National Defense – James Holmes writes that the new plan calls for six fundamental—and badly needed—changes to America’s ailing shipbuilding sector.
RFA Argus to be scrapped
Navy Lookout – After more than 4 decades of service, it was officially confirmed today that RFA Argus will be disposed of.
New Vision To Fill Gaps After AV-8B Harrier And AH-1Z Viper Retirements Laid Out By Marines
The War Zone – The U.S. Marine Corps is aiming to acquire a new single “capability” to fill gaps left by the retirement of its AV-8B Harrier jump jets, AH-1Z and UH-1Y helicopters, and legacy F/A-18C/D Hornet fighters. Dubbed the Future Attack Strike (FASt) plan, the current vision is to have the ability to attack targets kinetically and non-kinetically, and to work together with future uncrewed aircraft.
U.S., Philippines Commit to Increased Missile, Drone Deployments in First Island Chain
USNI News – U.S. and Philippine defense officials committed to bolstering missile and drone deployments across the Southeast Asian archipelago in support of Washington’s first island chain deterrence efforts against China.
Turkish Navy Demonstrates New Capabilities in Baltic During NATO’s Steadfast Dart 2026
Naval News – The Turkish Navy has deployed one of its most capable task groups to the Baltic Sea for NATO’s Steadfast Dart 2026 exercise, conducting the first operational use of armed drones from a flat-deck ship in Alliance history. The deployment represents Türkiye’s largest naval presence in the Baltic region and demonstrates the fleet’s ability to project power across approximately 8,000 kilometers from its homeland.
Supercarrier USS Gerald R. Ford Has Crossed Into The Mediterranean
The War Zone – The carrier’s rush to the Middle East comes as the military build-up in the region appears to be approaching its crescendo.
Lockheed Martin rapidly developed Lamprey drone, new variants on the way
Naval News – Lockheed Martin rapidly developed its new Lamprey multi-mission autonomous undersea vehicle: The company took just 14 months to develop Lamprey, with future plans to field larger variants and another drone by the end of the year.
China’s nuclear submarine production rate surpasses that of US: Report
Breaking Defense – China has rapidly expanded its nuclear-powered submarine fleet in recent years, and has now surpassed US sub production rate.
China’s Largest Modern Naval Gun To Date Just Appeared On A Test Ship
The War Zone – A new 155mm gun could give Chinese warships added firepower for amphibious operations, as well as against targets at sea or even in the air.
From 4 Flotillas to 3: Inside the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force’s Historic Overhaul
The Diplomat – In March 2026, the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) will undertake its most sweeping organizational restructuring since its establishment in 1954. The “Fleet Escort Force” (護衛艦隊), created in 1961 and long regarded as the backbone of Japan’s surface fleet, will be formally dissolved. In its place, the JMSDF will establish a new “Fleet Surface Force” (水上艦隊). At the same time, it will stand up an “Information Warfare/Operations Command” (情報作戦集団), integrating intelligence, cyber, and oceanographic functions into a unified operational nerve center.
Bollinger, Fincantieri Marinette Marine to Build Landing Ship Medium, Navy Says
USNI News – Fincantieri Marinette Marine, the shipyard that was building the cancelled Constellation-class frigate, will join Bollinger Shipyards in constructing the Marine Corps’ Landing Ship Medium, the Navy announced Wednesday.
Building SSN-AUKUS: Australia’s $30bn Nuclear Submarine Yard at Osborne
Navy Lookout – Australia has just announced it will spend around AUS$30bn (£15.6bn) to build a large nuclear submarine construction yard in Adelaide. The new facility at Osborne is intended to replicate the processes in use at BAE Systems’ facility at Barrow.
U.S. to Transfer Maritime Reconnaissance Aircraft, Patrol Vessels to Philippine Coast Guard
USNI News – The Pentagon and Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) finalized a contract Monday to transfer American aircraft and patrol vessels to the archipelagic nation.
What Iran’s Naval Exercise With China And Russia In The Strait Of Hormuz Actually Means
The War Zone – As the U.S. flows assets toward the Middle East, including the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group (CSG) now reportedly off the Moroccan coast, Iran, China and Russia will hold their recurring joint naval training exercise in the Strait of Hormuz, according to Iranian media. Moscow and Tehran see the Maritime Security Belt 2026 exercise as particularly relevant in light of current events, and there are reasons for the White House and Pentagon to take note. Having Russian or Chinese warships in these waters amid a U.S. attack on Iran could have military and political implications planners must address. At the same time, the timing of the still ongoing U.S. buildup and the exercise point to it having more of a messaging effect than an operational one.
Saudi Arabia expands naval capabilities with four C-27J maritime patrol aircraft
Breaking Defense – The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has contracted four C-27J maritime patrol aircraft (MPA) from Italian firm Leonardo — the first customer to do so with “maritime weapon system integration capability,” the company announced.
Wave-class tankers to resume naval support role under contractor operation
Navy Lookout – The two former Royal Fleet Auxiliary Wave-class tankers are set for a return to service under new commercial ownership, keeping the ships available to allied navies rather than being scrapped or sold outside the NATO area.
Building the Royal Navy’s general purpose frigates: Type 31 programme update
Navy Lookout – The Type 31 frigate programme has now moved into serial production, with multiple hulls now progressing in parallel. Following a visit to Rosyth to speak with the workforce, here we provide an overview of the current state of this major shipbuilding project.
French Mission Jeanne D’Arc 2026 Begins Indo-Pacific Deployment
Naval News – French Navy Mistral-class LHD Dixmude and La Fayette-class frigate Aconit set sails on 17 February 2026 for the Indo-Pacific and will transit via the Red Sea as part of the “JEANNE D’ARC 2026” mission. Nearly 800 personnel are taking part in the deployment, including 162 officer cadets.
Ukraine Unveils New Low-Profile Naval Drone With Strike and Mothership Capabilities
United24Media – Ukrainian UADEFENSE company has unveiled a new multifunctional unmanned surface vessel, the M.A.K., designed for both river and maritime operations.
(Thanks to Alain)
Final Pieces Moving Into Place For Potential Attack On Iran
The War Zone – The latest flurry of U.S. assets heading to the Middle East includes many of the missing capabilities needed for a sustained air campaign.
Russia’s Taman Port Damaged by Ukrainian Drones
Marine Link – Russia’s Black Sea port of Taman, which handles oil products, grain, coal and commodities, has been damaged by a Ukrainian drone attack, the governor of Russia’s Krasnodar region said on Sunday.
(Thanks to Alain)
U.S. Navy MH-60s, Air Force F-16s Will Soon Fly With New C-UAS Missiles
Naval News – Derivatives of the AGR-20F FALCO air-to-air missile are being rapidly prototyped to fulfill the urgent low-cost engagement requirement for one-way attack drone swarms numbered in the hundreds.
Royal Navy sees hybrid shift as central to future force mix
Naval News – The UK Royal Navy (RN) sees its continuing shift to a ‘hybrid fleet’ as central to prevailing in future conflict, and is focused on accelerating delivery of the maritime uncrewed systems integral to this new ‘hybrid’ force structure, First Sea Lord and Chief of Naval Staff General Sir Gwyn Jenkins has said.
Major Upgrade Sees Hypersonic Ship-Killer Missiles Aboard China’s AIP Submarines
Naval News – China’s large fleet of air-independent propulsion (AIP) submarines is set to become significantly more lethal. The introduction of the next-generation YJ-19 hypersonic missile dramatically elevates their already serious anti-ship punch. China is currently the only nation known to have armed non-nuclear submarines with hypersonic strike weapons.
UK Carrier Strike Group to deploy to North Atlantic
Naval News – Britain will send its Carrier Strike Group back to sea in 2026 in a major show of force across the Euro-Atlantic and High North, reinforcing NATO’s deterrence at a time of rising Russian threats in the region.
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