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Croatia triples its helicopter fleet with the purchase of eight additional UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters STRATFORD, Conn., July 12 2024 – Croatia has officially purchased eight additional UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters built by Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company (NYSE: LMT), via U.S. government Foreign Military Sale, bringing the country’s Black Hawk fleet total to 12. The deal, which includes aircraft, organizational equipment, spare and repair parts, and associated support equipment, is a critical investment by Croatia and significantly bolsters its self-defense and security in the region and that of the NATO alliance. “We deeply value Croatia’s continued trust in the Black Hawk helicopter, which is operated by the U.S. and more than 35 other nations, including NATO allies, offering unmatched global and regional interoperability,” said Hamid Salim, vice president, of Army and Air Force Systems at Sikorsky. “Croatia’s decision to acquire eight more of the latest generation UH-60M Black Hawks for its Armed Forces, tripling its fleet, will support ongoing modernization efforts and strengthen the Balkan region’s ability to deter current and future threats.” Croatia’s Black Hawks can support a range of roles, including troop lift, border security, counter-terrorism, medical evacuation, search-and-rescue, resupply or external lift, and combat support. All nations operating the Black Hawk, including a significant and growing number of NATO member nations, benefit from a range of operational capabilities and a global ecosystem of more than 5,000 Hawk aircraft produced. Additionally, continued global investment in the UH-60M/S-70M Black Hawk has proven the aircraft the top choice for modernizing and replacing legacy medium-lift utility helicopter fleets. The Black Hawk has the flexibility to conduct various operations at greater ranges and in the most challenging environments, increasing survivability and overall effectiveness for 21st Century Security® missions. Source: https://lnkd.in/ec9utUp4 Lockheed Martin Vertical Magazine Vertical Aviation International RotorHub International

US Ships Air Defense Systems to Syria

The ten-year military modernization plan is crucial for the Armed Forces of the Philippines as Manila intensifies its stance against China's attempts to claim more maritime territories in the South China Sea, known as the West Philippine Sea. https://lnkd.in/dGsiGUme

WHY? The two U.S. Navy amphibs that were deployed to the Red Sea to deter Iranian-allied Houthi rebels have now been withdrawn to the Mediterranean, though attacks by Houthi forces continue unabated. On Thursday, USS Bataan and USS Carter Hall - two-thirds of the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) - transited north through the Suez Canal. They are headed to meet up with the third vessel in their unit, USS Mesa Verde, and will reassemble as a full ARG. The departing amphibs take with them a group of about 100 Marines who had training to serve as embarked maritime security teams for merchant vessels. Other Marine Corps members of the ARG are designated special-operations-ready forces for complex missions, like hostage rescue. So far, the Biden administration has chosen not to use these capabilities (or other U.S. Navy and SOCOM assets) to counter the Houthi threat to merchant shipping. Since the beginning of the Israeli operation in Gaza, Houthi rebels have seized one Israeli-linked merchant ship and launched more than 100 drones and missiles at vessel targets in the Red Sea, including U.S. Navy warships.

The Japan Self Defense Force (JSDF) intends to station a mobile radar system on Kita Daito Island in the Philippine Sea to expand Japan’s capabilities in the area. Japan Ministry of Defense (MoD) Minister Minoru Kihara announced that the Ministry of Defense and JSDF on Thursday had told the Kita Daito Island Village its intention to deploy a Japan Air Self-Defense Force mobile radar system on the island which is located 225 miles east of Okinawa. Kita Daito Island is an important location in ensuring continuous surveillance around Japan, given it lies on the Pacific side of the Miyako Strait located between Miyako Island and Okinawa, Kihara said. A timeframe to deployment has not yet been made but the MoD wants to deploy the radar as soon as possible following consultations with the residents of the island, he said. Meanwhile, the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) held a live fire exercise on Wednesday. The 31st MEU sank a moving training target vessel during an expeditionary strike exercise according to a United States Marine Corps release on Thursday. An AH-1Z Viper attack helicopter, attached to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262 Reinforced, 31st MEU, fired a live AGM-179 Joint Air-to-Ground Missile (JAGM), striking a towed moving training vessel during a training mission at sea. A JAGM is a precision-guided munition for use against high value stationary, moving, and relocatable land and maritime targets. The missile can be used to defend key maritime terrain against a wide-range of targets from armored vehicles to maritime patrol craft during conflict. The success of this expeditionary strike demonstrates the 31st MEU’s capability to deliver precision strikes at sea and safeguard a free and open Indo-Pacific. #japan #defense #jsdf #radarsystem #nationalsecurity #marinecorps #meu #expeditionary #strikewarfare #conflict

In a recent joint exercise, American and Philippine Marines showcased their commitment to defense and cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region. The exercise, known as Kamandag, took place on the island of Palawan and involved approximately 2,000 troops from both countries. The timing of the exercise is significant, as tensions have been rising in the South China Sea. Chinese coast guard and maritime militia have engaged in confrontations with Philippine vessels attempting to resupply the BRP Sierra Madre, a World War II-era vessel serving as a territorial outpost at Second Thomas Shoal. The Kamandag exercise aims to enhance the defense capabilities of the participating forces. During the 12-day exercise, troops focused on various skills, including surveillance of surrounding waters, coastal defense, patrolling, jungle survival, and operating RQ-20 Puma surveillance drones. The joint exercise not only strengthens the military readiness of both nations but also reinforces their commitment to defending shared interests and maintaining regional stability. It underscores the enduring partnership between the United States and the Philippines in addressing security challenges in the Asia-Pacific region. #AsiaPacificTheater #JointExercises #DefenseCooperation #SouthChinaSea #KamandagExercise #MarineCorps #USMarines #PhilippineMarines #Palawan #RegionalStability

The 26th MEU(SOC) is the premier crisis response force - #Ready Marines on ships provide the Geographic Combatant Commanders options. There is nothing else like it. Time and time again, the MEU has demonstrated its operational flexibility, utility, and relevance - this time is no different!  // SECDEF has directed the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit to move into the region adding to the DOD's broader efforts to signal the U.S.'s commitment to ensuring Israel's security and deter any state or non-state actor from seeking to escalate the war.  "The 26th MEU is an adaptable military force composed of infantry, aviation and logistics components, all operating under one command," Singh said. "Positioned at sea, the 26th MEU is equipped to execute amphibious missions, respond to crises and engage in limited contingency operations across a spectrum of military scenarios."  https://lnkd.in/dA7g5JZF

Philippines prepares to boost defence spending to $6.2bn by 2029 | 'the Philippines is gearing up for a boost in defence spending, with plans to allocate $6.2bn US by 2029, according to a forecast by GlobalData' 'While financial constraints pose challenges, the Philippines remains steadfast in its commitment to enhancing defence capabilities through strategic acquisitions. Focusing on maritime and air defence, the country aims to navigate regional complexities and safeguard its interests in the face of evolving geopolitical dynamics'. 'Key aspects of the defence modernisation strategy include acquiring modern weaponry and enhancing naval assets. Ongoing programmes such as procuring offshore patrol vessels, missile corvettes, interdiction boats, and Black Hawk helicopters demonstrate the country’s focus on addressing maritime security concerns and improving reconnaissance capabilities'. https://lnkd.in/g2YP7f6c

This article is very positive about the transfer of four LCS to Greece, and I want to be positive; however, there is something missing. We want -- we NEED -- our Allies to develop advanced Naval Warfare capabilities to realize our national defence strategy. Does Greece acquiring a ship that we have determined does not field such advanced capabilities work in favor of our strategy? Maybe there is a plan for Greece to fit them with a capable weapon system or advanced sensor? Or maybe useing them as fast logistics vessels makes sense for Greece? Not knowing how Greece will gain a significant naval capability from acquiring these ships prevents me from being enthusiastic about this news. I would welcome any informed reporting and analysis on how this acquisition will improve the Hellenic Navy's warfighting capabilities... https://lnkd.in/dpDE5ivg

MARITIME SECURITY BULLETIN & ADVISORY Re: U.S. MQ-9 Drone Shot Down and Attack on Syria Issued by: Sanborn Analytics Contact: outreach@sanbornanalytics.us Media Credit: ABC News (see link) Date: November 8th, 2023 Subject: Heightened Maritime Security Alert and Advisory Dear Maritime Shipping Community and Armed Naval Forces at Sea, Sanborn Analytics issues this Maritime Security Bulletin and Advisory to raise awareness and provide crucial information regarding recent geopolitical developments impacting maritime operations. This bulletin is not only intended for the maritime shipping community but also for the armed naval forces at sea. Incident Report: U.S. Military MQ-9 Drone Shot Down and Airstrikes on Iran-Backed Groups. According to U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, a U.S. military MQ-9 drone was shot down, prompting the United States to launch a second round of airstrikes on Iran-backed groups. The Pentagon announced that two U.S. F-15 fighter jets conducted an airstrike on a weapons storage facility in eastern Syria, known to be used by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and its affiliated groups. Statement from Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin: “This precision self-defense strike is a response to a series of attacks against U.S. personnel in Iraq and Syria by IRGC-Quds Force affiliates,” stated Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin. He emphasized that the President's highest priority is the safety of U.S. personnel, and the directed action aims to make it unequivocally clear that the United States will defend itself, its personnel, and its interests. Maritime Security Advisory: In light of these developments, all maritime operators and armed naval forces are urged to exercise heightened vigilance in the relevant regions. Sanborn Analytics recommends the following precautionary measures: Increased Threat Awareness: Stay informed about the evolving situation and remain alert to potential security threats in the maritime domain. Armed Naval vessels in the Mediterranean and the Red Sea around Yemen should assume that the Iranian-backed Houthi rebels now have sophisticated air defense systems. Communication Protocol: Ensure clear and secure communication channels among vessels and naval forces. Report any suspicious activities promptly. Route Planning: Review and reassess maritime routes, considering the current geopolitical situation, and choose paths that minimize risk. Collaboration with Authorities: Coordinate closely with relevant maritime security authorities and naval forces to enhance collective security efforts. Stay vigilant, stay secure. Sincerely, Sanborn Analytics #maritimesecurity #iran #syria #houthis #nationalsecurity #homelandsecurity #autonomousvehicle #uav #usairforce https://lnkd.in/ervqyWpT