Japan Commissions Sixth Mogami-Class Frigate 'Agano' for JMSDF

 On June 21, 2024, Japanese shipbuilder Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Maritime Systems Co., Ltd. held a delivery and flag-raising ceremony for the ‘Agano’ (あがの), officially commissioning it into the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF). The 'Agano' is the sixth vessel in the Mogami-class series of next-generation frigates, designated with the pennant number FFM-6. It will be stationed at the Maizuru Naval Base.

The frigate is named after the Agano River, a notable river in the Hokuriku region of Honshu, Japan. The ship was launched by MHI in Nagasaki in December 2022.

The Mogami-class frigates, also known as 30FFM and previously 30DX, represent the next generation of multi-mission vessels for the JMSDF. The JMSDF initially planned to procure 22 of these frigates but has revised this number to 12 by the end of fiscal year 2023. From 2024 to 2028, a new class of 12 improved Mogami-class frigates will be built, featuring longer-range missiles, enhanced anti-submarine capabilities, and improved maritime operational functionalities.

Key specifications of the FFM include a full load displacement of approximately 5,500 tons, a length of 132.5 meters, and a beam of 16.3 meters, with a maximum speed exceeding 30 knots. The frigates are designed to be highly automated, requiring a crew of about 90 sailors.

The FFM is equipped with advanced weaponry and systems, including:

• BAE Systems Mk.45 mod.4 5-inch naval gun system
• Japan Steel Works 12.7mm Remote Weapon System (×2)
• Mk.41 Vertical Launch System (VLS)
• Raytheon SeaRAM
• MHI Type 17 anti-ship missiles (×8)
• Mitsubishi Electric OPY-2 multifunction Radar
• Mitsubishi Electric OAX-3EO/IR sensors
• Hitachi OQQ-11 anti-mine sonar
• NEC OQQ-25 anti-submarine sonar (VDS/TASS)
• Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUVs) and Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USVs) for mine countermeasures
• Offensive sea mines

The introduction of the new-class FFM aims to bolster the JMSDF's capabilities, with the enhanced frigates featuring improved anti-aircraft and search functions, potentially elevating them to the status of missile frigates (FFG).

Additionally, the Royal Australian Navy has shortlisted the Mogami-class as one of four contenders for its next frigate, alongside Germany’s Meko A-200, South Korea’s Daegu class FFX Batch II and III, and Spain’s Navantia ALFA3000. Admiral Sakai Ryo of the JMSDF welcomed this selection, emphasizing the high trust and evaluation of Japanese naval equipment.

First Images of US Navy's Orca XLUUV with Payload Module Revealed

 

For the first time, images have emerged showing the U.S. Navy's Orca Extra Large Uncrewed Undersea Vehicle (XLUUV) equipped with its payload section. This significant development was highlighted in a LinkedIn post by the former Commodore of UUVRON-1, marking the first time the Orca has been seen with its payload insert. The new images underscore the substantial size of the Orca.

Boeing delivered the initial Orca XLUUV to the U.S. Navy in December 2023, and it is currently undergoing rigorous testing. Five additional units are slated for delivery this year.

According to H I Sutton, an OSINT and submarine expert contributing to Naval News, the insertable payload module offers versatile mission capabilities. It includes large hatches potentially designed for mine-laying missions, and configurations that could allow for the launch and recovery of smaller underwater vehicles.

Sutton estimates on his blog that the Orca measures approximately 25.9 meters in length with the payload module, compared to 15.5 meters without it.

About Orca XLUUV:

The Orca XLUUV is an Extra Large Unmanned Undersea Vehicle developed as part of the U.S. Navy’s UUV Family of Systems to meet a Joint Emergent Operational Need. The current model is about 85 feet (26 meters) long, has a displacement of around 85 tons, and utilizes a diesel-electric propulsion system providing a range of 6,000 nautical miles.

The vehicle features a modular payload bay measuring approximately 400 inches (10 meters) in length with an 8-ton capacity. This bay has defined interfaces for current and future payloads, such as the Hammerhead.

US Navy's Efforts:

The US Navy’s Unmanned Undersea Vehicles Squadron One (UUVRON-1) is developing and documenting tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) for the Orca XLUUV. According to the Navy’s budget documents, facilities at Naval Base Ventura County are being updated for CONUS XLUUV testing, training, and work-ups.

The Navy is also working on establishing infrastructure to support XLUUV basing, fleet integration, and forward operational capability overseas. This includes support platforms, trailers, maintenance equipment, and ashore hardware.

Upon completing government testing in FY25, the US Navy might exercise three production options for additional vehicles in FY26, transitioning to an Acquisition Category (ACAT) Program.

US Admiral Reveals “Hellscape” Drone Warfare Strategy to Counter China’s Taiwan Invasion Plan

 

The United States is developing a strategy to deploy a vast array of drones to counter a potential Chinese invasion of Taiwan. This plan, referred to as the "Hellscape" strategy, aims to use drones to overwhelm and distract Chinese forces, buying crucial time for US and allied forces to mount a full-scale response.

Admiral Samuel Paparo, the commander of US Indo-Pacific Command, outlined this approach at the International Institute for Strategic Studies’ Shangri-La Dialogue Summit. The strategy involves deploying thousands of unmanned submarines, surface ships, and aerial drones as soon as China’s invasion fleet begins crossing the 100-mile Taiwan Strait.

China recently conducted military drills following the inauguration of Taiwan’s new president, intensifying its calls for reunification with Taiwan. US President Joe Biden has hinted at military support for Taiwan in the event of an invasion, which could escalate into a larger US-China conflict involving Washington's regional allies. This makes it essential for the US to develop effective countermeasures against Chinese forces in the Taiwan Strait.

The "Hellscape" strategy heavily relies on autonomous systems, a tactic influenced by the recent war in Ukraine. In Ukraine, drones have been used to launch strikes on control centers, refineries, airfields, and ships, demonstrating that modern air defenses are not impenetrable. This has reshaped how militaries approach modern warfare, with a focus on cost-effective, reusable, and disposable drone technology.

General Kenneth Wilsbach, Commander of the Pacific Air Forces, initially proposed using "attritable" unmanned aircraft against China instead of high-end stealth fighters like the F-35s or F-22s. These lower-cost, disposable drones would serve as decoys, gradually wearing down Chinese defenses by creating numerous targets.

The Pentagon is actively working on this drone warfare strategy, planning to spend $1 billion on the Replicator program this fiscal year. This program aims to rapidly scale and deploy thousands of autonomous systems within the next 18 to 24 months, utilizing AI, robotics, and commercial technology. The Pentagon is also collaborating with defense partners to develop and procure these critical systems.

Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks emphasized the need to counter China’s mass with a mass of drones that are more challenging to target. The US Navy is also working on developing swarming drones, including underwater drones, to counter the numerical superiority of the Chinese PLA Navy in the Indo-Pacific region.

Admiral Paparo highlighted the strategic advantage of US unmanned capabilities, stating that these systems would amplify US advantages in the region. He noted that recent Chinese military drills appeared to be rehearsals for a Taiwan invasion, which the US observed and learned from.

In response to these developments, China has expressed dissatisfaction. The state-owned Global Times criticized the US strategy, suggesting it was a desperate attempt to maintain its dominance and incite Taiwan’s independence efforts.

Turkey's Navy Showcases Unmanned Surface Vessels in Denizkurdu-II Drill

 The Turkish Naval Forces recently conducted the Denizkurdu-II exercise in the Mediterranean Sea, which prominently featured several unmanned surface vessels (USVs) alongside ships, submarines, and aircraft. The drill, held from May 7 to May 18, also included participation from the Turkish Air Forces.

Among the USVs involved were six Albatros-S vessels, designed by the domestic company Aselsan. These vessels are 7.2 meters in length and 2 meters in width, with a displacement of 2,200 kilograms. Powered by a diesel engine, they can reach speeds exceeding 40 knots and are capable of carrying a 200-kilogram warhead.

Another USV featured in the drill was the TCB 1101, the first such vessel commissioned by the Turkish navy. The Marlin platform, which previously participated in NATO exercises REPMUS and Dynamic Messenger in 2022 off Portugal's coast, was developed through a collaboration between Aselsan and Sefine Shipyard. This vessel measures 15 meters in length, 3.85 meters in width, and has a displacement of 21 tons. It is equipped with the Ares 2N electronic support measures system, Ares 2NC electronic countermeasures systems, and the Stamp remote-controlled weapon station, all produced by Aselsan.

The USVs were operated from both land-based and shipborne control centers. Retired Rear Admiral Cem Okyay highlighted the capabilities of these unmanned vessels, noting their utility in defending against asymmetric threats, conducting anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare, engaging in electromagnetic warfare, and performing mine countermeasure operations. Additionally, they enhance reconnaissance, surveillance, and intelligence gathering efforts.

In total, the exercise included 94 crewed ships, eight submarines, 10 maritime patrol aircraft, 16 helicopters, 28 unmanned combat aerial vehicles, 26 fighter jets, an airborne warning and control system aircraft, an A400M cargo plane, and a target-towing aircraft.

Unmanned Sail Prototype Offers Open-Ocean Intel Options

SAN DIEGO - A sleek vessel with a triple hull and 6-story-tall mast will leave San Diego Bay this fall for the open waters of the Pacific Ocean in a show of the potential of unmanned watercraft.
The craft will be the latest prototype of the first "Harbor Wing," which has plied the waters off Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, for several years as a concept vehicle for an autonomous unmanned surface vessel. This unmanned boat is like a seagoing robot that provides the eyes and ears - and information and intelligence - without the need for humans aboard.

"I've removed the sailor from the sailing," said Mark Ott, executive vice president of Harbor Wing Technologies, who built the first prototype with a catamaran he bought for $12,000 to fill a Navy need for unmanned surface vessels.
Buoyed by the Navy's input and $10 million in research and development funds, Ott's company intends to get its second Harbor Wing, dubbed X-2, sailing by September once construction and final assembly of the 40-by-50-foot, 10-ton craft is completed. The company showed off a model this month during the annual Coalition Warrior Interoperability Demonstration, hosted by Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center-Pacific's C2 technologies and experimentation division.
With a composite mast mirroring the famous "sail wing" that gives America's Cup contenders their speed, and an all-electric engine for backup, Harbor Wing is designed as a fast and modular sailing platform outfitted with radar, sonar, cameras, navigation and a collision-avoidance system. It also will house advanced network communications and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance systems.
The vessel is controlled by radios and a commercial global positioning satellite system that Ott said allows it to sail "within three meters of accuracy." It could be used for missions including coastal surveillance, counterdrug, interception operations and patrols for the Navy and Coast Guard, company officials say.
Although Harbor Wing will operate without a captain and crew by sailing on a pre-programmed course, "the man is always in the loop," Ott said.
An operator, seated at a computer that could be hundreds of miles away, can control the craft with keystrokes that relay commands via satellite.
The transmission gap, from order to receipt, is only 18 seconds, which "on the open ocean is not much," he said, "so you have very close control."
While unmanned, Harbor Wing won't necessarily be a sitting duck if it enters a more hostile environment.
"It will have a multilayered self-defense capability," said Ott, noting possible systems like sound, noxious gases and lasers to thwart threats and prevent someone from commandeering the craft.
"The boat can also be told it's time to run," he said, and it can reach 15 knots under sail or 30 knots with the engine running.
The triple-hull, hydrofoil design planned for the third vessel, X-3, will serve as "great big shock absorbers" and give the vessel greater sea legs, he added, enabling it to operate up to Sea State 5 - that's 6-foot waves and moderate winds - and survive in rougher waters up to Sea State 8, or 18-foot waves, without upending itself.
The X-2 vessel will encounter higher sea states off San Diego than the first craft endured in Hawaii during longer periods at sea to further test technologies, Ott said.
President Larry Colangelo said the company hopes to send X-2 to Hawaii and back to San Diego on orders but with a manned boat trailing along.

About HWT X-3

Specifications for Harbor Wing Technologies' third prototype, a triple-hull hydrofoil.
■ Length: 50 feet
■ Beam: 40 feet
■ Mast height: 60 feet
■ Draft (hydrofoils lowered): 10 feet
■ Payload: 1,500 pounds
■ Stowage capacity: 600 cubic feet
■ Speed: 25-plus knots
■ Time at sea: 3-plus months
Source: Harbor Wing Technologies