of global trade and geopolitical interest. A webinar organized by CUTS International discussed the IOR's multifaceted role in shaping international dynamics, focusing on strategic, economic, and environmental considerations. Key chokepoints like the Malacca Strait, Gulf of Aden, and the Strait of Hormuz, through which 80 percent of oil trade passes, are of strategic importance.
US-led old order weakens under weight of CRIK's influence
John Pilger notes Mao's 1944 ignored U.S. appeal. The CRIK bloc (China-Russia-Iran-North Korea) challenges U.S. dominance. Putin and Xi met 75 times. North Korea supplies Hwasong-11A missiles; Iran sends drones. China proposed ASEAN FTA in 2000, enhancing trade. CRIK leverages Russia's arms imports, escalating Taiwan tensions, U.S. debt issues. Chinese military efficiency boosts CRIK's impact.
Russia and China finish successful South China Sea joint naval drills, TASS cites Russian Navy
The opening ceremony of the exercise took place in the Chinese port of Zhanjiang, the Russian defence ministry said earlier this week. Russia's Pacific Fleet was cited as saying that the two navies had carried out about 30 combat exercises, including joint artillery firing at sea, coastal and air targets, and joint search and rescue operations at sea.
India, US carry out mega wargame in Indian Ocean
Indian Navy conducted joint exercises with the US Theodore Roosevelt carrier strike group in the Indian Ocean, enhancing interoperability and maritime security amidst regional concerns over China's military activities. The exercise featured USS Theodore Roosevelt and Indian warships, highlighting shared commitment to a free Indo-Pacific.
Indian Navy's P-8I aircraft joins RIMPAC 2024 in Hawaii: World's largest multinational naval exercise
The Indian Navy's P-8I aircraft has joined RIMPAC 2024, the world's largest international maritime exercise hosted by the US Pacific Fleet in Hawaii. With 29 participating countries, including India, RIMPAC aims to enhance multilateral relations and operational readiness across the Indo-Pacific. The exercise, running from June 27 to August 1, features diverse activities such as combat simulations, amphibious operations, and cyber exercises. India's involvement underscores its commitment to regional stability and cooperative defense efforts in promoting a free and open Indo-Pacific.
Two Russian warships sent on training mission to Asia-Pacific waters, Interfax reports
Two Russian navy corvettes, Rezky and Gromky, departed from Vladivostok for training missions in the Asia-Pacific region. They practiced emergency battle preparations, repelling UAV raids, and conducted exercises to search for and destroy mock enemy submarines. The corvettes will also work on air and anti-sabotage defense at sea. The Rezky, capable of combating enemy submarines, surface vessels, and aircraft, joined the Pacific Fleet in 2023, while the Gromky has been in service since 2018.
Indian Navy participates in RIMPAC naval exercise
The exercise will witness the participation of an aircraft carrier battle group, submarines, maritime reconnaissance aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles, remotely piloted surface ships and also an amphibious force landing operations, Commander Madhwal said. The RIMPAC exercise will run till August 1.
China competes for influence in the South Pacific
The South Pacific, dotted with small and vulnerable island states, has become a battleground for influence between China and the traditional benefactors of Australia, New Zealand, and the USA.
China Coast Guard rules the waves and waives the rules
China intimidated Taiwan yet again with its large-scale Joint Sword-2024A exercise on 23-24 May. This saw People's Liberation Army (PLA) and CCG assets surround Taiwan and its outlying islands, underscoring the threat of a future Chinese quarantine or blockade of Taiwan.
This is the world's best airline for 2024
Airlines were judged keeping in mind 12 parameters, including fleet age, passenger reviews, profitability, safety rating, product rating, innovation and forward fleet orders.
Donald Trump is supportive of AUKUS defence pact, former Australian PM says
Former Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison met with Donald Trump, who gave a positive response to the AUKUS defense pact, aimed at countering China's influence in the Indo-Pacific. Trump's stance on the pact remains unclear, potentially impacting Australia's acquisition of U.S. submarines. Current PM Albanese supports the pact's strategic importance.
China's third aircraft carrier heads to sea for the first time
China's third aircraft carrier, Fujian, showcases advanced technology with catapults for aircraft, aiming for a fleet of six carriers for operational maturity. Collin Koh highlights the strategic plan for China's carrier fleet expansion, emphasizing the significance of Type 003 carriers.
Chinese military officials met US and Russian naval officials this week
Chinese military officials engaged in meetings with their U.S. and Russian counterparts during a naval symposium in Qingdao, China. These discussions aimed to enhance communication and trust, with China expressing its willingness to collaborate with all countries for a shared maritime future. This development follows a period of strained relations, including a breakdown in communication after a visit to Taiwan by then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. The meetings come amidst heightened regional tensions, with the U.S. and Japan discussing Japan's potential inclusion in the AUKUS defense grouping, which China views as a threat to regional stability.
China's new Type 004 aircraft carrier: Can it challenge US naval dominance in Asia?
China's construction of the Type 004 aircraft carrier, potentially powered by nuclear energy, signifies a significant step in its naval expansion. This development could reshape the maritime balance of power in Asia and challenge US naval dominance. The carrier's advanced capabilities could enable China to project a more formidable presence in international waters, impacting regional power dynamics. However, increased tensions are expected, especially in areas like the South China Sea and the Taiwan Strait, prompting Southeast Asian nations to develop countermeasures.
UK Royal Navy vessels arrive in Chennai for joint maritime exercise, enhanced cooperation
The United Kingdom's Littoral Response Group (LRG) arrived in Chennai for maintenance, marking the first time a Royal Navy vessel will undergo maintenance at an Indian shipyard, as per the UK-India logistics-sharing agreement. This highlights the growing strategic partnership between the two countries in the Indo-Pacific region. The LRG will later operate in the Indo-Pacific for training, exercises, and engagement with allies and partners. The visit follows Defence Minister Rajnath Singh's UK trip, where India and the UK agreed to enhance defence cooperation and conduct joint military exercises.
USD 3 billion deal with UK gets Australia closer to having a fleet of nuclear-powered submarines
Australia is providing 4.6 billion Australian dollars to support the construction of nuclear-powered submarines with the UK, following a defence and security pact signing. The deal aims to counter challenges such as China's activities in the South China Sea. UK Defence Minister Grant Shapps emphasized the submarines' importance in a dangerous world. The agreement will boost production capacity in the UK and Australia, with submarines primarily from UK design and US weaponry. Australia will acquire at least three US nuclear submarines under the AUKUS agreement.
Japan signals interest in AUKUS defence tech partnership
Japan is interested in discussing cooperation with the United States, Australia and Britain on advanced military technology, an official said Wednesday, signalling Tokyo could become more involved in the trio's landmark security partnership AUKUS. An official from Japan'that the government supported AUKUS' efforts in the Indo-Pacific region and was looking at how to deepen cooperation. "Japan is interested in the possibility of technical cooperation in the field of advanced capabilities, and so will continue to strengthen cooperation with Australia, the US and the UK," the embassy said in a statement.
India will play very important role going forward in partnership with America, its allies, says US Navy Fleet Master Chief
Fleet Master Chief of the US Navy, David Isom, highlighted India's crucial role in protecting international waters and the free Indo-Pacific region. He emphasized the growing partnership between India and the US, as well as with other allies like Australia, the UK, Canada, and France. Air Marshal Robert Chipman of the Australian Air Force also expressed confidence in the strengthening relationship between India and Australia, especially in defense cooperation. Chipman emphasized the importance of providing the right deterrence in the Indo-Pacific region amid rising tensions.
Australia says to build biggest navy since World War II
Australia unveiled a 10-year strategy to double its major warship fleet and boost defense spending by $7 billion, responding to a rising arms race in the Asia-Pacific region. The plan aims to increase the navy's major surface combatant ships to 26 from the current 11, the largest fleet since World War II. It includes building six Hunter class frigates, 11 general-purpose frigates, and six crewless advanced warships, some armed with Tomahawk missiles. The move follows China and Russia's military expansions, with Australia planning to exceed NATO's defense spending target at 2.4% of GDP.
Ships from US, Australia and Japan conduct joint drills in South China Sea in defiance of Beijing
Warships from the US, Australia, and Japan conduct joint drills in the South China Sea, challenging Beijing's sovereignty claims. The exercises, involving guided-missile destroyers and combat ships, aim to promote transparency and freedom of navigation. China, which claims the area, objects to foreign military activities there. The region, crucial for international trade and rich in resources, sees ongoing tensions. The Quad alliance, including India, counters China's assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific, while China maintains its military presence for defensive purposes. Tensions also persist in the East China Sea and around Taiwan.
US military expresses concerns over China's reckless aerial maneuvers over South China Sea
In a recent encounter, the US military has reported a dangerously close encounter between a US B-52 bomber and a Chinese fighter jet which came within 10 feet of each other. The US military has deemed the action unsafe and unprofessional by the US military. This incident is part of a series of close encounters between Chinese and US aircraft in the South China Sea, with China asserting its sovereignty over the region.
North Korea's Kim looks at nuclear capable bombers and hypersonic missiles in Russia
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un inspected Russian nuclear-capable strategic bombers and hypersonic 'Kinzhal' missiles during his visit to Russia. He was accompanied by President Vladimir Putin's defense minister, Sergei Shoigu. Kim was shown Russia's strategic bombers and was told about their capabilities.
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