CIMSEC – The strategic imperatives facing the United States, Japan, and South Korea demand immediate, decisive action to secure enduring maritime security across the Indo-Pacific. Trilateral collaboration in naval shipbuilding is no longer optional, it is necessary. Together, the alliance has a once-in-a-generation opportunity to counter China’s expanding naval power, restore American shipbuilding strength, and ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific for decades to come. By pooling resources, expertise, and industrial capacity, the alliance can design and produce a fast-attack missile corvette tailored to the region’s urgent needs: maritime domain awareness, deterrence, and enhanced interoperability among allies and partners. A corvette fleet, built with Asian shipyards and American innovation, will empower ASEAN partners on the frontlines of maritime coercion, illegal activities, grey-zone conflict, and Great Power Competition.
The Arctic is a Strategic Distraction
CIMSEC – Over the past five years, numerous articles have called for increased U.S. defense resources focused on the Arctic. This is a strategic mistake, a distraction.
Charting a Course: Addressing Chinese Maritime Coercion Around Taiwan
CIMSEC – The ongoing coercion by the Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) aims to erode the ROC’s sovereignty by sending a message to the international community that the CCP has both the capability and the will to exert control over the waters near Taiwan, but this activity also threatens the United States’ national security interests.
Denmark decides on construction strategy for Arctic vessels
Naval News – The parties to the Danish Defence Agreement have decided on a distributed construction strategy for five new Arctic patrol vessels for the Danish Navy.
Four Takeaways from Donald Trump’s National Defense Strategy
National Interest – James Holmes writes that the 2026 National Defense Strategy sets striking new priorities for the Pentagon—but can hardly be described as “isolationist” in character.
How will the Type 26 frigates be shared between the Norwegian Navy and Royal Navy?
Navy Lookout – This week, it was officially confirmed what had been obvious from the outset, that at least one or more Type 26 frigates already under construction for the RN will be allocated to Norway. At a time when the RN frigate force is rapidly diminishing, here we consider the need to balance the strategic benefits of the deal with Norway against the UK’s dire need for new warships.
Why Xi Jinping has been purging China’s military leadership, and what may come next
Breaking Defense – Dean Cheng writes that the Chinese PLA has gone through wide-scale restructuring in recent years, leading to questions as to why and what the effects may be.
French Navy dials up stress level in crew drills after Red Sea experience
Defense News – The French Navy is toughening crew drills to better prepare sailors for the stress of coming under fire, following deployments to the Red Sea where Houthi rebels targeted Western warships and commercial traffic with drones and ballistic missiles.
‘Preparing for war:’ At French naval conference, a grim realism
Breaking Defense – France and its allies need to consider the reality that high-intensity conflict is likely in the near future, top officials said this week.
First US warship visit to Chinese-built port in Cambodia cements new drift for Phnom Penh
Defense News – After a U.S. warship visited the Chinese-built Ream Naval Base on the south coast of Cambodia last week, analysts warn the government here should brace for a response from Beijing.
Taiwan to Construct 10 Light Frigates for Air Defense, Anti-submarine Missions
USNI News – Taipei will construct 10 light frigates for air defense and anti-submarine missions between 2028 and 2040, according to recently released procurement documents.
UK threatens to seize Russia-linked shadow fleet tanker in escalatory move
The Guardian – The UK is threatening to seize a Russia-linked shadow fleet tanker in an escalatory move that could lead to the opening up of a new front against Moscow at a time when the country’s oil revenues are tumbling.
America’s Naval Strategy Is Getting a 21st-Century Update
National Interest – James Holmes writes that Chief of Naval Operations Daryl Caudle’s advice on reforming US Navy doctrine is at once prescient and rooted in age-old wisdom.
General Atomics, Anduril Hint at Concepts for New U.S. Navy Unmanned Combat Aircraft
USNI News – Two aviation companies under contract to develop armed, unmanned aircraft and control systems for the U.S. Navy teased what they are working on this week during the Singapore Air Show.
Ukraine’s ‘Kinetic Sanctions’ Change the Game
RUSI – Kyiv’s unprecedented attack campaign on Russian shadow fleet tankers ups the pressure on sanctions-busting shippers and insurers at a time when Russian oil exports are already under strain.
Norway orders two additional Type 212CD submarines
Baird Maritime – The Norwegian Government has approved the procurement of two additional Type 212CD diesel-electric submarines by the Royal Norwegian Navy. This increases the number of Type 212CD boats planned for the Royal Norwegian Navy from four to a total of six.
(Thanks to Alain)
Narco Sub Seized Near Azores with £520m of Cocaine
Small Wars Journal – Portuguese authorities intercepted a semi-submersible vessel near the Azores carrying nearly nine tons of cocaine valued at about £520 million.
(Thanks to Alain)
Dragonship: China builds a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier while satellites watch
The Space Review – In the fall of 2025, China commissioned its first indigenously-designed and built aircraft carrier, Fujian, named after a Chinese province. The commissioning ceremony was photographed from overhead by Western commercial reconnaissance satellites, but of course China proudly released their own photographs of the ceremony. The conventionally powered aircraft carrier is large and impressive. Although not quite as big as the US Navy’s Nimitz-class or Ford-class carriers, Fujian sports modern equipment, such as electromagnetic catapults and arresting gear.
But even as Fujian was formally entering service after an extended period of sea trials, another large carrier was taking shape in China. It too has been photographed by commercial reconnaissance satellites, and Western amateur analysts have been keeping tabs on the progress, trying to assess its size and capabilities. They soon saw indications that this ship, unlike its predecessors, will be nuclear-powered. Satellites are a primary source of information on China’s latest naval developments.
French warships receive Aliaca VTOL uncrewed aircraft
Defence Blog – France’s defense procurement agency ordered a VTOL version of Airbus’ Aliaca uncrewed aerial system, with deliveries to the French Navy set to begin in May 2026 after qualification. The Aliaca VTOL will expand ship-based surveillance and maritime security missions by removing the need for launch-and-recovery equipment while retaining existing sensors and ground stations.
(Thanks to Alain)
CMSI Note 19: China’s Blue-Water Research Fleet: Science in Service of Strategy
China Maritime Studies Institute – Today, the People’s Republic of China (PRC) owns the world’s largest fleet of blue-water marine scientific research vessels. While their operations are largely concentrated in the Western Pacific, an increasing number are reaching across the globe—from the Indian Ocean to the Arctic, and even the Western Hemisphere.
German Navy ships targeted by sabotage attempt, two port workers arrested
Navy Today – Two port workers have been arrested over the attempted sabotage of German naval vessels docked at the Port of Hamburg, the EU’s Eurojust crime agency revealed.
(Thanks to Alain)
Marine F-35C Downs Iranian Drone Near Carrier Lincoln After Forces Attempt to Seize U.S. Flagged Tanker in Strait of Hormuz
USNI News – A Marine F-35C Lighting II fighter shot down an Iranian military drone that approached a U.S. aircraft carrier in the Arabian Sea,
Dual Use Initiative By China Could Exponentially Increase Its Missile Launch Platforms
Center for Maritime Strategy – While containerized weapons systems have been around for years, it is startling to see pictures of them combined in a way that a small cargo ship can easily be transitioned into a lethal naval vessel. Such a transition can be temporary, allowing a return to commercial service in what is the ultimate example of a dual use vessel that results in superior overall cost economics. That China completely outfitted such a vessel in a public area where pictures would emerge indicates a desire for this capability to be seen.
USS Preble Used HELIOS Laser To Zap Four Drones In Expanding Testing
The War Zone – The U.S. Navy’s Arleigh Burke class destroyer USS Preble used its High-Energy Laser with Integrated Optical Dazzler and Surveillance (HELIOS) system to down four drones in a demonstration last year, Lockheed Martin has shared.
U.S. Army Quietly Stands Up Rotational Force in the Philippines
USNI News – The U.S. Army has stood up a rotational force in the Philippines, according to recently released defense media. Army Rotational Force-Philippines, a previously unknown formation, was revealed for the first time Thursday following a meeting last month between the ground service and Marine Rotational Force-Southeast Asia in Manila.
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