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U.S. Coast Guard Authenticates Keel for New Offshore Patrol Cutter

U.S. Coast Guard Authenticates Keel for New Offshore Patrol Cutter

The U.S. Coast Guard has authenticated the keel for the future Coast Guard Cutter Pickering during a ceremony in Mobile, Alabama. This traditional shipbuilding event marks the formal start of the vessel's construction. The ceremony was attended by Adm. Kevin Lunday, acting commandant of the Coast Guard, and Rep. Mike Ezell, among others. The cutter is named after a revenue cutter built in 1798, honoring Timothy Pickering, a historical figure who served in various governmental roles. The new vessel will be the third Coast Guard ship to carry the Pickering name. The acquisition of this cutter is part of a broader program to enhance the Coast Guard's capabilities in securing U.S. maritime borders and facilitating commerce.
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U.S. Coast Guard Seeks Charter for Command Control Vessel to Enhance Mission Support

U.S. Coast Guard Seeks Charter for Command Control Vessel to Enhance Mission Support

The U.S. Coast Guard is seeking proposals for a five-year charter of a commercial vessel to serve as a mobile command center. This initiative aims to provide command, control, and logistics support for Coast Guard missions globally. The vessel, which will be privately operated, is expected to be fully crewed and furnished, with capabilities including berthing for 12 coastguardsmen, Starlink-brand internet, and lockable operational spaces. The Coast Guard is looking for a vessel with open deck space for four 20-foot containers, 4,000 gallons of freshwater capacity per day, and strict port security measures. The solicitation does not mandate U.S. construction or crewing, but the vessel will be repainted as a U.S. Coast Guard ship for sovereign missions, potentially requiring U.S.-flag status. The charter value is estimated at up to $99 million over five years, excluding fuel costs.
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Australia Conducts First Live-Fire Trials with New Self-Propelled Howitzers

Australia Conducts First Live-Fire Trials with New Self-Propelled Howitzers

The Australian Defence Force has successfully conducted live-fire trials of its new 155 mm AS9 Huntsman self-propelled artillery system, marking a significant milestone in the development of the Army's combat capability. Produced by Hanwha Defense Australia, the AS9 Huntsman is part of a contract that includes 30 self-propelled howitzers and 15 AS10 ammunition resupply vehicles. The acquisition program, which began in 2005, was revived in 2019, and the contract was signed in 2021. The trials represent the first introduction of a self-propelled artillery system into Australia's armed forces in several decades.
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Croatian Ministry of Defense Orders German Leopard Tanks with EU Loans

Croatian Ministry of Defense Orders German Leopard Tanks with EU Loans

The Croatian Ministry of Defense has signed a contract to purchase 44 Leopard 2A8 tanks from Germany, valued at approximately €1.5 billion ($1.8 billion). The agreement was finalized by Croatian Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Ivan Anušić, alongside German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković, during an official visit to Berlin. This acquisition is part of the European Union's Security Action For Europe (SAFE) scheme, which provides low-cost loans to member states for defense acquisitions. The EU has allocated a debt fund of €150 billion to address critical capability gaps in military equipment among its members. Croatia plans to transition from Eastern to Western military technology, strengthening its defense partnership with Germany. The Leopard tanks are expected to be delivered to the Croatian land forces between 2028 and 2030.
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Australia Conducts First Live-Fire with New AS9 Huntsman Howitzers, Enhancing Military Capability

Australia Conducts First Live-Fire with New AS9 Huntsman Howitzers, Enhancing Military Capability

The Australian Defence Force has successfully conducted live-fire trials of its new 155 mm AS9 Huntsman self-propelled artillery system. This marks a significant milestone for the Australian military, as it is the first time in decades that a self-propelled artillery system has been introduced into service. The AS9 Huntsman, produced by Hanwha Defense Australia, is part of a larger acquisition program that began in 2005. Initially, the South Korean K9 Thunder was selected in 2010, but the program was halted in 2012 due to budget reallocations for flood recovery. The program was revived in 2019, leading to a formal tender in 2020 and a contract signing in 2021. The contract, valued at USD 890 million, includes 30 AS9 Huntsman howitzers and 15 AS10 ammunition resupply vehicles. The systems are expected to be fully integrated into the Australian Army's 3rd Brigade over the next two years.
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Austal USA Commences Keel-Laying for First Offshore Patrol Cutter for U.S. Coast Guard

Austal USA Commences Keel-Laying for First Offshore Patrol Cutter for U.S. Coast Guard

Austal USA has initiated the keel-laying process for the USCGC Pickering, marking the first vessel under its Offshore Patrol Cutter (OPC) contract with the U.S. Coast Guard. This event signifies a major milestone in the program aimed at replacing the aging medium-endurance cutters. The contract allows for the construction of up to 11 vessels, with options for six hulls already executed. The USCGC Pickering is named after Colonel Timothy Pickering, a historical figure who served as Secretary of State under President George Washington. The keel authentication ceremony was attended by Coast Guard acting commandant Adm. Kevin Lunday, Rep. Mike Ezell, and other local leaders. Austal USA President Michelle Kruger highlighted the achievement as a testament to the dedication of their workforce and the strength of their collaboration with the Coast Guard and suppliers.
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Castelion, Integer, and Trusted Space Secure Major Investments to Advance Defense Technologies

Castelion, Integer, and Trusted Space Secure Major Investments to Advance Defense Technologies

Castelion, Integer, and Trusted Space Secure Major Investments to Advance Defense Technologies
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Saronic Secures $392M Contract for Unmanned Vessels from U.S. Navy

Saronic Secures $392M Contract for Unmanned Vessels from U.S. Navy

Saronic Secures $392M Contract for Unmanned Vessels from U.S. Navy
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Babcock Unveils ARMOR Force to Enhance Royal Navy's Autonomous Capabilities

Babcock Unveils ARMOR Force to Enhance Royal Navy's Autonomous Capabilities

Babcock International Group has announced the ARMOR Force, a new initiative aimed at supporting the UK Royal Navy's autonomous ambitions. This system, known as the Autonomous and Remote Maritime Operational Response Force, is designed to integrate autonomous and crewed systems, enhancing the Royal Navy's operational capabilities. The ARMOR Force will include a network of large autonomous uncrewed vessels and systems, connected through advanced digital capabilities. Babcock is collaborating with HII and Arondite to develop this technology, which is expected to be deployable by the end of 2026. The initiative is part of the Royal Navy's strategy to maintain its position at the forefront of global maritime security.
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Viceroy WIG Prototype Demonstrates Medevac Capabilities for Marine Corps

Viceroy WIG Prototype Demonstrates Medevac Capabilities for Marine Corps

REGENT Craft has successfully demonstrated the medevac and casevac capabilities of its Viceroy Seaglider wing-in-ground-effect (WIG) aircraft for the U.S. Marine Corps. The demonstration, part of a $15 million contract with the Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory, showcased the seaglider's ability to perform rescue missions by flying to a scene, landing on water, and boarding survivors. The Viceroy's spacious interior can accommodate medical equipment and personnel, making it suitable for medevac missions. This was the first mission demonstration for the Viceroy prototype, focusing on basic maneuvers and rescue operations.
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Counter UAS Technology Europe 2026 Brochure Released, Highlights NATO Defense Priorities

Counter UAS Technology Europe 2026 Brochure Released, Highlights NATO Defense Priorities

The official brochure for Counter UAS Technology Europe 2026 has been launched, detailing the upcoming event scheduled for April 2026 in London. The conference will focus on advancing counter-drone capabilities among NATO allies and global partners. General Sir Roly Walker, Chief of the General Staff, will deliver the opening keynote address, emphasizing the strategic importance of counter-UAS development. The event will feature discussions on operational priorities, rapid procurement, and lessons learned from recent conflicts, including those in Ukraine.
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Germany Approves Procurement of G95 Rifles and Military Equipment

Germany Approves Procurement of G95 Rifles and Military Equipment

The German Bundestag's budget committee has approved the procurement of additional Sturmgewehr G95 assault rifles, intercom sets, and Wolf all-terrain vehicles for the German Army. The G95, a version of the Heckler & Koch HK416A8, will replace the G36 assault rifle. The procurement includes nearly 120,000 G95s, with the first unit, Panzergrenadierbataillon 122, already equipped. Additional intercom sets and Wolf vehicles will be delivered by 2026, enhancing communication and mobility for the German military.