US Navy Boosts China Surveillance with Second MQ-4C Triton Deployment to Okinawa

 

The US Navy has significantly increased its surveillance capabilities in the Asia-Pacific region by deploying a second MQ-4C Triton maritime surveillance aircraft to Japan’s Kadena Air Base in Okinawa. This move follows the earlier deployment of several MQ-9 Reaper drones, enhancing intelligence gathering in the area.

According to an official from Japan’s Ministry of Defense, the second Triton arrived at Kadena Air Base at 3:40 p.m. on June 9. This follows the first MQ-4C Triton’s arrival on May 20, both temporarily relocated from Guam. Japanese media images show both aircraft stationed in the Navy's tarmac hangar shortly after the second aircraft's arrival.

The Tritons will be stationed at Kadena from May to October, supported by approximately 50 personnel. Since October, eight MQ-9 Reaper drones have also been deployed at Kadena, highlighting the base's critical role due to its strategic location, within three hours' flight time from Beijing, Seoul, and Taipei.

Kadena Air Base, the largest US Air Force base in the Asia-Pacific region, regularly hosts advanced fighter jets, with recent rotations including F-35 Lightning IIs, F-22 Raptors, US F-16s, and F-15E Strike Eagles. The base is also increasing its unmanned aerial vehicle presence to bolster reconnaissance and surveillance efforts.

The Okinawa Times, referencing the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), reported that the second MQ-4C Triton was scheduled for a flight around Okinawa’s main island on June 9. However, this plan was withdrawn shortly after the aircraft's arrival.

The deployment has sparked controversy, with local governments and the Okinawa Prefecture opposing the indefinite presence of MQ-9 drones and the temporary deployment of MQ-4C Tritons. The Kadena Town Council expressed concerns about potential aircraft accidents due to the rising number of US military assets at the base.

The MQ-4C Triton, developed by Northrop Grumman, is distinct from the RQ-4 Global Hawk, designed to withstand bird strikes and lightning, and capable of close-range maritime observation. Equipped with advanced sensors, the Triton can provide precise targeting information to naval assets, enhancing operational reach.

With two MQ-4C Tritons now operational at Kadena, the US military is set to intensify surveillance in regions where China is increasingly active. Drones will undertake intelligence missions in the Nansei region and surrounding areas, crucial maritime territories stretching from Kyushu to Taiwan.

China has escalated maritime challenges in the East and South China Seas, with frequent coast guard incursions into Japanese-claimed waters around the Senkaku Islands. Japan views these actions as attempts to undermine its sovereignty over the islands. The enhanced surveillance capabilities provided by the drones are crucial for monitoring and asserting control over these contested areas without provocation.

Ukraine Strikes Deep Inside Russia: Damages Advanced Su-57 Fighter Jet

Ukraine has successfully targeted and damaged a highly prized Russian Su-57 fighter jet stationed deep within Russian territory, according to a Sunday report from Ukraine's main intelligence directorate (GUR).

The attack struck the Akhtubinsk airfield in the Astrakhan region, about 360 miles from the front lines. Satellite imagery provided by Ukrainian military intelligence shows the Su-57 intact on June 7 and damaged on June 8.

The Su-57 is described by Ukrainian intelligence as Russia's "most modern fighter," capable of deploying Kh-59 and Kh-69 missiles. A pro-Kremlin Telegram channel, Fighterbomber, which often confirms Russian military losses, reported shrapnel damage to the aircraft, with its reparability still undetermined.

Unlike Russia's more commonly deployed Su-25 and Su-35 aircraft, the fifth-generation Su-57 has seen limited use since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022. This strike marks the first instance of a Su-57 being damaged in combat, according to Ukrainian military intelligence.

Military correspondent David Axe noted in Forbes that if the damage is confirmed, this would be only the second stealth aircraft lost in combat since the US Air Force first deployed the Lockheed Martin F-117. The first instance was in 1999 when a Serbian air defense battery shot down an F-117 during the Kosovo war.

Ukraine has recently increased the range of its strikes into Russian territory. On Saturday, a video surfaced showing a Ukrainian long-range attack drone targeting Mozdok air base in Russia's North Ossetia region, about 450 miles from the front line. Although it is unclear if the drone caused any military damage, the base houses significant assets, including Tu-22M bombers, Su-24M/MR strike aircraft, and military helicopters.

Retired Australian army general Mick Ryan wrote earlier this year that such deep strikes force Russia to reassess and redeploy its air defense resources. David Axe added that Ukraine's escalating drone campaign has stretched Russia's air defenses thin, unable to protect all critical assets.

The last major Ukrainian attack on Russian warplanes was on May 17, when Ukraine hit Balbek Airfield in occupied Crimea, damaging a Su-27 and two MiG-31s.

Russian Company Offers Bounty for Downing Ukrainian F-16 Jets

 A Russian company has announced substantial rewards for shooting down any Ukrainian F-16 fighter jets. Sergey Shmotyev, the director of the Ural-based company Fores, has offered a bounty of 15 million rubles ($168,000) for the first F-16 downed and 500,000 rubles ($5,600) for each additional one.

In the past, Fores has offered rewards for destroying tanks, with 5 million rubles ($56,000) for the first tank and 500,000 rubles ($5,600) for each subsequent tank. Shmotyev mentioned that over 20 tanks have claimed these rewards.

Despite the planned delivery of F-16s to Ukraine, many military analysts and Western officials believe it won't drastically change the conflict's dynamics. Estonian Defense Chief Hanno Pevkur previously stated that the European Union has not reached a consensus on sending military personnel to Ukraine due to opposition from several countries.

The anticipated American-made F-16s, to be donated by countries like Denmark and the Netherlands, are expected to arrive later this year. Western experts and officials emphasize that the arrival of these jets depends on the readiness and training of Ukrainian pilots.

A Greek officer from the Hellenic Air Force has reportedly arrived in Kyiv to assist with the operational use of the F-16, although his identity remains confidential. Greece’s experience with Western combat aircraft, particularly through conflicts with Turkey, provides valuable knowledge in air-to-air missions.

Reports confirm that the first group of Ukrainian F-16 pilots has completed training in the USA, although the exact number of trained pilots is undisclosed. Earlier this year, a U.S. defense official noted that four Ukrainian pilots were training with the 162nd Wing at Morris Air National Guard Base in Arizona, with 20 support personnel training in Texas.

Ukraine is set to receive several fourth-generation fighter jets from nations like the Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark, and Norway as part of a coalition fighter framework, including commitments from the U.S. to train Ukrainian airmen.

In 2023, the Russian Ministry of Defense announced bonuses for Russian soldiers who destroy Western equipment on the battlefield. These include $1,200 for taking out a Leopard, Abrams, or Challenger 2 tank, and $600 for an armored infantry vehicle. Russian sources claim that 14 Abrams tanks have already been destroyed, resulting in payouts of $16,800 for each tank.

In an interesting twist, Russian grenadier Andrey Kravtsov received $12,000 in 2023 for destroying a Leopard 2 tank, with the sum potentially including additional rewards from private entities alongside state bonuses.

Ukraine will receive various types of F-16 jets, primarily the older F-16AM/BM Block 15 models, which feature basic electronics and systems. The Block 40 version has significant upgrades, including advanced radar and night flying systems, while the Block 50 version offers improved tracking and weapon capabilities. The Block 60, or F-16E/F, is the most advanced, featuring superior radar, electronic warfare capabilities, and extended range for longer missions.

US Navy to Decommission All Ticonderoga-Class Cruisers by 2027: Complete Schedule

 The U.S. Navy has scheduled the decommissioning of its remaining 13 Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruisers, with all expected to be retired by the end of 2027. The first to go will be the USS Vicksburg (CG 69) in June 2024, followed by the USS Cowpens (CG 63) in August, and the USS Antietam (CG 54) and USS Leyte Gulf (CG 55) in September. The last cruisers to be decommissioned will likely be the USS Chosin (CG 65) and USS Cape St. George (CG 71) in fiscal year 2027. This will mark the end of the service life for the Ticonderoga-class, the world's first cruisers equipped with the Aegis combat system.

The Vicksburg and Cowpens were among the seven cruisers included in the Navy’s Cruiser Modernization Program in the mid-2010s. However, their extensive modernization efforts, which have nearly reached a cost of one billion dollars, were never completed. Despite Congressional directives, the Navy ceased further work on these ships in early 2024 and added them to the decommissioning list. Of the seven ships in the modernization program, only the Gettysburg and Chosin have been redelivered, with ongoing work on the Cape St. George. Two other ships, the Hue City (CG 66) and Anzio (CG 68), were decommissioned in 2022 in poor condition.

The decommissioning dates, while subject to change, are unlikely to be altered significantly. All ships are set to become Logistical Support Assets, serving as sources for spare parts before eventually being scrapped or used in sinking exercises (SINKEXs). The cruisers are being retired around the end of their 35-year service lives and will be replaced by the new Flight III Arleigh Burke-class destroyers, of which only one is currently in service.

Below is the decommissioning schedule for the remaining Ticonderoga-class cruisers:

1. USS Vicksburg (CG 69): June 29, 2024

   • Last deployed in 2015; modernization halted in early 2024.

2. USS Cowpens (CG 63): August 30, 2024

   • Last deployed in 2014; modernization halted in early February 2024.

3. USS Antietam (CG 54): September 27, 2024

   • Recently transferred from Japan to Pearl Harbor.

4. USS Leyte Gulf (CG 55): September 27, 2024

   • Recently completed a U.S. Fourth Fleet deployment.

5. USS Philippine Sea (CG 58): Fiscal 2025

   • Currently deployed as the air warfare commander for the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69).

6. USS Normandy (CG 60): Fiscal 2025

   • Recently returned from a deployment with the USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78).

7. USS Shiloh (CG 67): Fiscal 2025

   • Recently transferred from Japan to Pearl Harbor.

8. USS Lake Erie (CG 70): Fiscal 2025

   • Deployed with the USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) Carrier Strike Group.

9. USS Princeton (CG 59): Fiscal 2026

   • Recently returned from deployment with the USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70).

10. USS Robert Smalls (CG 62): Fiscal 2026

    • Deployed with the USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76); renamed from USS Chancellorsville.

11. USS Gettysburg (CG 64): Fiscal 2026

    • First ship to complete the Cruiser Modernization Program.

12. USS Chosin (CG 65): Fiscal 2027

    • Recently completed the Cruiser Modernization Program.

13. USS Cape St. George (CG 71): Fiscal 2027

    • Still undergoing modernization work.

Previously decommissioned Ticonderoga-class cruisers include:

• USS Ticonderoga (CG 47)
• USS Yorktown (CG 48)
• USS Vincennes (CG 49)
• USS Valley Forge (CG 50)
• USS Thomas S. Gates (CG 51)
• USS Bunker Hill (CG 52)
• USS Mobile Bay (CG 53)
• USS San Jacinto (CG 56)
• USS Lake Champlain (CG 57)
• USS Monterey (CG 61)
• USS Hue City (CG 66)
• USS Anzio (CG 68)
• USS Vella Gulf (CG 72)
• USS Port Royal (CG 73)

Boeing Delivers Two New F-15EX Eagle II Jets to US Air Force Amid Modernization Delays

 On June 6, Boeing delivered two new F-15EX Eagle II fighter jets to the United States Air Force (USAF), designated as EX7 and EX8. These aircraft are set to join the 142nd Airlift Wing, which is part of the Oregon Air National Guard’s Redhawks. With this delivery, the USAF now has six F-15EX aircraft. The Air Force plans to acquire a total of 104 fighters from Boeing, up from the initially planned 80, to replace the aging F-15C/D Eagle fleet and support the F-22 Raptor and F-35A Lightning II fleets.

The modernization of the F-15EX has encountered significant delays due to manufacturing and quality issues identified in the fuselage and cabin assembly since June 2023. The Government Accountability Office has reported that these problems could delay the F-15EX program by up to six months, affecting the US's ability to deploy airpower overseas. For example, the retirement of F-15C/D Eagles left 48 positions vacant at the US Air Force base in Okinawa, disrupting strategic plans. In response, the USAF relocated some F-22 Raptors from Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam in Hawaii and deployed F-16 aircraft. Additionally, two National Guard squadrons in Japan have increased their presence in the region.

The delivery delays also impact foreign customers like Israel, which has requested expedited delivery due to its ongoing conflict with Hamas. Earlier this year, Israel requested a new squadron of 25 F-15EX fighters, an additional squadron of F-35I fighters, and a squadron of AH-64E Apache helicopters to bolster its military capabilities.

The F-15EX Eagle II is an advanced variant of the F-15 fighter, designed to replace older F-15C/D models. It features enhanced avionics, increased payload capacity, and modernized systems for superior performance in contemporary combat scenarios. The aircraft measures approximately 63.8 feet in length, with a wingspan of 42.8 feet and a height of 18.5 feet. Its maximum takeoff weight is about 81,000 pounds, making it one of the most robust fighters in the USAF.

Powered by two Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-229 engines, each producing 29,000 pounds of thrust with afterburners, the F-15EX can exceed speeds of Mach 2.5 and offers exceptional maneuverability. It includes an advanced fly-by-wire control system, a digital cockpit with large-area displays, and an open mission systems architecture for rapid integration of new technologies.

The avionics suite features the Raytheon AN/APG-82[V]1 AESA radar for superior detection and tracking, and the Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System (JHMCS) for enhanced situational awareness and targeting. The aircraft is equipped with the Eagle Passive/Active Warning and Survivability System (EPAWSS) for electronic warfare, and the Advanced Display Core Processor II (ADCP II) for high-speed data processing and mission management.

In terms of armament, the F-15EX can carry a wide range of weapons, including air-to-air missiles like the AIM-120 AMRAAM and AIM-9X Sidewinder, as well as air-to-ground munitions such as JDAM and Small Diameter Bomb (SDB). It also has an internal M61A1 Vulcan 20 mm cannon for close-in combat.

The operational range of the F-15EX is about 1,200 nautical miles without refueling, which can be extended significantly through aerial refueling, allowing it to perform long-range missions and maintain a persistent presence in contested areas.

Russia's UMPB D-30SN Glide Bombs: A Game Changer in Ukraine Conflict

 Kharkiv, a resilient city in Ukraine, has recently endured devastating attacks from Russia's updated Soviet-era glide bombs. On May 25, Russian forces launched two glide bombs on the city. The first bomb hit a hypermarket with about 200 people inside, resulting in approximately 60 deaths and 40 injuries. Shortly after, a second bomb targeted a residential area in central Kharkiv, injuring 14 people.

President Volodymyr Zelenskiy highlighted Ukraine's urgent need for a defense system against these guided bombs, noting that Russia deployed over 3,200 guided bombs against Ukrainian targets in April alone.

These glide bombs are not new but are upgraded versions of older weapons. A glide bomb is a conventional air-dropped bomb modified for remote launching with enhanced accuracy through wing kits and satellite navigation systems, making them "smart" bombs. Originating from World War II's German Fritz X, glide bombs have been used by various nations in conflicts, including the Vietnam War and the Iraq War.

Russia has modernized its Soviet-era FAB-500 and FAB-1500 bombs by adding a Unified Gliding and Correction Module, which includes fold-out wings and satellite navigation. This upgrade transforms them into guided weapons, offering substantial destructive power while reducing risks to aircrews. These glide bombs have become highly effective for Russia in the ongoing war.

According to Ukrainian media, the Russian military used the new UMPB D-30SN glide bombs in the attack on the Kharkiv hypermarket. The UMPB D-30SN is an additional equipment kit for Soviet-standard bombs, specifically the FAB-250 high-explosive bomb. This kit converts a free-falling bomb into a glide bomb by deploying wings, allowing it to glide towards its target and enabling aircraft to release bombs from a safe distance.

The UMPB D-30SN boasts an operational range 20 to 30 km greater than its predecessor, the UMPK. Paired with the 500-kilogram FAB-500 bomb, it can autonomously fly for 60 to 65 km when launched from a high altitude by a fast-moving aircraft. These bombs cause significant damage but lack the precision of guided missiles, making them less effective against mobile targets but highly destructive to buildings and bunkers.

Reports indicate that glide bombs have played a significant role in Russia's territorial gains in Ukraine, particularly in Kharkiv Oblast. The Kyiv Independent warns that these bombs pose a growing threat to Ukraine, which currently lacks effective defenses against them. As Russia continues to deploy glide bombs, experts express concerns about the escalating danger they present.

Ukraine is struggling to counter Russian glide bombs due to advanced Russian electronic jamming. The Ground-Launched Small Diameter Bomb (GLSDB), developed by Boeing and Saab Group and recently supplied to Ukraine, has faced challenges against this jamming. Despite its innovative navigation system, Russian interference has caused many GLSDB bombs to miss their targets.

Air power expert Justin Bronk from the RUSI think tank highlighted Ukraine's difficulties in defending against these bombs. While Ukraine has had some success intercepting high-altitude glide bomb attacks using Patriot launchers, these systems have also been targeted and destroyed by Russian forces.

The ongoing conflict has turned the skies over Ukraine into a high-stakes battleground of technological warfare, with control over glide bomb technology playing a crucial role.

Project-75I: German Shipbuilder to Provide Stealthy AIP Submarines with Lithium-Ion Batteries to Indian Navy

 

The Indian Navy is pursuing the acquisition of six submarines under its Project-75I, which aims to integrate Fuel Cell Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP) technology with Lithium-ion batteries. This combination will enable the submarines to remain submerged for extended periods and move swiftly without compromising their stealth.

The focus of the Indian Navy is not on having the largest or fastest submarines but rather on achieving superior stealth and lethality. German shipbuilder ThyssenKrupp, a leading contender for the contract, has proposed its 214-class submarines, which incorporate advanced AIP technology and are tailored to Indian requirements. These submarines will be an enhanced version of the 214 class, featuring advanced sensors, combat systems, and Lithium-ion batteries, all while maintaining stealth capabilities.

Dr. Christian Frühling, Program Head for Project-75I at ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (tkMS), emphasized that their unique AIP solution and proven submarine design would be game-changing for the Indian Navy. The AIP system provides long-range endurance at low speeds, while the Lithium-ion battery enables high-speed cruising, allowing the submarines to cover extensive areas like the Bay of Bengal while remaining submerged.

The hydrogen-powered AIP technology allows the submarines to stay submerged for up to three weeks, significantly reducing the need to surface and enhancing stealth. The 212 and 214 class submarines operate silently, launching torpedoes stealthily and featuring countermeasures against enemy torpedoes. These submarines can also "bottom" on the ocean floor, conserving energy and extending mission duration while using passive sonar to detect targets.

Efficient energy systems are crucial for the Indian Navy, which currently has only 16 conventional submarines against a requirement for 24. Most of these submarines are over 30 years old, making Project-75I a high priority.

AIP-based submarines are more cost-effective and easier to maintain than nuclear-powered ones. They have modular fuel cell systems and smaller crews. The German government, which initially hesitated when the tender was issued three years ago, now supports the project. In March 2024, the German Navy provided its submarine for the Indian Navy's evaluation.

TkMS, confident in its technology, remains the only company with sea-proven fuel-cell-based AIP systems. The 214-class submarines are already in service with Greece, Portugal, Turkey, and South Korea. The Indian Navy, which operates 209-class submarines, has partnered with Mazagon Dockyard Limited (MDL) for repairs and refurbishments. TkMS and MDL jointly produced four submarines for the Indian Navy and are now bidding together for Project-75I.

In Project-75I, the submarines will be built in India from the first unit onward, with TkMS providing design and critical components. MDL will lead the project, with the first submarine expected to be completed seven years from the contract date, followed by one submarine annually.

The field evaluations for Project-75I are set to conclude by June. Spain's Navantia is also competing for the contract but lacks operational AIP technology. Given India's urgent need for advanced submarines to counter China's growing maritime presence, a government-to-government contract to build these submarines in India is a possibility.