U.S. Navy to Commission SSN New Jersey: A Strategic Boost Amidst Rising Tensions

On April 6, the U.S. Navy will commission the SSN New Jersey, a Virginia-class fast-attack submarine, marking a significant addition to its submarine fleet. The commissioning ceremony will take place at Naval Weapons Station Earle (NWSE) in Monmouth County, New Jersey.

Commissioner Susan M. Kiley, liaison to the Office on Veteran Services, noted that the USS New Jersey, also known as Pre-Commission Unit 796, is the third naval vessel named after the state of New Jersey. The submarine, officially designated as SSN 796, comes with a hefty price tag of approximately $3.5 billion.

The Virginia-class submarines, designed to remain operational until the 2070s, boast advanced weapons systems and nuclear-powered capabilities, enabling extended operations without refueling. A simulated wargame conducted by the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) highlighted the effectiveness of submarines like the Virginia class in countering potential threats, particularly from China.

With the USS New Jersey's deployment, the U.S. Navy aims to enhance its strategic capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region, where tensions are on the rise. Equipped with sophisticated weaponry and stealth capabilities, the Virginia-class submarines remain among the deadliest assets in the Navy's arsenal.

However, challenges lie ahead in meeting production targets, given the strain on naval shipyards and commitments under international partnerships like AUKUS. Despite these challenges, the U.S. remains committed to bolstering its submarine fleet to maintain strategic superiority.

As the USS New Jersey joins the fleet, it underscores the Navy's ongoing efforts to modernize its capabilities and adapt to evolving security threats worldwide. 

US Army to Deploy Typhon Weapon System: A Strategic Move Amid China Tensions

 

Amidst heightened tensions in the Indo-Pacific, the US Army is set to deploy a new medium-range missile launcher, aiming to counter China's military advancements. General Charles Flynn confirmed this development during a media briefing in Tokyo, emphasizing the critical need for long-range precision fire capabilities in the region.

While specific deployment details remain undisclosed, the Typhon system, capable of launching Tomahawk cruise missiles and SM-6 interceptor missiles, is speculated to be the chosen weapon system. This deployment marks a significant move, reintroducing such a system to the Indo-Pacific region since the Cold War era.

The development of the Typhon system addresses the gap in mid-range capability, with potential deployment locations including Japan or US territories in the area. However, challenges in gaining public support and Tokyo's counterstrike plans may influence deployment decisions.

Considering China's military activities and possession of numerous missiles, deploying the Typhon system could bolster deterrence against potential threats, particularly in areas near Taiwan and the disputed South China Sea.

US Navy Conducts Test of AGM-158C-3 Anti-Ship Missiles: Ready for Deployment Against Chinese Naval Threats

The United States Navy recently conducted a significant test involving four AGM-158C-3 Long-Range Anti-Ship Missiles (LRASMs), marking a milestone in the development of these stealth anti-ship weapons. Lockheed Martin, the manufacturer, hailed the event as a pivotal step forward in ensuring maritime security in the face of rising threats, particularly from China.

This test, part of the 12th Integrated Test Event, showcased the LRASM's formidable capabilities in terms of lethality, mission planning, and target integration. The successful demonstration met all objectives set by the US Navy, affirming the missile's readiness for deployment.

Lisbeth Vogelpohl, LRASM program director at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control, emphasized the company's commitment to providing reliable and effective solutions to empower warfighters and ensure mission success.

The LRASM, belonging to the AGM-158 family, stands out for its lethal, long-range, and survivable features, making it a potent weapon against well-defended surface combatants. Its precision-guided technology allows it to engage a wide range of targets, including hostile ships, submarines, and land-based threats, with a minimum range of 200 nautical miles.

Derived from the AGM-158B JASSM-ER, the LRASM boasts advanced autonomous targeting capabilities, reducing reliance on external navigation systems in hostile environments. Its integration into various aircraft platforms, including the B-1B, F/A-18E/F, and upcoming F-35 and P-8 aircraft, underscores its versatility and strategic importance.

The US Air Force's multiyear acquisition plan for LRASMs reflects the growing recognition of its significance in countering Chinese naval aggression, particularly in potential conflicts involving Taiwan. With China's increasing assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific region, long-range weapons like the LRASM are expected to play a crucial role in early-stage engagements, circumventing China's formidable anti-access/area-denial capabilities.

In addition to aircraft deployment, the LRASM's compatibility with the Mark 41 Vertical Launching System opens up possibilities for deployment on various US Navy warships, further enhancing its flexibility and reach.

As tensions escalate in the Indo-Pacific, the LRASM stands as a symbol of America's commitment to maritime security and readiness to confront emerging threats, ensuring a deterrent against potential adversaries like China. 

Enhancing F-35s for Combat: Innovative Approaches to Maintenance

Amidst the bustling activity at the U.S. Navy's largest jet base, efforts are underway to maximize the readiness of the F/A-18E/F Super Hornets and the expanding fleet of F-35C Joint Strike Fighters. However, concerns persist regarding the availability of F-35Cs for missions and the escalating costs associated with sustaining these aircraft.

Unlike traditional military aircraft programs, the F-35 program relies heavily on Lockheed Martin for various aspects of maintenance and management. This arrangement, overseen by the F-35 Joint Program Office (JPO), has limited the Navy's control over ensuring readiness. To address this challenge, the Joint Strike Fighter Wing in Lemoore is adopting innovative strategies drawn from the successful maintenance practices of the F/A-18E/F Super Hornets.

Following a data-driven initiative called Naval Sustainment System-Aviation, which propelled Super Hornet readiness rates to surpass 80%, the Joint Strike Fighter Wing is collaborating with F/A-18 counterparts to implement similar practices. By enhancing data collection and communication efforts, the Navy aims to improve F-35C readiness and reduce costs.

Despite these efforts, a Government Accountability Office (GAO) report highlighted maintenance challenges and spare parts availability issues within the F-35 program. Unlike other aircraft programs, the F-35 lacks intermediate-level maintenance, leading to additional workload on squadrons and delays in repair times.

To address these issues, the Navy is seeking to increase its involvement in maintenance operations and streamline communication between stakeholders. By leveraging data-driven insights and adopting proven practices, the Navy aims to optimize F-35 sustainment and mitigate cost overruns.

However, challenges persist, including parts availability fluctuations and delays in standing up depot repair capabilities. The Navy is closely monitoring these issues and collaborating with industry partners to find sustainable solutions.

Amidst budget constraints, maintaining F-35C readiness is critical for naval aviation operations. Efforts to minimize mishaps, address corrosion issues, and empower squadrons to conduct maintenance are underway to enhance operational efficiency and reduce costs.

Looking ahead, the Navy and Air Force are exploring unmanned wingmen as a cost-effective solution to supplement combat aircraft capacity. Despite setbacks, the F-35 remains a vital asset in the Indo-Pacific theater, underscoring the importance of addressing readiness challenges and learning from past experiences for future programs.

US Navy Ship Programs Grapple with Years-Long Delays Amid Workforce and Supply Challenges

 In a significant setback for the U.S. Navy's shipbuilding programs, several key projects are facing delays ranging from one to three years due to a myriad of workforce and management issues within the industry.

Following a 45-day review prompted by delays in the guided-missile frigate program, the Navy discovered significant setbacks in its shipbuilding portfolio. The delays affect critical projects such as the Virginia-class attack submarine construction and the Columbia-class ballistic missile submarine, prompting Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro to order an assessment of the underlying causes and potential solutions.

Key findings from the review revealed that the first Columbia-class SSBN is projected to deliver 12 to 16 months later than its contractual date, raising concerns about meeting deployment requirements. The Virginia-class submarines are also facing substantial delays, with the Block IV boats running 36 months behind schedule.

Supply chain disruptions and workforce shortages, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, have further complicated matters. The future Enterprise aircraft carrier, CVN-80, is expected to deliver 18 to 26 months late, primarily due to delays from key suppliers.

Additionally, the first Constellation frigate is facing a 36-month delay, attributed to management challenges and workforce issues at Fincantieri’s Marinette Marine shipyard.

The review highlighted the need for strategic investments in the workforce and supply chain as national assets. It also emphasized the importance of reevaluating risk-sharing arrangements between the government and shipbuilders in future contracts.

Addressing these challenges will require a concerted effort to strengthen workforce capabilities, enhance oversight in the design process, and ensure timely procurement of materials. Failure to address these issues could further prolong delays and jeopardize the Navy's readiness and operational capabilities.

China's Rise: Will China Overtake the US as the World's Largest Air Force? Insights from a Top Official

 A senior US military official has suggested that China's expanding military prowess may soon lead it to surpass the United States not only as the world's largest navy but also as the world's largest air force. Navy Adm. John C. Aquilino, head of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, made this revelation during recent testimony on Capitol Hill, highlighting China's ambitious military modernization endeavors and their potential global implications.

Aquilino's statement before the Senate Armed Services Committee emphasized the significant number of warplanes possessed by each country's military forces, indicating China's imminent challenge to US dominance in this regard.

According to the Pentagon's 2023 report on Chinese military power, the combined strength of the PLA Air Force and Navy exceeds 3,150 aircraft, showcasing China's remarkable growth in aerial capabilities. While the US Air Force currently boasts around 4,000 non-trainer, non-drone aircraft, China's substantial increase in production capacity, particularly in advanced fighters, suggests a trajectory toward surpassing the US in air force capabilities.

However, the US Air Force faces its own challenges, including maintaining size amidst evolving threats, notably from China. Current strategies prioritize reducing airpower capacity to invest in more advanced systems for the future. This approach aims to retire outdated aircraft and procure next-generation ones, enhancing overall capability.

Nevertheless, the US Air Force's reliance on uncertain funding for future developments raises concerns about its sustainability and ability to maintain numerical superiority over China. Despite China's advancements in military aviation, perceived technological gaps exist compared to advanced US aircraft.

China's strategy involves leveraging regional missile capabilities to neutralize major US military bases, potentially undermining the deployment of advanced US warplanes. This poses challenges, particularly in conflicts over Taiwan, where the presence of fifth-generation warplanes is crucial.

Ultimately, while China's ascent in military aviation is notable, the US maintains qualitative superiority, particularly in advanced weaponry and naval capabilities. However, China's strategic advancements underscore the evolving dynamics of global power and the need for continued vigilance and adaptation in US defense strategies.

US Navy Prepares for Spring Hypersonic Weapon Test as Army Observes

 The U.S. Navy is gearing up for a significant hypersonic weapon test in the coming spring, a crucial step in a joint development initiative with the U.S. Army, as disclosed by Lt. Gen. Robert Rasch, director of the Army’s Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office.

This impending test involves the evaluation of the Common-Hypersonic Glide Body (C-HGB) by the Navy, followed by an Army test scheduled for summer, focusing on ground-based launchers. Hypersonic weapons, capable of surpassing Mach 5 and maneuvering across various altitudes, pose challenges in detection due to their high speeds.

The upcoming Navy test primarily assesses missile performance, conducted using a test stand devoid of ground support equipment, providing insights into the missile's behavior during different stages of flight. Success in these tests will inform further decisions regarding the development of tactical rounds.

Both the Army and Navy have been diligently working on hypersonic weapon projects, with the Army collaborating with Leidos’ Dynetics to build the industrial base for the hypersonic weapon glide body. Additionally, Lockheed Martin is overseeing the weapon system integration for the Army’s mobile truck-launched capability.

Despite encountering setbacks, such as test delays and technical challenges, both services remain committed to advancing hypersonic capabilities swiftly. The Army has delivered initial hypersonic weapon capabilities to designated units, albeit without the all-up rounds, marking significant progress in the program's development.

Reflecting on the challenges faced, including aborted tests and program delays, Lt. Gen. Rasch emphasized the importance of rigorous developmental testing to ensure program success. Despite the hurdles, the speed of progress in the joint Navy-Army initiative is notable, considering the complexities involved in developing and fielding hypersonic weapons.