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U.S. Virginia-Class Submarine Colorado to Lead New Rotational Force in Australia Under AUKUS Agreement

U.S. Virginia-Class Submarine Colorado to Lead New Rotational Force in Australia Under AUKUS Agreement

The U.S. Virginia-class submarine Colorado is slated to become the inaugural submarine assigned to Submarine Rotational Force-West (SRF-West), commencing late next year. This initiative is a key component of the trilateral AUKUS agreement, established in 2021 between the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia. Rear Adm. Chris Cavanaugh, commander of Submarine Forces for the U.S. Pacific Fleet, stated that the AUKUS agreement is on schedule and, in some aspects, even ahead of schedule. The USS Colorado recently completed a month-long maintenance period in Australia and will return next year to establish SRF-West at the Royal Australian Navy base HMAS Stirling. The reactivation of Submarine Squadron 3 in the spring is also in support of standing up SRF-West, which aims to provide a rotational presence of nuclear-powered fast-attack submarines from the U.S. (up to four) and the UK (one) at HMAS Stirling. This development is part of Pillar I of the AUKUS deal, which focuses on providing Australia wit...

North Korea Tests New High-Speed Torpedo, Expands Naval Capabilities

North Korea Tests New High-Speed Torpedo, Expands Naval Capabilities

North Korea has conducted a test of a new high-speed torpedo in the East Sea, confirming its combat effectiveness ahead of a planned deployment in early 2027. The test, which took place on November 9, was a joint effort by the Academy of Defence Sciences, the Missile Administration, and the Office of Torpedo Weapons Research. This development signifies Pyongyang's ongoing efforts to enhance its naval strike capabilities and introduce advanced underwater weapons systems. While specific technical details of the torpedo were not released, this test follows earlier reports in October of underwater trials involving another high-speed, precision-guided system that reportedly utilized artificial intelligence. It remains unclear if these announcements refer to the same weapon or distinct developments. These torpedo trials are part of a broader strategy to strengthen North Korea's naval power, which also includes the launch of strategic cruise missiles from a submarine platform and the commissioning of new destroye...

North Korea's Kim Jong-un Inspects Naval Base Construction, Emphasizing National Security

North Korea's Kim Jong-un Inspects Naval Base Construction, Emphasizing National Security

General Secretary Kim Jong-un recently inspected the construction of a significant naval base on North Korea's east coast, a project he described as crucial for national security and maritime sovereignty. This inspection follows a visit to the Nampo Shipyard on November 2, where photos revealed a hull believed to be a 10,000-ton cruiser that North Korea had previously announced plans to build. Additionally, on November 9, institutions including the Academy of National Defense Science conducted tests on a new torpedo weapon, slated for naval deployment in early 2027. These developments indicate a strategic shift towards enhancing naval power, following years of focus on developing missile capabilities for nuclear warheads. The specific location of the naval base was not disclosed, but it is likely the same site, Dapchon Port in Munchon, Gangwon Province, that Kim Jong-un inspected two years prior when he ordered its construction.

Australia Advances $8 Billion Naval Base Upgrade to Host U.S. and UK Nuclear Submarines

Australia Advances $8 Billion Naval Base Upgrade to Host U.S. and UK Nuclear Submarines

Australia is proceeding with an A$8 billion (approximately US$5.2 billion) upgrade of its HMAS Stirling naval base. This significant investment is aimed at accommodating rotating U.S. and British nuclear-powered submarines starting in late 2027. Defence Minister Richard Marles announced an additional A$88 million investment in Australia's submarine workforce, coinciding with the unveiling of the 2026 Nuclear-Powered Submarine Workforce Strategy. The upgrades to HMAS Stirling, located near Perth, are part of the AUKUS security partnership between Australia, the United States, and the United Kingdom. These enhancements include new submarine berths at Diamantina Pier, improved shore power infrastructure, emergency management facilities, and a new submarine training center. The training facility, expected to be completed by early 2027, will feature 16 Virginia-class submarine simulators. The USS Colorado, a U.S. Navy Virginia-class attack submarine, is currently undergoing maintenance at HMAS Stirling, with ov...

Stocks recover from Nvidia whiplash, dollar climbs with US yields

Stocks recover from Nvidia whiplash, dollar climbs with US yields

By Rae Wee SINGAPORE, Nov 13 (Reuters) - Stocks in Asia were on steadier footing on Friday after a turbulent week dominated by revelations of extramarital affairs involving Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang that culminated in his resignation, in a blow to the global AI boom he helped advance.

World shares are mixed as Nvidia's troubles weigh on AI stocks

World shares are mixed as Nvidia's troubles weigh on AI stocks

European benchmarks are mostly higher after Asian benchmarks finished lower, as concerns over leadership at chipmaker Nvidia weigh on artificial intelligence-related stocks

Japan Considers Allowing U.S. Nuclear-Armed Warships to Dock, Revising Decades-Old Non-Nuclear Principles

Japan Considers Allowing U.S. Nuclear-Armed Warships to Dock, Revising Decades-Old Non-Nuclear Principles

Japan is contemplating an exception to its long-standing 'Three Non-Nuclear Principles' by potentially allowing U.S. military warships carrying nuclear weapons to enter Japanese ports during emergency situations. This move is part of revisions to Japan's three key national security documents, expected to be finalized by the end of 2026. The 'Three Non-Nuclear Principles,' articulated in 1967 and formally adopted in 1971, state that Japan will not possess, produce, or permit the introduction of nuclear weapons into its territory. While the first two principles are intended to remain, the Takaichi administration is considering explicitly stating exceptions to the 'no introduction' rule. This consideration stems from a belief that ensuring Japan's security, particularly under the U.S. nuclear umbrella, necessitates the temporary entry of U.S. ships with nuclear capabilities, especially given the increasingly harsh security environment in the Indo-Pacific region with nuclear-armed neighbors like China, Russia,...

SUBPAC Commander Warns of Rapid Expansion in Chinese and Russian Submarine Fleets, Impacting U.S. Domain Awareness

SUBPAC Commander Warns of Rapid Expansion in Chinese and Russian Submarine Fleets, Impacting U.S. Domain Awareness

Rear Admiral Chris Cavanaugh, Commander, Submarine Forces, U.S. Pacific Fleet (COMSUBPAC), has issued a warning regarding the rapid expansion of Chinese and Russian submarine fleets. Speaking at the Navy Submarine League’s 2026 Annual Symposium, Rear Admiral Cavanaugh highlighted that the growth in adversary SSGNs and SSBNs has significant implications for the U.S. Navy's ability to maintain domain awareness with its current force structure. He identified the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) as the top threat in the Indo-Pacific, noting the rapid rate at which China is commissioning new submarines, including 8 Type 093B (Shang III) Nuclear Fast Attack Submarines in under four years. U.S. assessments suggest China can sustain this production rate for at least a decade, potentially adding 20-40 Shang III or improved SSNs. Rear Admiral Cavanaugh also noted qualitative improvements in Chinese submarines, such as advanced quieting techniques, Vertical Launch Cell banks, and significant propulsion changes. R...

Taiwan Reports Chinese 'Area Denial' Drills Involving Aircraft Carrier in Western Pacific

Taiwan Reports Chinese 'Area Denial' Drills Involving Aircraft Carrier in Western Pacific

Taiwan's Ministry of Defence, through Minister Wellington Koo, has reported that China is conducting 'area denial' drills in the Western Pacific. These exercises involve the Chinese aircraft carrier Liaoning and other naval formations. Taiwan National Security Council Secretary-General Joseph Wu previously detailed the deployment of over 100 Chinese naval and coast guard ships operating around Taiwan, in the South China Sea, and extending into the Pacific. Additionally, Taiwan's defense ministry noted a significant increase in Chinese air force aircraft in the vicinity of the island. China, which considers democratically governed Taiwan as its own territory, frequently dispatches its military assets into the airspace and waters surrounding Taiwan. These drills are perceived as part of an Anti-Access/Area Denial (A2/AD) strategy, designed to restrict the movement and access of foreign forces, potentially complicating any intervention by the U.S. and its allies in a hypothetical conflict over Taiwan.

World shares log modest losses as investors assess impact on AI sector from the Nvidia scandal

World shares log modest losses as investors assess impact on AI sector from the Nvidia scandal

Shares are mostly lower in Europe and Asia, but losses remain modest as investors assess how Jensen Huang’s resignation as Nvidia CEO might affect the global artificial intelligence industry

Honeywell Aerospace Prioritizes Asia Pacific for Growth Post Spin-Off, Secures Major IndiGo Deal

Honeywell Aerospace Prioritizes Asia Pacific for Growth Post Spin-Off, Secures Major IndiGo Deal

Honeywell Aerospace Prioritizes Asia Pacific for Growth Post Spin-Off, Secures Major IndiGo Deal

Asian markets mostly gain on AI chip demand despite Wall Street's retreat on inflation data

Asian markets mostly gain on AI chip demand despite Wall Street's retreat on inflation data

Asian shares are mostly higher, following a retreat on Wall Street as the U.S. inflation rose higher than expected in October