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.

Russian Kazan Submarine Conducts Military Drills Near US Waters Amid Rising Tensions

The Russian missile frigate Admiral Gorshkov and the nuclear-powered Yasen-class cruise missile submarine Kazan recently conducted military exercises near Cuba, signaling to the West amid escalating tensions. The Russian Ministry of Defense announced on June 11 that these vessels were practicing the use of high-precision missile weapons in the Atlantic Ocean.

According to the Ministry, the tactical strike group, comprising the Kazan submarine and the Admiral Gorshkov frigate from the Northern Fleet, performed exercises targeting marine enemies over 600 kilometers away using computer simulations.

These drills coincided with Russia starting the second phase of tactical nuclear exercises with Belarus. Russian state media emphasized these maneuvers as a demonstration of Russia's global influence, countering Western views of its waning power. Reports indicate that the Russian flotilla was monitored by US and allied forces as it moved towards the Caribbean, at times nearing 30-90 miles from Florida.

The Russian vessels were welcomed in Cuba on June 12 for naval exercises set to last until June 17, emphasizing the historical friendship between the two nations. Despite the nuclear capabilities of these ships, Cuba clarified that they would not be armed with nuclear weapons during their stay. The US has stated that these exercises pose no direct threat.

This is not the first instance of Russian-Cuban military collaboration, with annual drills occurring from 2013 to 2020. Analysts note that the presence of the Kazan submarine, known for its stealth, could increase tensions despite US assurances. The Yasen-class submarines, including Kazan, are among the quietest and most sophisticated in the world, enhancing Russia’s defensive and deterrence capabilities.

Kazan, a Yasen-class submarine, is praised for its advanced technology and quiet operation, rivaling the US's modern submarine fleet. Designed by the Malakhit Marine Engineering Bureau and built by Sevmash Shipyard, the 13,800-ton vessel features a quieter nuclear reactor, additional sensors, and new quieting technologies. It is capable of carrying a range of missiles, including hypersonic ones, and can target enemy submarines, ships, ports, and naval bases.

US officials have acknowledged the increasing deployment of these submarines near US waters. Gen. Glen VanHerc of USNORTHCOM noted that Russia's Yasen-class submarines have been operating more frequently in both the Atlantic and the Pacific, posing a growing threat.

While the current exercises with Cuba are downplayed by US officials, military analysts express concerns about potential electronic warfare and intelligence gathering by hostile submarines. The deployment of Yasen-class submarines like Kazan in strategic locations could pose significant risks to the security of the US and its allies in Europe. 

NATO Fighter Pilots Hone Dogfighting Skills Amid Rising Tensions with Russia

Last week, over three dozen fighter pilots from nine NATO countries gathered at Ramstein Air Base in Germany for a unique U.S.-led exercise focused on sharpening air-to-air combat skills and enhancing coordination among allies. The "Ramstein 1v1" event saw pilots from the U.S., U.K., Norway, Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, and Germany engage in basic fighter maneuvers, commonly known as dogfighting. This high-stakes exercise required pilots to make rapid decisions and demonstrate quick reflexes, utilizing a variety of aircraft, including F-35A Lightning IIs, F-16 Fighting Falcons, Eurofighter Typhoons, French Rafales, F/A-18 Hornets, and A-4 Skyhawks.

This event marked a first for the U.S. Air Forces in Europe, transforming Ramstein, typically a military airlift hub, into a fighter base for the day. Lt. Col. Michael Loringer, USAFE’s chief of weapons and tactics, emphasized the importance of such exercises for building fundamental combat skills, reaction time, physical stamina, and situational awareness. He noted that one-on-one dogfighting is critical for building trust in both a pilot's abilities and their aircraft.

The exercise took place as Russia continues to gain ground in Ukraine, in the third year of the conflict. This context has heightened the focus of the U.S. military and its allies on improving aerial combat skills to prepare for potential conflicts with advanced air forces from Russia and China.

In line with these preparations, the Air Force revived the "William Tell" aerial shooter competition last September after a nearly two-decade hiatus due to high operational demands in the Middle East. Air Combat Command has indicated plans for a 2025 William Tell competition, though dates are not yet confirmed. Additionally, NATO pilots will apply their refined offensive and defensive maneuvers at the upcoming Ramstein Flag exercise in Greece at the end of 2024, according to USAFE Commander Gen. James Hecker.

Despite the preparations, Gen. Hecker expressed a desire to avoid conflict with Russia, stressing the importance of having capable forces to deter aggression. The recent exercise at Ramstein also highlighted cooperation and mutual support among NATO allies. U.S. airmen from RAF Lakenheath in England supported the Royal Norwegian Air Force's F-35s, while the 86th Airlift Wing at Ramstein managed installation support and flight operations.

The exercise emphasized readiness and trust-building, culminating in a day of flying and a piano burning ceremony to honor fallen fighter pilots, a tradition dating back to World War II. Lt. Col. Loringer underscored the significance of trust and teamwork, noting that successful military operations often depend on these critical elements. 

Indian Air Force Bolsters Eastern Airbases Amid Rising Tensions with China

 In response to increasing tensions with China, the Indian Air Force (IAF) is upgrading infrastructure at 20 eastern airbases, enhancing capabilities to handle China-centric operations. This includes constructing hardened aircraft shelters, munitions centers, and additional runways to accommodate increased civilian traffic and ensure operational continuity in case of runway damage during conflict.

A notable upgrade is the construction of a second runway at the strategic Leh airbase in Ladakh, a region of frequent India-China military clashes. Leh airbase is essential for maintaining operations along the Line of Actual Control with China and Siachen. The base supports night operations for fighters and transport aircraft, including Rafales, MiG-29s, Sukhoi-30s, and Apaches, and is vital for transporting troops and supplies during harsh winters when road access is limited.

The IAF’s infrastructure development extends to other key bases. Satellite imagery from April 2024 revealed significant enhancements at the Chabua Air Base, near the China border. Upgrades include additional taxiways, hardened shelters for fighter aircraft, underground munitions storage, and improved taxiways for drones, ensuring sustained high-tempo operations if tensions escalate.

In Ladakh, a new 2.7-km runway at Nyoma airbase, located 23 kilometers from the China border, is set for completion in October 2024. The new runway, at an elevation of 13,700 feet, will enhance IAF operations. Support infrastructure, such as hangars, air traffic control buildings, and hard standing areas, will be ready by the end of 2025. Nyoma airstrip, operational during the 1962 India-China war, was reactivated in 2009 and has since supported various military aircraft, including the C-130J Super Hercules.

China has been ramping up its air assets along the LAC since the 2020 Galwan standoff. Recent satellite images show the deployment of China’s Chengdu J-20 Mighty Dragon 5th-generation fighter jets at Shigatse Air Base, only 150 kilometers from the LAC. The base also hosts J-10 aircraft and KJ-500 Airborne early warning and control aircraft, posing a strategic challenge to India's Rafale-equipped Hasimara Air Base in West Bengal.

The Shigatse base, with its new 3,000-meter auxiliary runway and multiple helipads, is strategically located along the central China-India border, close to the Doklam area, site of a 2017 standoff. The oblique angle of the new runway complicates enemy strikes aiming to disable both runways simultaneously.

China’s infrastructure expansion along the LAC since 2020, which includes new airbases, missile sites, roads, bridges, bunkers, and underground facilities, has significantly enhanced its military capabilities. The Hotan airbase in Xinjiang now features a new runway, additional tarmacs, hangars, and upgraded air defenses.

According to the China Power Project at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), China has upgraded dozens of airports and heliports in Tibet and Xinjiang, improving last-mile connectivity and enabling a wider range of military operations. Open-source data identifies 37 newly constructed or upgraded air facilities in these regions since 2017, with at least 22 being military or dual-use. The accelerated development in 2020, including the construction and upgrading of 14 air facilities, fills previous gaps along the Indian border, providing the PLA Air Force (PLAAF) new bases to project airpower against India.

Pakistan's Potential Nuclear Submarine Program Challenges Indian Naval Strategy

 Pakistan is considering enhancing its naval capabilities by equipping its under-construction Chinese submarines with nuclear-tipped missiles, potentially altering the strategic balance for the Indian Navy.

Delays due to fiscal constraints had postponed the acquisition of S-26 Hangor class submarines from China. Initially expected by the end of 2023, the first of these Yuan-class submarines was launched in May 2024.

Once eight of these submarines, equipped with Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP), join the Pakistan Navy, they will significantly boost the country’s offensive sea denial strategy, which emphasizes the use of submarines and missile-carrying maritime patrol aircraft. Expected to be operational by the late 2020s and early 2030s, the addition will increase the number of AIP-equipped submarines in the Pakistan Navy to 11.

Recent reports suggest that the Hangor class may not be a purely conventional attack submarine. Retired Pakistani naval officers have discussed on state television that Islamabad is aiming for an “assured” second-strike capability.

According to a Quwa report, Vice Admiral Ahmed Saeed and Rear Admiral Saleem Akhtar, both retired officials, talked about acquiring Hangor-class submarines from China. Saeed suggested these submarines would be a "hybrid," balancing conventional attack capabilities with nuclear potential.

While retrofitting the Hangor class with nuclear reactors is unlikely, Pakistan could deploy Tactical Nuclear Warheads (TNWs) on these submarines. Building nuclear-powered submarines is costly and complex, as noted by retired Commodore Anil Jai Singh, making it improbable even with Chinese assistance.

Pakistan has been developing TNWs since its first nuclear test in 1998. These smaller, portable weapons are designed for battlefield use rather than as strategic deterrents. The Hangor-class submarines will likely use a variant of the Babur-3 Sea-Launched Cruise Missile (SLCM), first tested in 2018 with a range of 450 km. The Babur-3 is a critical component of Pakistan’s “credible second-strike capability,” according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

Vice Admiral Saeed emphasized that while the Hangor class is not a dedicated nuclear platform, the Pakistan Navy seeks to fire nuclear weapons from the sea, potentially requiring just one or two dedicated submarines. However, the Hangor class would primarily manage conventional roles and only strategic duties part-time.

Commodore Singh expressed doubts about the effectiveness of a single nuclear-armed submarine in the Pakistan Navy. He suggested that China might lease one to Pakistan in the future, but this remains uncertain.

Indian Navy's Concerns

While Pakistan cannot independently design and develop a nuclear-powered submarine, it may be exploring the possibility as part of a long-term strategy. China's support in arming Pakistan with such a submarine would challenge the Indian Navy’s dominance in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). China has already been supplying submarines to Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Myanmar, creating a competitive underwater environment in the IOR.

Retired Captain Anurag Bisen highlighted that a Pakistani submarine armed with TNWs would constrain the Indian Navy's deployment of its aircraft carriers until the submarine is accounted for.

India has been adopting a flexible deterrence approach against China and Pakistan. In March, New Delhi successfully tested the long-range ballistic missile Agni-V, featuring Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle (MIRV) technology, enhancing the survivability of its nuclear missiles.

Despite the potential threat from TNWs, Commodore Singh remains optimistic, questioning whether Pakistan has considered India's likely retaliation, as stated in its nuclear doctrine. Using TNWs is complicated and risky, making their actual deployment a significant gamble for Pakistan.

White House Criticizes Shipbuilding and Defense Measures in FY25 Defense Bill

 

The White House issued a statement on Tuesday critiquing various elements of the House’s fiscal 2025 defense policy bill ahead of upcoming votes.

While the statement commended the House Armed Services Committee for its bipartisan efforts on the $884 billion bill, it highlighted concerns over provisions related to shipbuilding, the formation of an Army drone corps, missile defense, and pricing transparency for defense contractors.

The White House also pressed Congress to establish an Indo-Pacific Security Assistance Initiative, which the bill lacks despite a Pentagon request for a program similar to the one aiding Ukraine.

“The administration looks forward to continuing to work with Congress to set appropriate and responsible levels of defense and non-defense spending to support the security of the nation,” stated the White House’s Office of Management and Budget, expressing a desire to collaborate on addressing concerns.

Despite its objections, the White House did not issue a veto threat but warned that this could change if the House adopts certain socially conservative amendments proposed by the Republican right-flank during this week’s votes.

Last year, Republicans adopted a similar strategy, turning a bipartisan bill into a partisan one with amendments from the Freedom Caucus. However, these provisions were removed during Senate negotiations, resulting in a bipartisan compromise bill for FY24 in December.

The Senate Armed Services Committee is set to mark up its version of the FY25 defense policy bill later this week.

House Armed Services Chairman Mike Rogers (R-Ala.) and Rep. Adam Smith (D-Wash.), the committee’s top Democrat, urged the Rules Committee to prioritize non-divisive amendments out of the 1,386 proposed.

“The bill we are presenting today is truly bipartisan,” said Rogers, noting that it advanced 57-1 last month. Smith added that efforts to restrict reproductive healthcare or LGBTQ rights would pose significant problems, as would any attempt to block the Department of Defense’s inclusivity efforts.

Shipbuilding Disagreements

Aside from potential social policy conflicts, the Armed Services Committee is at odds with defense appropriators over their draft spending bill, which overrides several provisions in the defense policy bill. For instance, the draft FY25 defense spending bill does not fund the policy bill’s $1 billion authorization for a second Virginia-class attack submarine, aligning with the White House and Navy’s decision to fund only one due to production delays.

“The authorization of incremental funding for a second [Virginia-class submarine] would result in a significant unplanned bill in FY26,” noted the White House statement. The Biden administration encourages Congress to support near-term submarine industrial base investments instead.

The Armed Services Committee argues that dropping a second Virginia-class vessel in FY25 will set back companies further down the submarine supply chain. The defense policy bill also cuts $1.17 billion in procurement of a frigate for FY25, drawing further White House objections.

Additionally, the White House opposed a provision blocking the retirement of guided-missile cruisers, arguing that ships like the USS Shiloh and USS Lake Erie are too costly to modernize and restore.

Army and Missile Defense

The White House strongly opposes the bill’s provision to create a drone corps within the Army, citing concerns over specialization and flexibility. It also opposes establishing a third continental missile interceptor site on the east coast by 2030, arguing there is no operational need for such a site, with 20 Next-Generation Interceptors to be fielded in Alaska by 2028.

Defense Contractor Pricing Data

The White House also objects to a provision raising the cap for obtaining certified cost or pricing data from subcontractors to $5 million, up from $2 million. This change would reduce the incentive for prime contractors to negotiate fair contracts with subcontractors, creating unnecessary taxpayer risks.

The Project on Government Oversight, a watchdog group, also opposes this provision, arguing it would allow prime contractors to provide outdated historical data to justify price hikes, complicating the contracting officers’ ability to determine fair pricing.

Scrapped KNDS-Leonardo Deal Threatens Italian Leopard 2 Tank Acquisition

 

The major Italian plan to acquire Leopard tanks is at risk after the cooperation agreement between tank manufacturer KNDS and Italy’s Leonardo was abruptly terminated due to disagreements over technology transfer.

Initially announced in December 2023, the partnership between Leonardo and the German-French alliance aimed to give Leonardo a significant role in Italy’s planned purchase of 130 Leopard tanks. Leonardo intended to integrate its own components and electronics into the tanks, which were to be assembled at its facility in La Spezia, Italy. However, KNDS announced on Tuesday that Leonardo’s demands exceeded what KNDS was willing to provide.

Frank Haun, KNDS CEO, emphasized the importance of maintaining the Leopard 2 as the standard battle tank for Europe and NATO, citing its contribution to interoperability and joint combat power. He stated, “The parties did not manage to agree on configuration.”

Following KNDS’s announcement, Leonardo released its own statement acknowledging the breakdown in negotiations and reaffirming its commitment to supplying the Italian Army with a high-performing, interoperable, and modern solution. Leonardo also hinted at future collaborations with other international partners.

The failure of these talks could impact Italy's plans for a new tracked fighting vehicle and Leonardo's potential stake in KNDS, which would have supported the consolidation of the European land defense industry. Haun confirmed that discussions about Leonardo’s strategic participation in KNDS also fell through.

KNDS, a consortium of Germany’s Krauss-Maffei Wegmann and France’s Nexter, appears to prioritize national interests despite political pressure to create industry synergies in response to Russian aggression and global competition. An industry insider indicated that KNDS’s offer to Italy lacked any technology transfer, which was unacceptable given Leonardo’s capability to integrate its own systems.

A Leonardo official mentioned earlier this year that the Italian firm considered supplying components such as an electro-optical sensor, software-defined radio, the command and control system, and possibly the gun barrel for the tanks. Another source suggested that Italy might cancel its Leopard tank purchase despite parliamentary approval, possibly opting for the Rheinmetall Panther KF51, even though it is only a prototype.

Last year’s cooperation agreement between Leonardo and KNDS also included a potential €5 billion program to build 1,050 tracked fighting vehicles. Leonardo and Italy’s Iveco Defence Vehicles are currently choosing a European partner for the A2CS program, with candidates including KNDS (proposing its Boxer vehicle) and Rheinmetall (offering its Lynx).

The breakdown of the KNDS-Leonardo deal complicates future collaborations, including Italy’s entry into the European battle tank program known as the Main Ground Combat System (MGCS), which KNDS is managing.