Navy News Week 33-6

NAVY NEWS WEEK 33-6

17 August 2018

Egypt voices concern over Red Sea security after Houthi attack Egypt's president said on Monday Cairo was deeply concerned about security in the Red Sea following an attack by Yemen's Houthis on two oil tankers that forced Saudi Arabia to suspend crude shipments temporarily through the strait of Bab al-Mandab. Speaking at a joint press conference with his Yemeni counterpart, President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi also said Cairo was committed to helping Yemen regain its security after more than three years of war that has killed thousands of people. "We categorically reject that Yemen would become a foothold for the influence of non-Arab forces, or a platform for security and stability threats against the brotherly Arab countries or freedom of navigation in the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab Strait," Sisi said, speaking alongside President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi. Last month, Saudi Arabia temporarily halted oil shipments through Bab al-Mandab citing security concerns after Iran-aligned Yemen's Houthis attacked two oil tankers in the Red Sea near the strait with missiles, damaging one vessel. Although Saudi Arabia resumed oil shipments through the strait several days later, the incident has highlighted the volatility of the situation in the area, where fighting between the Houthis and supporters of Hadi's government has been raging since 2015. Yemen lies along the southern end of the Red Sea, one of the most important trade routes in the world for oil tankers. The tankers pass near Yemen's shores while heading from the Middle East through the Suez Canal to Europe. Speaking after talks with Hadi in Cairo, Sisi said Egypt supported the internationally-recognised Yemeni government and was committed to helping it restore stability to the country. Egypt, the most populous country in the Arab world, is a member of the Saudi-led coalition which intervened in Yemen's civil war in 2015 to try to restore Hadi to power against what it sees as Iranian support for the Houthis. But its role has been mainly to patrol Bab al-Mandab with naval vessels. Hadi said he had briefed Sisi on what he called Iranian support for the Houthis in endangering security in the Red Sea. "We discussed the dangers that the Red Sea had been exposed to because of the terrorism of the Houthi militias and its supporter, Iran, which aims not only to impact Red Sea security but Arab national security as a whole," Hadi said. Iran denies providing military support to the Houthis. Source : Reuters (Reporting by Amina Ismail and Ali Abdelaty, editing by Sami Aboudi, William Maclean)

BOSTON (Aug. 13, 2018) Sailors assigned to USS Constitution climb the Main Mast in preparation for the installation of the Topsail 175 feet over the deck of USS Constitution. Constitution's crewmembers conduct weekly training to learn and retain sailing information. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Joshua Hammond/Released) This really remins the best way to teach preople about life at sea.

Djibouti goes from position of strength to potential downfall It has been a trying few weeks for Ismaïl Omar Guelleh, president of Djibouti, at a time when most other residents of the Horn of Africa are celebrating emerging peace and, with it, the glimmer of prosperity. Two old enemies Eritrea and Ethiopia have ended 20 years of bloodletting, and even the restive enclaves of Somalia appear ready to reach across the table to former foes in the region. The war involving Ethiopia cut off the landlocked country from Eritrea on the Red Sea coast. As a consequence, 95 per cent of Ethiopian trade flowed through Djibouti’s ports. The war’s end means Ethiopia has alternative port options in Eritrea once again. Now, Djibouti has lost at the arbitral tribunal of the London Court of International Arbitration, which ruled that the Djibouti government’s seizure of control of Doraleh Container Terminal from DP World earlier this year was illegal. The finding was a blow to Djibouti, which is already dealing with questions about its reliability as an investment destination following the port grab. “Nationalist interventions in the economy, and weakening political stability indicate that the current mirage of Djibouti’s investment potential is overstated and unsustainable,” says Robert Besseling, executive director of risk consultancy ExxAfrica. Just six months ago it all seemed so different. Apart from its logistics hold over Ethiopia, the enclave located on the strategic Horn of Africa was home to at least six foreign military bases that assured both security and income. In addition, China was pouring in billions to build a new port and free trade zone, making Djibouti an anchor of Beijing’s strategic “Belt and Road” project. This would put Djibouti at the centre of a grand plan to create a Chinese economic zone that spanned much of the globe. “Many are dreaming of creating, with Chinese help, something similar to Singapore and the Gulf states,” German publication Spiegel gushed in a Djibouti spread, just last February. With Eritrea now easing back into the international fold, and its ports once again open to Ethiopia, Djibouti’s logistics value is less certain. The seizing of the DP World’s port concession could not have been worse timed. Now, potential investors had been put on notice that their capital projects could be taken by Mr Guelleh’s government at any time, Mr Besseling adds. “Such interventions are likely to deter further foreign investment in the services sector, while Djibouti’s natural resources are negligible.” Meanwhile, Djibouti must figure out how to deal with the rapidly growing pile of debt it owes Beijing. This is set to grow to around 88 per cent of the country’s overall GDP of $1.72 billion, according to a report published in March by the Centre for Global Development, a US non-profit based in Washington DC It is hard not to see a looming similarity with Sri Lanka, which racked up more than $8bn worth of debt to Chinese banks. Most of the money was spent on Chinese contractors who built the Hambantota port, a colossal white elephant as it turned out. Unable to service the debt, Sri Lanka this year signed over a 70 per cent stake and a 99-year lease to Beijing, which includes 15,000 acres of surrounding land. Perhaps the same fate awaits Djibouti, should it find itself struggling to meet its debt to China. Mr Guelleh is therefore in a deep hole. He does, however, have some cards left. “Ethiopia has also developed strategic infrastructure around the Doreleh terminal, which means that the port is likely to remain central to Ethiopia’s trade for the foreseeable future,” says Olivier Milland, senior analyst at Allan & Associates in London. Much of this was also built with Chinese money and, like Djibouti, Addis Ababa also has debts to Beijing. Similarly, just six months ago the Ethiopia-Djibouti railroad was launched, cutting a three-day journey to just eight hours. The Chinese built and financed line cost $4bn and Ethiopia will have an incentive to keep it as busy as possible. Mr Milland notes that last month Djibouti inaugurated the first phase of a $3.5bn Chinese- built Djibouti International Free Trade Zone, which should generate capital for the medium term at least, particularly from the Chinese. Located on the other side of the Gulf of Tadjoura from the Doraleh port, it will be jointly run by the Djibouti Ports and Free Zones Authority and China’s Merchants Holdings Company. However, immediately after the launch, DP World threatened legal action against third parties if they violated its concession agreement for Doraleh Terminal, which could make moving goods to and from the free zone a challenge. In the meantime, given its level of infrastructure, “the Doraleh container terminal is likely to remain a strategic international trading hub for the region over the long-term”, Mr Milland says. If Mr Gulleh can put to rest his differences with DP World, and assure investors that the country is indeed a secure destination for their business, Djibouti can continue to thrive. “It is true that Djibouti faces stiffer competition from its neighbours Eritrea and the self-declared state of Somaliland, but it is less clear what this means to the wider geopolitics of the region,” Mr Milland says. “The country still boasts the largest and most modern ports in the region, with millions of US dollars slated for more foreign investment in the coming years.” Meanwhile, following Djibouti’s announcement that it would not comply with the London court’s ruling that its seizure of the port was illegal, DP World said at the weekend it was considering its options, although it has long ruled out accepting a financial settlement in the dispute. Source: The National The game of international politics is an uncertain game, in light of no permanent friends or enemies. Djibouti will be making it worse if it does not comply with the London's court ruling, as it will stifle investments. It could create a situation where China takes control of the port, and create major difficulties for the US base in that country.

BLACK SEA (Aug. 13, 2018) Bulgarian Navy patrol boats engage in a swarming exercise with the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Carney (DDG 64) in the Black Sea. U.S. 6th Fleet, headquartered in Naples, Italy, conducts the full spectrum of joint and naval operations, often in concert with allied and interagency partners, in order to advance U.S. national interests, security and stability in Europe and Africa. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jonathan Nelson/Released)

Leaders of five Capsian states sign Convention on legal status of the Caspian Sea The Caspian Sea Convention on the Caspian Sea legal status has been signed by leaders of five Caspian coastal nations at the 5th Caspian Summit, the Kremlin said. "This is an international treaty that contains a detailed and comprehensive set of rules and obligations on the use and preservation of our common heritage - the Caspian Sea. Thus, the multifaceted interaction of the states of the "Caspian Five" has received a modern legal basis for many years to come”. It is of fundamental importance that the Convention fixes the exclusive and sovereign rights of the five nations to the Caspian Sea, the responsible development and use of its mineral resources and other resources, reliably guarantees the solution of all urgent issues on the principles of consensus and mutual consideration of interests, ensures a truly peaceful status of the Caspian Sea, the non-presence of the armed forces of non- regional states in the Caspian," the Kremlin press office quoted Russian President Vladimir Putin as saying. Source : portnews This puts the Caspian Sea effectively under Russian control, and can be construed as a Putin “victory”.

Russian warships storm through Gibraltar waters as Vladimir Putin readies Navy for combat TWO Russian warships have sailed past the British territory of Gibraltar giving the Royal Navy cause for alarm as they carried out preparations for combat. Russian missile cruiser Marshal Ustinov and anti-submarine destroyer Severomorsk passed through the Strait of Gibraltar en route to the Mediterranean Sea over the weekend. Both ships are heading to the eastern Mediterranean, where they will reinforce the Russian Navy’s operations supporting Syria president Bashar al-Assad in the civil war. The warships, belonging to Vladimir Putin's Northern Fleet, conducted “planned combat training” during the voyage, according Russia news agency TASS. "The group of warships comprising the missile cruiser Marshal Ustinov and the large anti-submarine warfare ship Severomorsk, performing long- distance voyage tasks, completed its passage through the narrowest part of the Strait of Gibraltar and entered the Mediterranean Sea on Saturday," Russia’s Northern Fleet said in a statement. Their passage by Gibraltar’s territorial waters comes just days after the Royal Navy intercepted the group of warships as they passed through the English Channel. Type 45 destroyer HMS Diamond sailed from Dover, Kent, to monitor the Severomorsk and Marshal Ustinov last Tuesday. When passing Gibraltar – a British overseas territory on Spain’s southern coast – the Russian ships sailed through “intensive shipping”. Crew on board the 611ft, 12,500-tonne Marshal Ustinov practised “air defence” with weapons to ensure “readiness to employ weapons and technical capabilities”. The Severomorsk, meanwhile, “practiced anti-submarine warfare tasks with the use of a Kamov Ka-27 helicopter”. Since leaving their main naval base of Severomorsk on July 5, the warships have covered more than 6,000 nautical miles on their long-distance Atlantic voyage. Source : Daily Star

U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF OPERATIONS (Aug. 10, 2018) Operations Specialist 2nd Class Alexandra Allen monitors air activity in the combat information center aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS Jason Dunham (DDG 109) during a general quarters drill. Jason Dunham is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of naval operations to ensure maritime stability and security in the Central region, connecting the Mediterranean and the Pacific through the western Indian Ocean and three strategic choke points. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jonathan Clay/Released)

BRAND NEW: Bon vent et bonne mer to our Tunisian friends: Marine Nationale Tunisienne’s third Damen OPV1400 class vessel Hannon P612 transits Mediterranean-bound Bosphorus en route to Bizerte. Damen Romania is building 1 more unit in Galati. made the purchase on Dutch credit. Photo : Yörük Işık via Twitter

Iran to Further Increase Missile Power "The Islamic Republic of Iran's missile power is a defensive deterrent power and as I had promised our dear people, I will not spare any efforts to increase the country's missile ca Capabilities, and said, "What is said about the Islamic Republic's defense and missile power is a cheap and baseless claim and clear meddling, and the great Iranian nation does not allow any foreign power to interfere in its defense and military affairs." General Hatami described Iran's missile and defense power as a deterrent, and said, "God willing, we will endeavor to strengthen this defense capability day by day." He also underlined Iran's determination to further enhance its defense power in all fields despite sanctions, pressures and psychological war by enemies. In relevant remarks in July, Foreign Ministry Spokesman Bahram Qassemi renewed Iran's stance on its missile program, and said that the country's defense activities are a redline while they pose no threat to other countries. "Iran has repeatedly announced that its missile activities are part of the Islamic Republic's deterrent policy and they have been pursued in line with the country's national interests and for the protection of its dignity and territory, as it is the case for any other independent country," Qassemi said. The Iranian foreign ministry spokesman underlined that Iran's missile activities are not against any country and they only have defensive nature. Source: http://en.farsnews.com

Fateh-110 The Fateh-110 is a short-range, road-mobile, solid-propellant ballistic missile. It is most likely a modified version of the unguided Zelzal-2, with the addition of control and guidance systems. While the program is based in Iran, the missile is believed to incorporate components from Chinese contractors. In 2006, the US Department of Treasury accused Great Wall Industry, a Chinese Corporation, and its partners of playing a lead role in the development of the Fateh missile system. In June 2017, Iran launched six Zolfaghar missiles, a longer-range variant of the Fateh, into Syria in response to attacks by Islamic State militants in Tehran. Fateh-110 at a Glance Originated from: Iran Possessed by: Iran Class: Short-Range Ballistic Missile (SRBM) Basing: Road-mobile Length: 8.86 m Diameter: 3,450 kg Payload: 500 kg Warhead: HE, chemical, submunitions Propulsion: Single-stage solid propellant Range: 200-300 km Status: Operational In service: 2004-present Iran began developing the Fateh-110 in 1995. The missile is 8.86 m long, 0.61 m in diameter, and weighs 3,450 kg. It uses a single- stage solid propellant engine and has a range of 210 km (130 miles), although it is possible that Iran will add extra boosters in order to increase its range to 400 km (249 miles). The missile might be as accurate as 100 m CEP using a combination of inertial guidance and a Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) system, though some sources suggest that the accuracy is much lower. Iranian sources claim that the weapon has a high degree of accuracy, a claim that would suggest in-flight control systems that are not apparent from photos of the missile. It can carry a payload of some 500 kg and is most likely intended to deliver a high explosive, chemical, or submunitions warhead. The missile is also assumed to be nuclear / WMD capable. The first test flight of the Fateh-110 took place in May 2001, with a second in September of 2002. A third test was recorded in February 2003. A fourth test was successfully completed during the second “Noble Prophet” military exercise in November 2006. The Iranian Revolutionary Guard successfully tested the Fateh in January of 2007 during an annual war game. A fifth successful test was completed in September 2007 alongside the Qadr-1 and the Shahab-3. Additionally, unconfirmed reports suggest that at least five more tests occurred between 2008 and 2012. During its tests, the Fateh A-110 was fired from a fixed launcher similar to the one used by the Russian S-75 Guideline surface-to-air missile. However, it is likely that Iran has also designed a launch vehicle to make Fateh-110 road mobile. The launch vehicles are probably converted Scud launchers, trucks, or Zelzal-2 launch vehicles. The missile entered low-rate production in October 2002 and initial operational achievement is believed have occurred in 2004. Syria is known to have been developing a similar short-range solid-propellant missile and to have exported a similar design to North Korea. Unconfirmed reports from 2008 suggest Hezbollah was supplied with Fateh A-110 rockets by Imad Mughniyeh, a recently deceased officer in the organization who reportedly received these weapons from Iran. It is possible that these were some of the Zelzal weapons destroyed in Lebanon by Israeli forces in 2007. Numbers and production information relating to the Fateh A-110 are currently uncertain, yet Iranian media sources claim that facilities have been created to mass produce the weapon. Fateh 110 Variants Iran has also developed two improved versions of the Fateh designated the A-110A (or Fateh 2) and the A-110B (or Fateh 3). A 2008 report suggested that Syria was building a surface-to-surface missile with Iranian assistance. This cooperative project is believed to be based upon the A-110B and have an operational range of at least 300 km. These are likely the Fateh-110 missiles that the Assad regime launched at opposition groups in the country in December 2012, prompting NATO to deploy Patriot batteries to Turkey. It is expected that the A-110B will have a slightly reduced payload of 480 kg and an accuracy of 250 m CEP. A fourth-generation Fateh- 110-D1 was unveiled in August 2012 and was said to have an improved guidance system but the same range as the previous 300 km version. Zolfaghar On September 25, 2016, Iranian Defense Minister Hossein Dehghan announced that Iran’s new Zolfaghar ballistic missile, a Fateh- 110 variant, has a potential range of 700 km. The newest member of the Fateh-110 family of solid-fueled short-range ballistic missiles, Iran claims that Zolfaghar is equipped with a a submunition warhead. The Iranian Ministry of Defense released a video allegedly showing the Zolfaghar being fired and successfully hitting a small target. The authenticity of the video has not been verified. Fateh-110 Anti-Ship Variants In 2014, the IRGC displayed two variants of the Fateh missile it called the Hormuz-1 and Hormuz-2. The Hormuz-1 is claimed to have anti-radiation capabilities for attacking radar systems, and in 2014, Iranian television broadcast images of commanders watching an attack on a target with radar antennae. The original claim was that Hormuz-2 was an anti-ship variant, but images of the missile suggested it had a similar radio frequency-transparent radome and not a window for an electro-optical infrared seeker, suggesting it is essentially the same as the Hormuz-1. Another anti-ship variant of the Fateh is the Khalij Fars, which does have the electro-optical seeker required to improve accuracy enough to potentially hit a moving target. Tehran claims that early version Khalij Fars entered service in 2008, but was not officially delivered to the Iranian military until a ceremony in March 2014. This ceremony featured Fateh missiles painted blue to suggest an anti-ship variant, but Iran put caps on the noses of the missile preventing verification of the EO/IR seekers. The Department of Defense did assess in the unclassified version of its 2014 report on the military power of Iran that it does possess an anti-ship ballistic missile capability. Source: https://missilethreat.csis.org

Alion submits final proposal for RCN’s Canadian Surface Combatant Alion Science and Technology’s wholly owned subsidiary Alion Canada has submitted the final proposal for the Canadian Surface Combatant programme. The company has submitted its final bid and compliance forms to the Government of Canada for the Royal Canadian Navy vessels, thereby marking a major milestone in the procurement of the surface combatant. Alion Science and Technology chief operating officer Bruce Samuelsen said: “We provide a world-class combatant that is a proven, affordable, off-the- shelf solution. “Our offering is focused on the Royal Canadian Navy’s stated requirements and will generate jobs and innovation across Canada.” Samuelsen further said that the company is ready to work in collaboration with Irving Shipbuilding and the government to begin the production of the Canadian Surface Combatants and enable the vessels to set sail in the water as soon as possible. “Our offering is focused on the Royal Canadian Navy’s stated requirements and will generate jobs and innovation across Canada.” Canada selected a military-off-the-shelf (MOTS) procurement model to reduce costs, enhance delivery schedules and meet performance requirements Alion Canada’s ship design is based on the De Zeven Provinciën-class frigate, a Nato vessel developed and constructed by Damen Schelde Naval Shipbuilding. The combat system solution provided by the company for the Canadian Surface Combatant is based on the upgraded capabilities provided by Atlas Elektronik and Hensoldt Sensors. The Canadian Navy vessel has been designed to carry out a wide range of tasks, which include decisive combat power at sea and support during land operations; counter-piracy, counter-terrorism, interdiction and embargo operations for medium intensity operations; and the delivery of humanitarian aid, search-and-rescue, law and sovereignty enforcement for regional engagements. The construction of the first Canadian Surface Combatant vessel is expected to commence in the early 2020s. Last December, Alion submitted a proposal for the Canadian Surface Combatant programme. Source: naval-technology.com

China flexes its military might with series of naval exercises in local waters Warships were put through paces in the Yellow, East and, most likely, South China seas, official reports say The latest show of force by the PLA’s growing fleet was in line with Beijing’s drive to put its troops through ever more complex and realistic training situations, they said. On Monday, the Southern Theatre Command said on social media that a frigate fleet had recently performed various drills, including live-fire exercises and simulated anti-submarine attacks. The command, which is one of five such units established by President Xi Jinping to represent China’s five strategic locations, did not disclose the locations of the exercises, but its area of responsibility encompasses the disputed South China Sea. On Saturday, Xinhua reported that more than 10 warships from three theatre commands took part in a large-scale air and missile defence exercise in the East China Sea. Two corvettes – the Meizhou and the Tongren – fired anti-air attack missiles to intercept simulated “enemy” targets, while the guided missile frigate Jingzhou served as the command ship from which military researchers and officials gathered data The East China Sea laps the northern shores of Taiwan, but the report did not give the exact location of the exercise The third of the drills took place in the Yellow Sea from Friday to Monday, according to China’s Maritime Safety Administration. Apart from stating its general location, the agency released no details about the drill, but described it as “important”. Observers speculated that the exercise might have involved China’s first domestically developed aircraft carrier – the Type 001A – because of the drill’s proximity to its home port of Qingdao in eastern China’s Shandong province. All the exercises came as Beijing remains locked in a trade war with Washington and a turbulent relationship with Taiwan, whose president, Tsai Ing-wen, on Sunday embarked on a nine-day trip to Paraguay and Belize, two of just 18 nations that still maintain diplomatic ties with the self-ruled island. Military experts said that the PLA drills were intended as a show of strength to both the United States and pro-independence forces in Taiwan, which Beijing regards as a breakaway province. “The anti-air and anti-missile exercises in the East China Sea are intended to ensure a safe environment for China’s aircraft carriers, which means an aircraft combat group is preparing to go further out to sea,” military observer Song Zhongping said. “It sends a very clear signal to Taiwan’s independence forces and deters any intervention into Taiwan affairs by the US or Japan,” he said. The Chinese tabloid newspaper Global Times, which is owned by the Communist Party mouthpiece People’s Daily, said in an article last month that in the event of armed conflict between Beijing and Taipei, the East China Sea would be one of the main battlegrounds. Military commentator Li Jie concurred, saying that Beijing would not sit idly if it felt it was being provoked in the western Pacific “Although Sino-Japanese relations have warmed recently, China is still very suspicious of Japan's military development and needs to prepare,” he said. Japan’s defence ministry is reported to have requested US$160 million to pay for new long-range missiles in response to the growing military threat in East Asia Zhou Chenming, a military expert based in Beijing, said the three drills were meant to test the capabilities of China’s navy after a sweeping programme of military restructuring and modernisation. “Through the drills that replicate war scenarios, military authorities can better understand whether the navy needs more equipment, and also test the compatibility of its old and new weapons,” he said. “Most importantly, it can see whether the [navy’s] combat capability has been strengthened or not.” Source : south China morning post Navy fast transport vessel completes acceptance trials at Austal By : Ken Hocke Austal USA successfully completed acceptance trials in early August on the 338’x93’6″ Burlington, an expeditionary fast transport (EPF 10) vessel in the Gulf of Mexico. Burlington is slated for delivery to the Navy in the fall and is the 10th ship in Austal’s 12-ship portfolio valued at over $1.9 billion. Austal’s EPF program has delivered nine ships with three more under construction at the shipyard’s Mobile, Ala., facility. The 338′ Spearhead-class EPF is designed to provide high-speed, high-payload transport capability to fleet and combatant commanders. The EPF’s large, open mission deck and large habitability spaces provide the opportunity to conduct a wide range of missions from engagement and humanitarian assistance or disaster relief missions. With a draft of 13′, the EPF has the ability to access austere and degraded ports with minimal external assistance. The EPF is designed to transport 600 short tons of military cargo 1,200 nautical miles at an average speed of 35 knots in Sea State 3. The ships are capable of operating in shallow-draft ports and waterways, interfacing with roll-on/roll-off discharge facilities and on/off-loading a combat-loaded Abrams main battle tank (M1A2). The EPF includes a flight deck for helicopter operations and an off-load ramp that allow vehicles to quickly drive off the ship. The ramp is suitable for the types of austere piers and quay walls common in developing countries. The ship’s shallow draft further enhances littoral operations and port access. This makes the EPF an extremely flexible asset for support of a wide range of operations including maneuver and sustainment, relief operations in small or damaged ports, flexible logistics support or as the key enabler for rapid transport. In addition to the EPF program, Austal has also received contracts for 15 Independence-variant littoral combat ships (LCS) for the Navy with a combined value of over $4 billion. Eight LCSes have been delivered while an additional six are in various stages of construction. “Another trial completed for the incredibly successful EPF program,” Austal USA President Craig Perciavalle said in a statement announcing the completed acceptance trials. “I am so proud of our dedicated workforce and how they keep achieving these milestones staying on schedule and budget.” Burlington has a crew of 26 civilian mariners (CIVMARS) with airline style seating for 312 embarked troops and fixed berthing for an additional 104. Military Sealift Command (MSC) operates and sustains the EPFs, which are allocated via the Global Force Management (GFM) for Theater Security Cooperation (TSC), service unique missions, intra-theater sealift and special missions. “We are so excited to hear about the great things these ships are doing around the world,” Perciavalle said. “From rescuing refugees in the Mediterranean, to conducting mine countermeasure exercises in the harsh conditions of the North Atlantic, the EPF fleet is proving to be a great asset to our future 355-ship Navy.” Source: Workboat

Halifax Shipyard seeks confirmation from Federal Government w.r.t the National Shipbuilding Strategy The following is a statement from Irving Shipbuilding seeking confirmation from the Federal Government regarding the National Shipbuilding Strategy: On Friday, August 10th, Steven MacKinnon, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Public Service and Procurement Canada and Member of Parliament (Gatineau, Quebec) stated that Davie Shipyard in Levis, Quebec will have opportunities to bid and win work under the National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSS). Mr. MacKinnon also described Davie as a solid partner in the NSS, effectively equating Davie to Irving Shipbuilding and Vancouver Shipyards which were both selected in a national competition in 2011 for the exclusive right to build Canada’s future Coast Guard ships and future Navy combatants and auxiliary ships. In developing the framework for the NSS, Canada acknowledged that there was not enough future large ship construction required for the Navy and Coast Guard to sustain more than two shipyards and their skilled workforce. It was through a fully transparent and competitive process that Irving Shipbuilding and Vancouver Shipyards were selected as Centers of Excellence to build Canada’s future fleets. Davie Shipyard lost the competition in 2011. The men and women of the Halifax Shipyard are concerned that these remarks signal the possible redirection of shipbuilding work out of Atlantic Canada. These are well-paying, good jobs, won fairly through a competitive process. We call upon the Federal Government to confirm to Irving Shipbuilding, our shipbuilders and their families, the Province of Nova Scotia, and all Atlantic Canadians that the National Shipbuilding Strategy remains intact and, therefore, construction of the ships for Canada’s Navy and Coast Guard will be done exclusively by Irving Shipbuilding and Vancouver Shipyards. While we have no interest in getting into a public squabble with our valued government customer, this issue is too important to the long term strategic success of our shipyard and the economic wellbeing of our shipbuilders, and all Atlantic Canadians, to leave ambiguous and unsettled. Irving Shipbuilding Inc., Canada’s National Shipbuilder, is the most modern shipbuilder and in-service ship support provider in North America. Headquartered in Halifax, Nova Scotia, our skilled team and innovative facilities provide efficient building, fabrication, conversion and servicing of vessels and offshore platforms. As Canada’s chosen shipbuilder, Irving Shipbuilding Inc. is working with the Royal Canadian Navy on the next class of Canadian Surface Combatant (CSC) and Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ship (AOPS) vessels under the National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSS). We are proud to continue our long history as a trusted partner in Canadian shipbuilding. Irving Shipbuilding Inc. is a member of the J.D. Irving, Limited group of companies, a diverse family owned company with operations in Canada and the United States. Source: Maasmond Maritime

IAI to deliver Barak-8 missile system for Israeli Navy Sa’ar-6 corvettes

Photo: IAI

Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) announced it has received a contract to deliver its Barak-8 missile system for Israel Navy’s Sa’ar-6 corvettes. The contract was led by the navy, Directorate of Defense Research and Development (DDR&D) and the procurement administration in Israel’s defense ministry. IAI will be responsible for delivering the Barak-8 air and missile defense system which was chosen after it was demonstrated to meet the operational requirements and future challenges faced by the Navy. em is used by the Israeli navy as well as by the Indian navy and air forces. It provides broad aerial and point defense against a wide range of threats to the marine arena from the air, the sea or the land. The system integrates digital radar, command and control, launchers, interceptors with modern RF seekers, data link and system-wide connectivity, according to IAI. “The new deal adds to several Barak-8 contracts entered over the past few years with total value of more than $5 billion, which is another feather in the system’s glorious cap,” Joseph Weiss, IAI CEO & president, said. In addition to the Barak 8, Israel’s new Sa’ar-6 corvettes will be equipped with the Naval Iron Dome, electronic warfare systems, cyber defense systems and means of detection and surveillance. Construction on the new class of ships started in February this year at the Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems shipyard in Kiel, Germany. The first ship is set for delivery in 2019 while all four ships are expected to be delivered by 2021. Earlier this month, another Israeli defense contractor – Elbit Systems – announced it had received an approximately $85 million contract from the Israeli Ministry of Defense (IMOD) to supply Electronic Warfare (EW) suites for the corvettes. Source: https://navaltoday.com

The beautiful Bark Europa, PDZS, in drydock at Wed. K. Brouwer Scheepswerf B.V. She will undergo a three week maintenance and refit period before heading back south to Antarctica again. As Special Purpose training vessel, she takes Trainees of all ages onboard. After drydock, she will visit her home port Scheveningen, then she sails via Portugal, Canaries and Cape Verdes to Montevideo. Photo : Stephan Kramer Rood boven Groen ©

Italy confirms patrol boat donation to Libya Written by defenceWeb, Wednesday, 15 August 2018 Italy’s parliament has approved the donation of 12 patrol vessels to Libya to enhance its Coast Guard in dealing with the migrant crisis. The donation includes ten refurbished ex-Italian Coast Guard (Guardia Costiera) 500- class patrol boats and two Corrubia-class patrol boats decommissioned from the Italian Customs Police (Guardia di Finanza) fleet. The vessels will be operated by the Libyan Coast Guard and the Ministry of Interior. Approval was given on 6 August by the lower house of parliament, with 382 lawmakers voting for and 11 against the move. The boats will help Libya stem the flow of illegal immigrants to Europe. The donation will also enable Libyan forces to secure their own coastline without the help of EU naval forces. The Italian government will also take responsibility for the maintenance of the 12 boats until the end of the year and offer training to the Libyan coastguard and naval authorities, IANS/AKI reported. Another 17 boats will follow. Italian transport minister Danilo Toninelli said the aid package is worth 2.5 million euros and includes the 12 boats and funds for the training of Libyan sailors. Italy already operates the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre in the Libyan capital Tripoli. Run jointly with Libyan forces, the centre is used to coordinate the identification, location and interception of human smuggling boats. It also provides basic maintenance services for patrol boats in addition to supporting search and rescue operations at sea. The Libyan Coast Guard service earlier said it cannot stop the flow of illegal immigrants through the Mediterranean to Europe because it has only three operational patrol boats, which are often forced to stay at port due to lack of fuel. More than 640,000 migrants have landed on Italian shores since 2014. Although the numbers have fallen dramatically in the past year, Italy’s interior minister and leader of the far-right League party Matteo Salvini has pushed migration to the top of the political agenda, helping propel his party into government. This year the Libyan Coast Guard has returned nearly 13 000 migrants at sea to Libya, according to the International Organisation for Migration. Source: http://www.defenceweb.co.za

Should the U.S. Arm Ukraine with Anti-Ship Missiles? August 15, 2018 Guest Author By Mykola Bielieskov

Day of the Ukranian Navy Ceremony, July 2016. (Ministry of Defence of Ukraine)

When it comes to U.S. military-technical assistance for Ukraine in the context of Russian aggression, sharing the Javelin anti-tank guided missile with the Ukrainian Ground Forces is what is typically mentioned. And at the beginning of March 2018 the U.S. State Department gave its approval for the provision of this kind of weaponry to Kyiv. There is nothing surprising in this, since the land forces of Ukraine bear the main burden of confronting and deterring further Russian aggression. However, today it is nece A Navy Adrift The situation in the Ukrainian Navy is close to a catastrophic one. The Russian Federation’s occupation of the Crimea in 2014 especially negatively affected the fighting capabilities of the Ukrainian Navy as nearly 80 percent of the fleet was lost due to capture and defection. In fact, four corvettes (Lutsk, Khmelnitsky, Ternopil, Prydniprov’ia), two minesweepers (Chernigiv, Cherkasy), the large landing ship Konstantin Olshansky, and the submarine Zaporozhye were captured by Russian forces. In addition, Russian occupants captured and never returned up to 15 auxiliary vessels. The urgent need for platforms in the Ukrainian Navy could be solved by Western country transfers to Kyiv of older ships, which are decommissioned or near retirement. Actually, from time-to-time this idea is voiced by certain American experts. The U.S. government, among other things, is ready to provide the Ukrainian Navy with two coastal guards ships of the Island class. They, in contrast to Ukrainian artillery boats of the Gyurza-M class, have better seaworthiness and greater autonomy. However, the simple transfer of platforms can only partly solve the problems the Ukrainian Navy faces today. Getting Western ships can solve the problem with minesweepers or auxiliary vessels. However, the main question remains unaddressed: how could the Ukrainian Navy counter attempts by the Russian Federation to use its domination of the Black Sea for further aggression? As the result of Russian aggression Ukraine lost in Crimea ground-based anti-ship platforms, which were armed with Termit anti-ship cruise missiles. Similarly, after the Crimea occupation, the missile boat Pryluky was returned to Ukrainian authorities but lacked its two Termit anti-ship missiles. Today the Ukrainian Navy is not able to properly counteract possible attempts by the Russian Black Sea Fleet to carry out an amphibious landing operation. In this contest it is necessary to recall that in 2014-2015 the Security Service of Ukraine exposed and broke down covert attempts to create the so-called secessionist Bessarabian People’s Republic. This fictional republic was going to be based on territories of a southern part of the Odessa oblast. In the event of the establishment of this illicit territory, the Russian Black Sea Fleet would have had the opportunity to freely land the necessary troops and to maintain sea lines of communication with a new pseudo-state bordering western Ukraine along with occupied Crimea. Ukraine in this case could not have prevented such contingencies, since the Navy does not have the necessary anti-ship capabilities to destroy combat and landing enemy vessels. Although Ukraine is developing its own anti-ship cruise missile Neptune, the first public test of which took place in late January 2018, the system is still nascent. The relevant sea- based risks and threats for Ukraine still exist. In addition, the question is how many Neptune missiles Ukraine will be able to purchase annually for their Navy, given that the entire budget for modernization and procurement of equipment is only $600 million this fiscal year. As a result, it is urgently necessary to start a dialogue on the possibility of transfer to Ukraine of American Harpoon anti-ship missiles with the necessary equipment for guidance and data exchange systems. The U.S. military budget for 2018 FY provides for the allocation of up to $200 million to enhance Ukraine’s defense capabilities, including the possibility of using these funds for purchase of coastal defense radars, minelayers, minesweepers, and littoral ships. This document captures a change in the paradigm of thinking and awareness in the Pentagon of Ukraine’s vulnerability to threats from the sea. However, as has been said above, only vessels or even radar systems will not be enough to remedy the shortfall. The U.S. Navy is currently developing new generations of anti-ship missiles (LRASM, Tomahawk, and SM-6 anti-ship variants) that have much longer range than the current Harpoon anti-ship missile. However, in the context of a closed sea like the Black Sea, it will be enough for Ukrainian Navy to deploy the latest modification of the Harpoon missile – the Block II ER+. The radius of this modification is up to 134 nautical miles or 250 km. It is notable that the Ukrainian anti-ship missile “Neptune” will have a similar range. It is also indicative that Finland is considering the Harpoon Block II ER + as the main weapon for the future four frigates of the 2020 project, which will operate in the similarly constrained Baltic Sea. The transfer to Ukraine of Harpoon Block II ER+ anti-ship cruise missiles and related equipment, together with their installation on future fleet and land-based anti-ship platforms, will not only eliminate significant gaps in the country’s defense capabilities. It will also help secure the safety of maritime trade, on which the economy of Ukraine depends critically. This decision will allow the United States to solve several important security issues in the Black Sea region at once. All this happens when the U.S. Navy has the smallest number of ships in almost a century (283 ships), and it faces the need for a permanent presence in numerous parts across the world’s oceans, including the Black Sea Basin. Strengthening the capabilities of the Ukrainian Navy will reduce the need for such presence. In addition, strengthening the anti-ship component of the Ukrainian armed forces will make its Navy a truly important component in any joint NATO Black Sea Fleet, an idea which has been discussed for several years. Today, the Ukrainian Navy cannot actually be an effective contributor to the joint efforts of the littoral states to contain the Russian Federation in the Black Sea basin. Ultimately, the presence of Harpoon Block II ER+ missiles together with the necessary radars and information exchange systems with other NATO countries will enable, in practice, to enhance the interoperability of the Ukrainian armed forces with NATO partners. In this way, it will contribute to the Euro-Atlantic integration of Ukraine and the fulfillment of the tasks of the Strategic Defense Bulletin. Conclusion Ukraine today, given the need of countering threats from the sea, is in a situation where the need for U.S. anti-ship missiles is much more important than obtaining Javelin ATGMs. The U.S. Defense Department’s budget for 2018 FY records the understanding that Washington should help Ukraine counteract not only land-based but also maritime threats that are actually much sharper, given the current state of the Ukrainian Navy. However, only the acquisition of appropriate anti-ship missiles such as the Harpoon Block II ER+ will enable the Ukrainian Navy to effectively counter the growing capabilities of the Russian Federation in the Black Sea. Such a bold decision will strengthen security in this part of the world, reduce the need for the United States to be constantly present, and make Ukraine a true contributor to Black Sea security. Mykola Bielieskov is the Deputy Executive Director at the Institute of World Policy. Source: http://cimsec.org Ocean Economies Southern Africa Conference Hosted by the Intelligence Transfer Centre on 21 & 22 August August 14th, 2018 The Intelligence Transfer Centre will be hosting the Annual Oceans Economies Southern Africa Conference on 21 & 22 August 2018, Durban Country Club. This conference seeks to outline projects aimed at unlocking the potential of the oceans. A key player in oceans economy, the Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA), owns, operates and controls SA’s eight commercial ports. TNPA representative Mr. Ricky Bhikraj, Executive Manager: Research and Operations, will be speaking on the refurbishments projects taking place in our ports and job creation. Responsible for managing freight transport on seven of the commercial ports on behalf of the state, Transnet Port Terminals handles commercial services of sea-route freight across imports, exports and cargo in containers. Chief Executive, Ms. Nosipho Sithole will be focusing on the promotion of women in the ocean sector, addressing challenges faced by women in the maritime space whilst highlighting the sterling work being done by women who have successfully made their mark in the marine field. Operation Phakisa was adopted to contribute towards national priority sectors and to speed up service delivery. Mr. Humbulani Mudau, Chief Director: Space Science & Technology, Department of Science & Technology will unpack the DST’s role in collaborative strategies to achieve economic transformation and the roles played by different agencies involved in Operation Phakisa. The South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) played an important role is setting up Operation Phakisa. Chief Operations Officer Mr. Sobantu Tilayi will highlight the importance of safeguarding and protecting our oceans in the quest towards blue economies. Mr. Tilayi will also outline SAMSA’s role in the promotion of the country’s maritime interests and ensuring safety of personnel and property at oceans. The establishment of Industrial Development Zones were aimed at growing economies of identified towns in different provinces. Ms. Trudie Nichols, Partner at Bowman Gilfillan will speak on the progress special economic zones have made in realising industrialisation, regional development and employment creation. At the core of ocean economies implementation, lies the financial element that enables the realisation of the growth of industries such as marine, transport, fishing, tourism, oil and renewable energy. Acting Chief Executive of Trade & Investment Kwazulu-Natal Mr. Neville Matjie’s talk will focus on financial investments and opportunities emerging from Africa’s aquatic through Public Private Partnerships (PPP). Another financial element of oceans will be explored by Mr. Pat Moodley, Regional Manager: KZN Regional Office of the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), who will deliver an IDC perspective on the role they play in financing port activities. Conservation Strategist, Judy Mann-Lang of the South African Association for Marine Biological Research will touch on the importance of healthy oceans as a foundation for success for blue economies. For a vibrant ocean economy, healthy oceans are required. CEO of Southern African Shipyards, Mr. Prasheen Maharaj will present on a co-operative and collaborative approach in shipbuilding and creating a collaborative economy for shared economic prosperity. He will also link shipyards roles as primary systems integrators. Putting in place sustainable development goals for increased ocean activities is quite paramount in progressing through the stages of Operation Phakisa. Director of Maritime Services for the Kwazulu-Natal Department of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism, Ms. Tantaswa Cici will talk on the exploration of available opportunities and how to capitalise on them. Boosting the tourism sector can be achieved through capitalising on popular tourist attraction activities that coastlines offer. Ms Nomalanga Sokhela, Programme Manager: Maritime Industry Development Programme of Ethekwini Municipality will offer City of Durban’s Cruise Tourism Industry Support perspective by outlining strategic partnerships. Mr. Peter Myles, Chairperson of the Nelson Mandela Bay Maritime Cluster, will be touching on maritime clusters as think tanks for uplifting ocean economies. The development of an integrated approach to managing coastal and marine space and viewing skies and seas as the key to unlocking Africa. Source: http://www.bbqonline.co.za

Maritime authority investigates loss of 13 cargo containers off Durban coast 14.8.2018 11:38 am

Picture: ANA

The owners of the vessels confirmed that none of the containers had dangerous cargo or marine pollutants. The South African Maritime Safety Authority (Samsa) has launched an investigation into the loss of more than a dozen cargo containers that reportedly fell off a container ship some 22 nautical miles off the coast of Durban a week ago. Samsa on Monday issued an urgent alert warning to vessels sailing on the Indian Ocean east of South Africa to be on the lookout for cargo containers at sea. Authorities said 13 containers were reportedly lost overboard by the MSC Chloe at about 11.30 pm last Tuesday night while it was sailing the Indian Ocean between Port Elizabeth and Durban in 550 metres of water depth. “The vessel was on a voyage from Coega [Ngqurha port in Port Elizabeth] to Durban. Reportedly the vessel was drifting and awaiting berthing instructions when a huge swell struck and caused the vessel to roll about +/- 30 degrees on either side, thereby leading to the containers falling off their stacked position,” Samsa said in a statement. Samsa said the vessel’s owners, MSC, had confirmed the contents of the containers as general cargo ranging from cardboard boxes, plastic bottles, machinery shafts and agricultural supplies, and that none had any dangerous cargo or marine pollutants. Source: https://citizen.co.za/net Workhorses of the sea