USA: P-8 aircraft arrive in Hawaii for rotational deployment

From Navy Region Hawaii Public Affairs

In this file photo, a P-8A Poseidon from Patrol Squadron (VP) 4 flies over USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) during training in the Pacific, Aug. 29. (U.S. Navy/MC2 Alex Perlman) >>

PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii - Two P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft assigned to the Skinny Dragons of Patrol Squadron (VP) 4 will operate from Marine Corps Base Hawaii and Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam in support of maritime security initiatives beginning Sept. 28.

This is a part of a rotational deployment of forces, and the first time a P-8 detachment will be deployed to Oahu. Previously, these maritime security missions were flown by P-3C Orion aircraft.

This is VP-4's first deployment flying the P-8A Poseidon. The P-8A, a militarized version of the Boeing 737, is the most advanced long-range maritime patrol aircraft in the world. It is a capable of broad-area, maritime and littoral anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare, and ISR operations. The aircraft brings the latest avionics and onboard systems to the maritime patrol and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) mission, making it the most advanced anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare aircraft in the world.

VP-4, which is based at Whidbey Island in Washington, has a long history in Hawaii, dating back to 1928 when it was first established in Hawaii. The squadron operated here during the Vietnam War and the Cold War. In recent years, VP-4 deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in Iraq and Afghanistan and U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations including Italy, Greece and Spain, to name a few.

VP-4 departed Oahu for the last time as a Hawaii squadron in March 2016. While on deployment, VP-4 executed a permanent duty station change to Whidbey Island.

Maritime patrol squadrons now temporarily deploy to Hawaii on a rotational basis.

US Pacific Fleet

USA: HSM Wing Pacific continues Diesel Electric Submarine Initiative exercise

By Lt. Adam Arndt, HSM Weapons School Pacific Public Affairs

In this file photo, Peruvian submarine BAP Pisagua (SS 33) arrives at Naval Base Point Loma in July for phase one of DESI-EX. (U.S. Navy/MC2 Derek Harkins) >>

SAN DIEGO - Commander, Helicopter Maritime Strike Wing Pacific (CHSMWP) began phase two of the annual Diesel Electric Submarine Initiative Exercise (DESI-EX), an international exercise held annually in conjunction with South American naval forces, Sept. 8, 2017.

DESI-EX is an undersea warfare exercise that allows MH-60R aircraft from various CHSMWP and Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Aircraft (MPRA) commands the ability to practice their anti-submarine warfare (ASW) skills against a skilled, foreign adversary in a variety of challenging environments. The event was organized by HSM Weapons School Pacific (HSMWSP) in coordination with Commander, Submarine Force Atlantic International Programs and Commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet, and will take place on the Southern California Offshore Range and Tanner Bank operating area.

Phase one of the exercise took place July 15 - 20 and involved aircraft and crews from six CHSMWP and three MPRA squadrons that completed 29 sorties over the course of 147 flight hours. Participants trained alongside the Peruvian Navy submarine BAP Pisagua (SS 33), a German Type 209 diesel-electric submarine, to refine their ASW and tactical acumen.

USA: US, Indonesian navies meet for annual CARAT exercise

From Task Force 73 Public Affairs

SURABAYA, Indonesia - The U.S. and Indonesian navies will come together for the 23rd Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) bilateral exercise and skills exchange, Sept. 7-13.

The exercise will take place on the ground in Surabaya and in the waters and airspace of the Java and Bali Seas. The training is aimed at deepening maritime security cooperation between the U.S. and Indonesia.

"As maritime nations with shared values and common strategic interests, the United States and Indonesia enjoy a comprehensive and growing naval partnership based on mutual respect," said Rear Adm. Don Gabrielson, commander, Task Force 73. "The United States respects Indonesia's role as a regional leader in maritime security and we want to help Indonesia enhance its ability to preserve stability and protect its resources. CARAT deepens our maritime partnership and has served as a critical building block of trust, familiarity and friendship with our Indonesian partners for more than 23 years. We see mutual benefits whenever our navies work together."

More than 300 U.S. Sailors and Marines will participate in CARAT Indonesia alongside their counterparts from the Indonesian Navy, known as Tentera Nasional Indonesia - Angkatan Laut (TNI-AL). The exercise will feature complex at-sea training in surface warfare, visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS) anti-piracy drills, a gunnery exercise, and maritime patrol operations.

News Story: Multinational search for missing US Navy sailors expands in Asia

USS John S. McCain (Image: Wiki Commons)

By: Mike Yeo

MELBOURNE, Australia – The multinational search and rescue for sailors missing from the U.S. Navy destroyer USS John S. McCain following a collision with an oil tanker near Singapore has expanded, even as remains of some of the missing have been located inside the flooded compartments of the ship.

Both Singapore and Malaysia have increased the number of assets taking part in the SAR operations for the 10 sailors initially reported missing following the collision, while Indonesia has also started scouring the waters off its islands closest to where the collision occurred. Australia has also offered an aircraft to assist in the search, according to a media statement from Singapore’s Maritime and Port Authority on Tuesday.

The new, expanded search area covers more than 1,100 square miles, with Singapore and the U.S. covering the center of the identified search area while Malaysian and Indonesian assets are covering the north and south.

The collision occurred in waters where there is an unresolved maritime boundary dispute between Singapore and Malaysia, and both have said the collision occurred in their respective territorial waters and have laid claim to leading the search operation. That said, the disagreement has not interfered with the search operation so far.

U.S. Navy MH-60S helicopters and Marine Corps MV-22 tiltrotors from the amphibious assault ship USS America are also involved in the search, while the Republic of Singapore Air Force has deployed a C-130 transport and a Fokker 50 maritime patrol aircraft to join two patrol vessels each from the Singapore Navy and police coast guard already on scene. A Singaporean Super Puma helicopter had earlier evacuated four of the five sailors injured in the collision to a hospital on Monday morning.

Read the full story at DefenseNews

News Report: Japan, New Zealand Join US Forces for Anti-Submarine Drill in Western Pacific

A US Navy P-3C Orion Maritime Patrol Aircraft

Armed forces from the United States, Japan and New Zealand will practice anti-submarine warfare near the Pacific island of Guam for the next ten days, the US Navy announced in a press release on Wednesday.

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) – The exercise named GUAMEX 2017 will include approximately 40 operational scenarios and the opportunity for military-to-military exchange events on aircraft and vessels, the release explained.

"GUAMEX will include multiple aircraft and subsurface assets from the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF), the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF)," the release said.

The US Navy will provide P-3C Orion surveillance aircraft for the July 31-to-August 12 drills, which include air patrol squadrons from Japan and New Zealand, the release added.

This story first appeared on Sputnik & is reposted here with permission.

USA: GUAMEX kicks off for regional maritime patrol and reconnaissance partners

From CTF 72 Public Affairs

In this file photo, a P-3C Orion from Patrol Squadron (VP) 40 conducts a mission during a preview GUAMEX. (U.S. Navy/MC2 Jillian Lotti) >>

YIGO, Guam - Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Aircraft from Japan, New Zealand and the U.S. are participating in a multinational anti-submarine warfare (ASW) exercise off the coast of Guam, July 31 - Aug. 12.

Exercise GUAMEX 2017 is aimed at increasing proficiency and interoperability between Asia-Pacific countries.

GUAMEX will include multiple aircraft and subsurface assets from the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF), the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) and the U.S., who will collaborate to strengthen personal relationships between these countries.

USA: ‘Up-Gunned ESG’ concept moves forward in Talisman Saber exercise

From Expeditionary Strike Group 7 Public Affairs

Ships of the Bonhomme Richard ESG form up with Royal Australian Navy and Royal New Zealand Navy ships during Talisman Saber, July 22. (Royal Australian Navy/LSIS Helen Frank) >>

CORAL SEA - Flanked by a U.S. destroyer and four Australian frigates, the Bonhomme Richard Expeditionary Strike Group successfully executed elements of the ‘Up-Gunned ESG’ concept while participating in more than two weeks of live action training as part of Talisman Saber 2017.

The field training exercise (FTX) component of TS17 tested a combined and joint forces’ ability to respond to a crisis situation. Amphibious forces played a critical role in seizing objectives ashore that allowed a land force led by Australian Army’s 3rd Brigade to further deliver stability.

Throughout the exercise, the combined U.S.-Australia-New Zealand amphibious force defended against opposing exercise forces in the air, surface, and undersea domains while delivering combat power against both those forces and opposing forces ashore. The scenarios allowed the ESG to flex its sensors, weapons, and maneuver capability to attain sea control and project power ashore.

News Report: Chinese Navy Expands Submarine Detection Testing in the South China Sea

The Chinese navy will conduct a massive experiment with underwater drones equipped with "real-time data transmission technology," in hopes of building up Beijing’s capacity to detect hostile submarines in the South China Sea.

Beijing wants to accelerate the development of underwater monitoring technology, the South China Morning Post report said, in response to US President Donald Trump’s sanctioning the US Navy to conduct more freedom-of-navigation operations.

Twelve undersea "gliders" positioned in undisclosed locations in the South China Sea will transmit data back to control centers, SCMP noted. The unmanned sea drones will cruise around for a month to gather data on water temperature, salinity, cleanliness, oxygen levels and sea current velocity, a Chinese Academy of Sciences official told the Post.

News Story: China, Russia conduct simulation exercise for joint naval drills

Chinese Warships underway (File Photo)

KALININGRAD, Russia, July 23 (Xinhua) -- Chinese and Russian commanders conducted a simulation exercise here on Sunday for the ongoing joint military drills code-named "Joint Sea 2017" in the Baltic Sea.

In the hours-long exercise, two tactical assault groups, consisting of mixed warships from the Chinese and Russian fleets, simulated details of the drills on a map, including ship-to-sea firing by secondary cannons, air defense, joint landing and inspection, maritime search and rescue, underway replenishment and other subjects.

"The simulation exercise was conducted for two purposes, namely, making commanders at all levels more familiar with the procedures and subjects of the drills, as well as enhancing coordination and tacit understanding between commanders of the two countries," said Wang Xiaoyong, deputy captain of a destroyer detachment of the Chinese Navy.

During the drills, the participating air forces and sea forces will be deployed through unified guidance by a joint directing center, a joint headquarter and a tactical command post, which are formed by commanders from both countries.

Read the full story at Xinhua

News Story: Allies And The Maritime Domain Strike Enterprise

Australia's 1st P-8 Poseidon takes flight (File Photo)

By ROBBIN LAIRD

The UK, Norway and the US have signed an agreement to work together on anti-submarine warfare (ASW) in the North Atlantic which will leverage the joint acquisition of the P-8 aircraft, another example of the US and its allies an evolving defense capability in which allies are clearly key partners.

The P-8s is part of a cluster of software upgradeable airplanes which are defining the way ahead for combat airpower: the Australian Wedgetail, the global F-35, and the Advanced Hawkeye, all have the same dynamic modernization potential to which will be involved in all combat challenges of maritime operations.

All military technology is relative to a reactive enemy. As my colleague Ed Timperlake has noted: “It is about the arsenal of democracy shifting from an industrial production line to a clean room and a computer lab as key shapers of competitive advantage.”

Much as allied F-35 pilots and maintainers are being trained initially in the United States and then standing up national capabilities, the same is happening with the P-8/Triton allies. The Brits and Australians are training at Jacksonville Navy, and this will certainly happen with the Norwegians as well. In fact, an RAF pilot has recently topped 1,000 flight hours on the P-8 at Jacksonville. 

These allies cover key geographical territory, so shared domain knowledge and operational experience in the South Pacific and the North Atlantic is of obvious significance for US warfighting and deterrence. Given the relatively small size of the allied forces, they will push the multi-mission capabilities of the aircraft even further than the United States will do and, as they do so, the U.S. can take those lessons as well.

There is already a case in point. The Australians wanted the P-8 modified so they could do search and rescue — something that the US Navy did not build into its P-8s. Now that capability comes with the aircraft, something that was very much a requirement for the Norwegians as well. And the US Navy is finding this “add-on” as something of significance for the US.

Read the full story at Breaking Defense

USA: U.S., Indian, Japanese maritime forces to participate in Malabar exercise

From Task Force 70 Public Affairs

In this file photo, ships from the USS George Washington (CVN 73) Carrier Strike Group, Indian Navy and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force steam in formation during Malabar 2014. (U.S. Navy/MC3 Chris Cavagnaro) >>

CHENNAI, India - Naval ships, aircraft and personnel from India, Japan and the United States will participate in exercise Malabar 2017, July 7-17.

Malabar 2017 is the latest in a continuing series of exercises that has grown in scope and complexity over the years to address the variety of shared threats to maritime security in the Indo-Asia Pacific.

The exercise will feature both ashore and at-sea training. While ashore in Chennai, training will include subject matter expert and professional exchanges on carrier strike group operations, maritime patrol and reconnaissance operations, surface and anti-submarine warfare, medical operations, damage control, explosive ordnance disposal (EOD), helicopter operations, and visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS) operations.

Think Tank: Sea, air, land and space updates (27-Jun-2017)

An unpainted Chinese Y-8Q/GX-6 ASW Aircraft during testing

Zoe Glasson, Sophie Qin, Madeleine Nyst and Patrick Kennedy

Sea State

Just in time for President Modi’s visit to Washington, the Trump administration has agreed to sell 22 Guardian drones to India, in a deal that’s been described as a ‘game changer’ for US–India relations. The drones would be a ‘force multiplier’ for the Indian Navy, improving its maritime surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities. Though yet to be approved in India, New Delhi reportedly sees the deal as ‘a key test of defence ties’. Defense News speculates that the sale of the unarmed Guardians could be a precursor to the purchase of armed drones—something India has sought previously but which is currently prohibited by US export laws. Finalising the deal is likely to require a fine balance between Trump’s “America First” platform and Modi’s “Make in India” policy.

Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) successfully test-fired its Long-Range Artillery system (LORA) on 20 June. LORA’s strength is its portability: it launches from a container that can be trucked onto the deck of a cargo ship. According to The Drive, LORA’s relative low-cost and plug-and-play nature means that a range of auxiliary ships ‘could suddenly become impromptu combatants’. IAI says ‘several deals’ for LORA are underway, but it remains to be seen who’s in the market for the platform.

And for the final Sea State reads this week, here are two great pieces: one about how noisy herrings are creating (submarine) confusion; and another about marauding orcas fleecing fisherman.

News Story: China deploys new anti-submarine aircraft to fringes of South China Sea

An unpainted GX-6/Y-8Q during testing (File Photo)

By: Mike Yeo

MELBOURNE, Australia — China has deployed its newest anti-submarine aircraft and stepped up unmanned aircraft deployments to Hainan island on the fringes of the South China Sea, according to satellite imagery obtained by Defense News.

Satellite photos taken on May 10 and May 20 by commercial satellite imagery company DigitalGlobe showed four Shaanxi Y-8Q turboprop aircraft with its distinctive magnetic anomaly detector boom parked on the ground at Lingshui Air Base in the southeastern part of China’s Hainan island. 

The satellite pass from May 10 also showed three Harbin BZK-005 high-altitude, long-range UAVs at the base. This is the largest number of BZK-005s to have been seen at Lingshui since they were first noted in 2016. The drones have also previously been observed at the Chinese air base at nearby Woody Island, in the disputed Paracel Islands.

A KJ-500 AEW&C Aircraft (File Photo)

In addition, two KJ-500 airborne early warning aircraft were also seen at Lingshui on both occasions. Defense News had previously reported on the deployment of the KJ-500 to Hainan at nearby Jialaishi Air Base that had been seen on satellite photos taken in March, which was the first time the KJ-500 had been seen deployed by the People’s Liberation Army Navy, or PLAN. 

This is the first time the Y-8Q has been seen at Hainan, with China having previously rotationally deployed maritime patrol aircraft detachments to Lingshui, made up of a mixture of older Y-8Js and Y-8Xs drawn from the PLAN's two special-mission aircraft regiments based in northern China.  

Read the full story at DefenseNews

Industry: Boeing Wins Three-Year Contract to Support Indian Navy P-8I Fleet

P-8I fleet will achieve enhanced operational capability and readiness; customers to benefit from Boeing’s combined commercial and defense services collaboration

NEW DELHI, June 19, 2017 – Boeing [NYSE: BA] received a three-year contract earlier this month to continue support of the Indian Navy’s fleet of P-8I maritime patrol aircraft.

In addition to field and logistics service representatives, the contract includes engineering, support and planning. The scope will also include robust material support, including a 737-based component services program, which will be executed in conjunction with Boeing Commercial Aviation Services’ Fleet Services division.

“Our Boeing Defence India (BDI) team remains focused on executing on our commitments to customers on schedule and cost,” said Pratyush Kumar, president of Boeing India and vice president of Boeing International. “With this contract, the Indian Navy can be assured of achieving exceptional operational capability and readiness of the P-8I fleet.”

News Report: India Deploys Warship to Monitor Marine Traffic in Malacca Strait

The Indian Navy has deployed a warship near the Strait of Malacca on a permanent basis to monitor the world’s busiest shipping route from its western edge. The ship was deployed last week and will remain in international waters for a longer period to patrol the area.

New Delhi (Sputnik) – The decision to monitor movement on this strategically important shipping route is a result of the increased presence of Chinese submarines in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). India's aircraft, which was deployed to check piracy activities, intercepted a Yuan class conventional submarine in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands near the Strait of Malacca in April this year.

“It’s not for patrol or deployment, but only for awareness of the busiest sea lane of communication that passes through these straits,” The Tribune quoted a top naval source.

AUS: RAAF P-8A Poseidon completes first overseas deployment

Australia's 1st P-8A Poseidon Maritime Patrol Aircraft

A Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) P-8A Poseidon has completed its first deployment to Royal Malaysian Air Force Base (RMAF) Butterworth as part of Operation GATEWAY.

The Poseidon was deployed to Malaysia in support of the Operational Test and Evaluation of the P-8A as it is introduced to service. This deployment was a key milestone on the path to declaring Initial Operating Capability (IOC) for the aircraft and its system over the next 12 months.

The Poseidon’s predecessor, the AP‑3C Orion, has operated from RMAF Butterworth for a number of decades as part of the bilateral Malaysian and Australian Operation GATEWAY.

Operation GATEWAY is Australia's enduring contribution to the preservation of regional security and stability in South East Asia. The operation provides maritime surveillance patrols in the North Indian Ocean and South China Sea.

USA: Mattis, Singapore Prime Minister Reaffirm Defense Relationship

DoD News, Defense Media Activity

WASHINGTON, June 2, 2017 — Defense Secretary Jim Mattis met today with Singaporean Prime Minister‎ Lee Hsien Loong on the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, a major annual forum for key leaders in the Asia-Pacific region, to discuss mutual security challenges including cooperation on maritime security.

Long-Standing Relationship

Navy Cmdr. Gary Ross, a spokesman for Mattis, said in a statement that the secretary and the prime minister reaffirmed the "excellent and long-standing" bilateral defense relationship between the United States and Singapore, as underscored by the 1990 memorandum of understanding, the 2005 strategic framework agreement and the 2015 enhanced defense cooperation agreement.

Gratitude for Support

"Secretary Mattis thanked Singapore for its support, which has helped to enable the United States presence in the Asia-Pacific region," Ross said. "Both leaders commended the successful rotational deployments of littoral combat ships and P-8 Poseidon aircraft in Singapore and the good progress being made exploring training opportunities in Guam for the Republic of Singapore Air Force.

US DoD

News Report: Chinese Fighter Jets Intercept US Navy Aircraft Over S China Sea - Reports

A US Navy P-3 Orion Maritime Patrol Aircraft (File Photo)

Chinese fighter jets came within 100 feet of US anti-submarine and maritime surveillance P-3 Orion aircraft over the South China Sea, ABC News reported citing US officials on Friday.

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — The incident involving the two nations' aircraft took place on Thursday, the media outlet said.

On Thursday, China's defense ministry accused Washington of militarizing the South China Sea region, following the sailing of an US Navy destroyer near the disputed Spratly Islands chain.

The USS Dewey sailed within 20 kilometers (12 miles) of Mischief Reef in the Spratly archipelago. Chinese frigates tracked the destroyer and issued a warning, urging the vessel to leave the area, according to media reports.

China and several US allies in the region — namely Japan, Vietnam and the Philippines — have competing claims to the maritime borders and responsibility areas in the South China and East China seas.

This story first appeared on Sputnik & is reposted here with permission.

News Report: India, Singapore Begin Advanced Marine Drill in South China Sea

India has begun advanced bilateral naval exercise with Singapore in the South China Sea on Thursday. The contingent has four warships, one maritime patrol and anti-submarine craft.

New Delhi (Sputnik) – The Indian ships, Shivalik, Sahyadri, Jyoti and Kamorta, as well as a P8-I maritime patrol and anti-submarine warfare aircraft will be joined by Republic of Singapore Navy ships Supreme, Formidable, Victory and maritime patrol aircraft Fokker F50 in addition to the Republic of Singapore Air Force F-16 aircraft.

Shivalik and Sahayadri are multi-role stealth frigates fitted with Klub anti-ship missile and land attack version of Brahmos missile. INS Kamorta is an anti-submarine warfare corvette while Jyoti is the fleet replenishment tanker of the Indian Navy.

News Story: Business jet customization could be key as Singapore firms up maritime patrol requirement

CGI 0f the SAAB Swordfish MPA

By: Mike Yeo

SINGAPORE — Maritime Patrol Aircraft, or MPA, based on business jet platforms have taken prominence at the IMDEX Asia maritime and defense exhibition in Singapore, with manufacturers touting capability at lower cost, along with willingness to customize their solutions to customer requirements as their main selling points. 

Saab and IAI devoted significant amounts of floor space at their IMDEX Asia booths to their products, the Swordfish and EL/I-3360, respectively, with both emphasizing their willingness to customize and fine-tune their aircraft according to customer requirements. 

Saab recently announced a significant increase in the stores carrying capacity of the Swordfish, with the Bombardier Global Express 6000 business jet it is based on now being cleared to carry up to four RBS-15 anti-ship missiles or six lightweight torpedoes on four external hard points. 

It also says that the high level of commonality between the Swordfish and the Globaleye airborne early warning and control aircraft it is currently building for the United Arab Emirates means that development work on the Swordfish is already 70 percent complete. 

Read the full story at DefenseNews