Marines' Landing Ship Delayed and Over Budget: Navy Faces Costly Challenges

 The development of a crucial vessel for the Marine Corps, intended for potential conflicts in island regions such as the Pacific, is experiencing significant delays and cost overruns. Originally planned for delivery in 2023, the Navy's landing ship medium program will now award its design and construction contract in fiscal year 2025, two years later than expected, according to the Government Accountability Office’s Annual Weapons Systems Assessment.

Initiated in 2020 to procure 35 stern landing vessels, the project aims to create ships that blend commercial design elements to reduce detectability and enhance maneuverability for Marine littoral regiments. Currently, testing is being conducted using a modified commercial watercraft capable of direct beach landings.

Assistant Commandant Gen. Christopher Mahoney explained the ship's role: "It is a shore-to-shore logistics connector to transport heavy items that can't be flown in or brought by larger ships, allowing maneuvering and sustaining positions."

Key features of the landing ship medium include:

• Length: 200 to 400 feet
• Draft: 12 feet
• Crew: Approximately 70 sailors
• Capacity: 50 Marines and 648 short tons of equipment
• Deck cargo space: 8,000 square feet
• Speed: 14 knots with a cruising range of 3,500 nautical miles
• Beach landing capability: Roll-on/roll-off for 1:40 grade beaches
• Helicopter pad
• Armament: Two 30 mm guns and six .50-caliber guns
• Service life: 20 years

The first of three planned regiments became operational in 2023. However, the Navy is devising a bridging strategy as it continues to experiment with modified commercial vessels. These interim solutions require significant modifications, each costing around $115 million.

A Congressional Research Services report updated in April suggested that Congress could consider adapting the Army's existing fleet of logistics support vessels to meet some Marine requirements. The Army, with over 100 such vessels, has shifted its logistics focus to the Pacific, aligning with Marine needs.

The Navy plans to award the construction contract in March 2025, with the first ship expected by January 2029. Operational testing is slated for completion by July 2030, with initial capability projected for December 2034.

The program's costs have escalated significantly. The Congressional Budget Office estimates the initial 18-ship program to cost between $6.2 billion and $7.8 billion, or $340 million to $430 million per ship. This is nearly triple the original estimate of $2.6 billion, or $150 million per ship. Should the Navy procure the full fleet of 35 landing ships, the total cost could reach between $11.9 billion and $15 billion.

Congress Approves Israel F-15 Sale Amid Controversy Over U.S. Bomb Shipment Hold

 The White House has persuaded two influential Democrats to lift their hold on an $18 billion sale of F-15 fighter jets to Israel. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has criticized the Biden administration for delaying the shipment of thousands of heavy bombs to Israel.

Representative Gregory Meeks of New York and Senator Ben Cardin of Maryland, leading Democrats on foreign affairs panels, confirmed they have ended their months-long blockade on the sale of 50 Boeing-made F-15 fighter jets, Raytheon-made Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles, and Boeing-made Joint Direct Attack Munitions kits.

Netanyahu released a video in English criticizing President Joe Biden for the pause on the delivery of about 3,500 air-to-ground munitions, including 500- and 2,000-pound bombs, since April. Netanyahu highlighted this issue during a recent meeting with Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

“It is inconceivable that in the past few months, the administration has been withholding weapons and ammunition to Israel,” Netanyahu said, emphasizing that Israel is America's closest ally in the fight against Iran and other common enemies. Secretary Blinken assured him that efforts are ongoing to resolve these delays.

The Washington Post reported that Meeks and Cardin lifted their hold on the F-15 sale, which is not expected for delivery until the end of the decade, due to pressure from the Biden administration and pro-Israel advocates. Additionally, the Biden administration is considering lifting its own hold on the 3,500 heavy bombs intended for immediate delivery to Israel.

A National Security Council spokesperson told Defense News that discussions with Israel about the munitions release are ongoing but provided no further updates. Blinken stated that the U.S. continues to review the heavy bomb delivery but noted that other military supplies are proceeding as usual.

Biden paused the heavy bomb shipment in May ahead of Israel’s Rafah offensive in Gaza, citing concerns over civilian casualties in a conflict that has caused significant loss of life and brought the region to the brink of famine. The last U.S. president to withhold weapons shipments to Israel was Ronald Reagan in 1982, following civilian casualties in Lebanon.

Meeks, who initially blocked the F-15 sale due to concerns about civilian casualties and humanitarian aid restrictions, reversed his stance after discussions with the White House and National Security Council. He emphasized the need for Israel to improve humanitarian efforts and limit civilian casualties.

Despite Meeks lifting the hold weeks ago, the State Department has not formally notified Congress of the F-15 sale or a separate $1 billion sale of tank ammunition and tactical vehicles. Such notifications would trigger a congressional review period where critics could seek to block the sales.

Congress has also introduced legislation to counter Biden’s bomb shipment pause and restrict the president’s authority to delay future arms transfers to Israel. The House’s fiscal 2025 defense spending bill includes a provision to prevent the Pentagon from withholding defense articles or services for Israel and mandates the transfer of withheld weapons within 15 days.

The Appropriations Committee advanced this bill, which will be voted on by the full House soon. Additionally, some Democrats joined Republicans to pass a bill reversing Biden’s bomb hold, though the Democratic-controlled Senate has not held a vote due to a White House veto threat.

Congress has invited Netanyahu to address a joint session on July 24, with key leaders from both parties supporting the invitation. Senators Lindsey Graham and Cory Booker also convened a private meeting with CEOs to urge continued arms sales to Israel. Palantir CEO Alex Karp and Booz Allen Hamilton CEO Horacio Rozanski were reportedly among the attendees.

Armenia Shifts Defense Strategy: Exploring Barak 8 Missile System Amidst Diversification Efforts

 

Armenia is gradually moving away from its dependence on Russian arms suppliers, adopting more favorable domestic and international policies. Notably, Armenia is showing interest in the Barak 8 surface-to-air missile system, a joint development between India and Israel, also known as LR-SAM or MR-SAM.

The Barak 8 missile system is a collaborative effort between India’s Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI). It is designed to provide a comprehensive air defense solution against various aerial threats. The system includes multifunctional surveillance and threat alert radar, a command and control system, and mobile launchers, ensuring robust defense capabilities.

The Barak 8 missile measures approximately 4.5 meters in length and 0.225 meters in diameter, with a weight of around 275 kilograms. Its lightweight design allows deployment on various platforms, including naval ships and land-based launchers. The missile's advanced features include an active radar seeker for precise target tracking and engagement, a two-way data link for mid-course guidance updates, and a thrust vector control system that enhances agility and maneuverability.

The Barak 8 system consists of several key components and subsystems: the missile itself, a vertical launch system (VLS) for rapid deployment, the EL/M-2248 MF-STAR radar for target detection and tracking, and a command and control system for mission planning and execution. This integration ensures a comprehensive and effective air defense capability.

With an operational range of approximately 70-100 kilometers, the Barak 8 missile can engage threats at significant distances, providing wide-area coverage and enhancing the defensive perimeter of protected assets. It is effective against various aerial threats, including aircraft, helicopters, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and missiles, making it a versatile tool for modern air defense.

Armenia is seeking more modern and effective equivalents to its current surface-to-air missile systems, such as the Russian-developed S-300 system, which defends against aircraft, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles. The Armenian military also operates the highly mobile Tor-M2KM system, capable of engaging a variety of aerial threats, and the 9K33 Osa system, which provides short-range air defense against aircraft and helicopters.

Armenia has shown interest in the Akash-NG, an advanced variant of the Indian Akash missile system. However, the Indian government has not yet approved the production of the Akash-NG, meaning it might take at least three years for Armenia to acquire it. Given these circumstances, Armenia is currently favoring the MR-SAM due to its immediate availability and established production capabilities.

US Hypersonic Weapon Program Delayed to 2025 as China and Russia Forge Ahead

 The United States' endeavor to bridge the technological gap with China and Russia in the hypersonic weapons race has hit another roadblock, with the deployment of the Long Range Hypersonic Weapon System (LRHWS) now delayed until fiscal year 2025.

A report released by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) on June 17 reveals that the US Army will not be able to field its first LRHW battery until 2025 due to complications with the launcher and launch sequence. The LRHW, also known as 'Dark Eagle,' is a trailer-launched missile system with an estimated range of over 1,700 miles and a top speed of Mach 17, or 3.6 miles per second.

Despite the setback, the Department of Defense (DoD) is committed to resolving these issues and plans to test the missile and launcher together by the end of fiscal year 2024. The GAO report indicates that the Army's initial goal to field its first LRHW battery by fiscal year 2023 was missed due to integration challenges. Based on current schedules, the complete battery won't be fielded until 2025.

Even with a successful launch, the GAO warns of potential further delays due to concerns about missile performance during flight tests. Officials have indicated that performance issues could necessitate additional postponements. Once a fielding decision is made, the Army aims to have the eight missiles required for a battery ready within 11 months.

This delay is significant given the escalating hypersonic arms race. In September 2023, the Army acknowledged missing its original target of fielding the first battery by the end of fiscal 2023 due to launcher problems. Doug Bush, the head of Army acquisition, noted that a new plan was being developed, but this too has faced challenges.

Since 2021, the LRHW program has experienced multiple test failures, attributed to missile malfunctions and launcher issues. The GAO reported the cancellation of two tests in 2023. Meanwhile, China and Russia have successfully deployed several hypersonic weapons, with the US struggling to keep pace. For example, the US Air Force canceled the AGM-183A Air-launched Rapid Response Weapon (ARRW) program after several failed tests. Although the USAF is focusing on the Hypersonic Attack Cruise Missile (HACM), its deployment is still distant.

In June 2022, the Navy faced a setback when an Intermediate-Range Conventional Prompt Strike (IRCPS) missile test experienced an in-flight anomaly. Despite swift corrective actions, the fielding schedule has slipped. The Navy is now developing the Hypersonic Air-Launched Offensive Anti-Surface Warfare (HALO) program, expected to be ready by 2029.

China, the US's primary adversary, has advanced significantly in hypersonic capabilities, unveiling the DF-27 and an air-launched variant of the YJ-21 in the past year. Russia has already deployed the Kinzhal and Zircon hypersonic weapons in combat. Even nations like Iran and North Korea are alleged to have operational hypersonic weapons, highlighting the urgency for the US to resolve its technological challenges.

The GAO's recent report paints a concerning picture as the 'Dark Eagle' was intended to be the US Army's first hypersonic weapon. Army spokeswoman Ellen Lovett emphasized that for operational security, test timings cannot be disclosed in advance. The continuous delays due to technical issues hamper the US's progress in the hypersonic domain.

The LRHW, part of a collaboration between the Army and Navy, includes four trailer-based launchers, each with two canister missiles transported on M870 trailers, and a command vehicle overseeing operations. The Dark Eagle's design features an unpowered hypersonic boost-glide vehicle launched by a rocket booster to achieve hypersonic speeds.

Lockheed Martin, tasked with integrating the Army’s hypersonic capabilities, is under a $756 million contract to enhance the LRHW. With rival states achieving significant advancements, it is critical for the US to overcome these technical hurdles and deploy its hypersonic weapons soon.

China to Expand Nuclear Arsenal by 90 Warheads by End of 2024

 China is set to significantly increase its nuclear warhead count by at least 90 by the end of 2024, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). SIPRI, which has been tracking global armaments for many years, reports that China's nuclear arsenal has grown from 410 warheads in 2022 to approximately 500 currently. This expansion highlights China’s rapid efforts to enhance its military power, although it still lags behind the US and Russia.

Globally, there are 3,904 nuclear warheads ready for launch, with an additional 5,681 in storage, totaling an alarming 9,585 warheads. Among smaller nuclear powers, India holds 172 warheads, Pakistan has 170, North Korea has about 50, and Israel maintains around 90. North Korea, with sufficient nuclear material, could potentially increase its arsenal to 90 warheads.

The transparency of nuclear arsenals has decreased since the US and Russia paused the New START Treaty in 2023, which previously aimed to limit these arsenals. This has contributed to an arms race, with nations enhancing their nuclear capabilities and developing new launchers and ballistic missile submarines. The ongoing investigations into Iran’s nuclear development and escalating international tensions further exacerbate the situation.

Russia and the United States currently possess the largest number of nuclear warheads, with 5,580 and 5,244 respectively. They account for nearly 90% of the world's total nuclear arsenal. Of these, 3,904 warheads are deployed on missiles and aircraft, marking an increase of 60 from the previous year. This includes 1,710 from Russia and 1,770 from the United States. China is estimated to have 24 warheads deployed on missiles.

SIPRI Director Dan Smith highlights that while the total number of nuclear warheads globally continues to decline as Cold War-era weapons are dismantled, there is an annual increase in the number of operational warheads. This trend is expected to accelerate in the coming years, raising significant concerns.

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg has emphasized ongoing discussions about possibly deploying additional nuclear weapons within the alliance. He underscores the need to demonstrate NATO’s nuclear capabilities to potential adversaries. Stoltenberg notes that China, Russia, and North Korea are the main challenges for NATO and points out China’s significant nuclear arsenal expansion. He forecasts that by 2030, China's nuclear stockpile could reach about 80% of the size of the US and Russian arsenals.

The production of nuclear warheads involves the extraction and refinement of fissile material, primarily uranium-235 and plutonium-239. Uranium-235 is enriched from natural uranium, while plutonium-239 is produced in nuclear reactors. The fissile material is then fashioned into a core or 'pit' surrounded by a tamper and encased in a high-explosive shell designed to compress the core to a supercritical state when detonated.

The warhead’s triggering mechanism involves conventional explosives arranged to ensure symmetrical compression of the fissile core. Advanced designs may also include a neutron initiator to ensure a rapid and sustained chain reaction. The warhead is then integrated into a delivery system, such as a missile or bomb, with rigorous testing and quality control to ensure reliability and safety. Modern warheads include sophisticated electronics for arming, fuzing, and firing, as well as safety mechanisms to prevent accidental detonation.

Throughout the production process, strict security and non-proliferation measures are enforced to prevent unauthorized use or dissemination of nuclear technology, with oversight by organizations such as the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

Pakistan's Bold 15% Defense Budget Hike Amid Economic Crisis

 

In a surprising move, Pakistan has increased its defense budget by 15% for the fiscal year 2024-25, raising it to $7.6 billion. This hike is part of a larger $67 billion national budget, signaling a commitment to military strength despite economic difficulties.

On June 12, the Pakistani government announced this significant increase in defense spending, which now stands at $7.6 billion (Rs 2,122 billion). This is a notable rise from the previous year’s $6.4 billion (Rs 1,804 billion) and the $5.4 billion (Rs 1,523 billion) in 2022-23. Despite this rise, defense spending as a percentage of GDP remains at 1.7%, consistent with previous years.

The new budget allocates $7.61 billion (Rs 2,128 billion) to defense affairs and services, with significant portions dedicated to employee-related costs ($2.91 billion), operating expenses ($1.83 billion), physical assets ($1.96 billion), and civil works ($0.87 billion).

Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb presented the budget, which is the first for the coalition government of the Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) and Pakistan Peoples Party since the February 8 elections.

The Pakistan Economic Survey 2023-24 reveals a decreasing trend in defense spending as a percentage of GDP, from 2.6% in 2020 to 1.7% in 2024. This trend continues into 2025, with the defense budget still representing 1.7% of GDP.

Transparency in Pakistan’s defense budget is a concern, particularly for neighboring India. Significant expenditures, including those related to the nuclear weapons program and paramilitary forces, are reportedly excluded from the official defense budget. Additionally, military assistance from countries like the US and China is not reflected in the budget figures.

Pakistan faces severe economic challenges, with defense spending being the second-largest annual expenditure after debt repayments, which are projected to reach $35 billion next year. By March 2024, Pakistan’s total public debt was $241.16 billion, with substantial portions owed to China, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.

In a bid to avoid economic collapse, Pakistan is negotiating with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for a bailout of $6-8 billion. The IMF has made future agreements conditional on the approval of the 2024-25 budget.

The 2024-25 budget aims to achieve economic stability, reduce the public debt-to-GDP ratio, and improve the country’s balance of payments. It also seeks to revitalize the private sector and stimulate economic growth.

Pakistan relies heavily on China for its defense imports, with China being the main supplier of key military equipment. From 2019 to 2023, 82% of Pakistan’s arms imports came from China, including frigates, artillery guns, UAVs, attack helicopters, and fighter jets.

In summary, while Pakistan continues to invest in its military capabilities, the balance between economic stability and defense spending remains delicate. The country’s future will depend on its ability to manage this balance without compromising its economic and military ambitions.

New Su-34 Deliveries to Russian Forces Struggle to Offset Heavy Losses in 2024

 

The United Aviation Corporation (UAC) recently announced via Telegram on June 17 that they have delivered new Su-34 Fullback fighter-bombers to the Russian Aerospace Forces (VKS or RuAF). Although the exact number was not specified, images suggest that two aircraft were delivered. 

This delivery is part of a scheduled state order, as stated by Vladimir Artyakov, first deputy general director of Rostec. He emphasized that Rostec aviation enterprises are maintaining consistent aircraft deliveries according to the year's production plan. Yuriy Slyusar, General Director of UAC, highlighted the company's efforts to enhance production, including recruiting over 600 new employees in Novosibirsk this year.

This marks the second delivery of Su-34s in 2024, with the first in April, where UAC showcased two planes taking off. Since January, only four Su-34s have been delivered. However, reports suggest Russia is struggling to offset significant losses, with at least five Su-34s reportedly destroyed in a Ukrainian drone attack on June 14 and claims of ten more shot down earlier in the year. Visual confirmations indicate Russia has lost 26 Su-34s since the invasion began in February 2022.

The Su-34 has become a key asset for the Russian VKS in Ukraine, capable of carrying FAB-500M62 homing bombs. Despite a decrease in air-to-surface missile attacks, the use of cruise bombs has increased. These bombs, equipped with flight control surfaces, allow for launches from a distance, reducing vulnerability to enemy defenses.

The Su-34 Fullback, developed by the Sukhoi Design Bureau, is a twin-engine, all-weather supersonic medium-range fighter-bomber designed for tactical deployment against ground and naval targets and reconnaissance missions. It replaces the older Su-24 Fencer in the Russian Air Force.

The Su-34 measures approximately 23.34 meters in length, with a wingspan of 14.7 meters and a height of 6.09 meters, providing substantial payload capacity and versatility. It is powered by two Saturn AL-31F turbofan engines, each providing 123 kN of thrust, allowing for a maximum speed of Mach 1.8.

Equipped with advanced avionics, including the Leninets V004 radar and the Khibiny ECM suite, the Su-34 offers enhanced combat capabilities. Its digital fly-by-wire control system and modern glass cockpit with multifunctional displays improve maneuverability and pilot efficiency. The Su-34 carries a wide array of air-to-ground munitions and air-to-air missiles, along with a 30mm GSh-30-1 cannon.

With a combat radius of approximately 1,100 kilometers and a ferry range of up to 4,000 kilometers with external tanks, the Su-34 can also be refueled in flight, extending its operational range and mission endurance.

Despite its advanced capabilities, the Su-34's production struggles to keep pace with battlefield losses, highlighting the challenges facing the Russian Aerospace Forces in the ongoing conflict.