Новости за 15.04.2024

Summary: China's pursuit of aircraft carriers alongside its anti-access/area denial (A2/AD) strategy presents a strategic opportunity for the United States and its allies in Asia. While China aims to nullify US naval power, an alliance of regional powers could counterbalance this by replicating China's A2/AD tactics. With a network of counter-A2/AD capabilities and collaboration among US allies, including Japan, India, and others, China's carrier fleet could be neutralized. This coalition could level the playing field... Читать дальше...

Summary: China is on the brink of unveiling its highly anticipated Xi'an H-20 stealth bomber, a move that could significantly shift the strategic balance in the Pacific. First announced in 2016, the H-20 has remained shrouded in mystery, with sparse details emerging through state media and promotional videos hinting at its advanced flying wing design. Deputy Commander Wang Wei of the People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) has assured that there are no insurmountable challenges left in the bomber's development. Читать дальше...

Evaluating the US Navy's Dependence on Aircraft Carriers Amidst Rising Global Tensions - When the aircraft carrier was first adopted by the United States Navy, few would have believed that it’d have been anything more than a curious sideshow; a waste of resources that diverted investment away from the truly important asset in the Navy’s fleet: the battleship. But after the Second World War, when aircraft carriers proved to be far more valuable to the Navy than were the battleships, it was impossible... Читать дальше...

Summary: The B-21 Raider, an advanced stealth bomber, is positioned as a critical asset for the U.S. Air Force amidst shrinking fleet sizes and the challenge of developing sixth-generation aircraft. Designed for long-range missions, the B-21 addresses the strategic necessity of overcoming vast distances in potential conflicts, notably with China. Leveraging the B-2's design, the B-21 offers enhanced stealth, versatility, and capability to carry conventional and nuclear payloads, distinguishing it from rival technologies. Читать дальше...

Summary: The British Royal Navy's latest nuclear-powered submarine, the Astute-class, represents a significant advancement in modern submarine technology. Designed to replace the older Trafalgar class as part of the SSN20 project, which began in 1986, the Astute-class underwent several design revisions following the end of the Cold War, leading to a more cost-conscious approach. Built by BAE Systems, seven of these submarines are slated for completion. The Astute-class stands out for its cutting-edge technology... Читать дальше...

Summary: The USS Boxer (LHD-4), a Wasp-class amphibious assault ship of the United States Navy, recently garnered seven prestigious Navy-wide awards, highlighting its sustained superior performance across various operational domains. However, shortly after these commendations, the USS Boxer encountered an engineering issue related to its rudder, forcing a return to San Diego for repairs, estimated to take two to three weeks. This incident has disrupted its deployment plans in the Indo-Pacific... Читать дальше...

Summary: The F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, a mainstay of the U.S. Navy, has recently been enhanced with a significant capability upgrade, making it the first carrier-based aircraft to deploy the SDB-II, also known as the StormBreaker. This 250-pound precision-strike weapon is designed to handle adverse weather conditions and dynamic targeting scenarios, thanks to its tri-mode seeker that integrates infrared, millimeter wave radar, and GPS/INS systems.

Summary: In 2015, a Chinese Kilo-class submarine was reported to have tracked the USS Ronald Reagan, a U.S. Nimitz-class nuclear-powered supercarrier, in the waters of Japan. This event was reminiscent of Cold War naval encounters, yet it didn't cause significant concern at the time due to the relative detectability of Chinese submarines. Experts viewed these events as opportunities to learn about Chinese capabilities, noting that Chinese submarines were noisier and technologically behind. 

Summary: The U.S. Navy marked a significant milestone with the keel laying of the future USS Constellation (FFG-62) in Marinette, Wisconsin. This event, attended by Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro and Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Lisa Franchetti, celebrates the first ship of the new Constellation-class frigates. Aimed at enhancing the Navy’s capabilities, these frigates will support surface, anti-submarine, and electromagnetic warfare. Despite its advanced features like a helicopter hangar and drone capabilities... Читать дальше...

Well, folks, we have five more bad handguns to share. (I suppose you could call this our “Buyer Beware” series.)

Summary: The U.S. Navy's Arleigh Burke-class destroyers, equipped with advanced missile systems like the Mk 41 vertical launch system (VLS), face a significant logistical challenge in prolonged conflicts due to their inability to rearm at sea. Unlike previous naval vessels, these modern warships require port visits to reload their long-range missiles, a process that could take weeks and diminish their combat readiness. This reliance on port facilities exposes a strategic vulnerability, especially... Читать дальше...