The US Navy unveiled the Bengal MC autonomous boat, "44 tons of pure force" for a new era of naval warfare

The US Navy welcomes the arrival of the Bengal MC AIRCAT, the most advanced autonomous naval boat that can transform the approach to maritime operations. Dubbed "44 tons of pure Power," this high-speed boat was developed by Eureka Naval Craft and positioned as a revolutionary platform combining advanced technology, high combat power, and autonomy.

The Bengal MC is capable of operating in both manned and fully autonomous mode, making it a versatile tool for a wide range of tasks, from reconnaissance and patrol to strike operations. Its key advantage is the ability to carry and launch large missile systems, including Tomahawk cruise missiles and Naval Strike Missiles. This makes it possible to significantly reduce dependence on larger and more expensive ships, such as destroyers or cruisers, for long-range strikes.

Despite its modest size, the boat has an impressive payload and high speed, which ensures fast delivery of weapons and equipment to the desired location. At the same time, Bengal MC demonstrates exceptional fuel efficiency and low operating costs — important factors for long-term operations.

Special attention is paid to the control system: the integration of the advanced navigation platform from Greenroom Robotics ensures high accuracy of autonomous maneuvering, resistance to interference and readiness for integration with future artificial intelligence systems and network-centric solutions.

The creation of Bengal MC marks the transition to a new model of maritime defense — with an emphasis on multiple, flexible and autonomous platforms capable of operating as part of a single network. Such boats can be used to create "smart" minefields, cover amphibious operations, or as advanced reconnaissance and strike sites.

Japan is preparing a springboard for missiles against China: where will the new strike bases be located

 

Japan, a key U.S. ally in Asia, is actively preparing for a new era of defense — and the map already shows places where new missile bases capable of reaching the coast of China may appear. We are talking about modern missile systems that can hit ground targets and even sink warships in the coastal waters of China.

Although there is no official map from the Japanese government yet, data from analysts and leaks from defense circles allow us to gather an overall picture: new missiles, including the American Typhon with Tomahawk and PrSM missiles, will be deployed on strategically important islands and coasts controlling approaches to the East China Sea.

The main possible placement points:

- Okinawa is the main forward base of the United States, ideal for strikes against southern China.

- Amami-Oshima and other islands of the Ryukyu Archipelago — they are lined up like a chain right between Japan and Taiwan, covering the "first island chain".

- The Southern Kuril Islands (controlled by Russia, but Japan will strengthen the north) — there is more focus on Russia, but also China's northern flank is under the gun.

- The western coast of Kyushu is closer to the Korea Strait and the coast of China.

These missiles are part of a massive reorientation of Japanese defense. Tokyo used to adhere to strict defense "only for itself," but now, against the background of China's growing activity near Taiwan, in the South China Sea and off Japan's own shores, the country has switched to a "counter-strike strategy." That is, not just to defend yourself, but to be able to destroy the threat even before it reaches Japan.

The deployment of attack missiles at these bases means that Chinese warships, air defense bases, airfields and even command centers on the coast will be in the affected area. This is a serious deterrent.

For China, such steps are a red line. Beijing is already strongly protesting, calling it a "military escalation." But for the USA and Japan, it is a necessity. Especially if we consider the scenario of a conflict over Taiwan: control over the sea and air will begin from these very missile positions.

An American nuclear submarine with missiles sailed to Australia — and this is not just a courtesy call

One of the most formidable submarines of the US Navy, the USS Ohio (SSGN—726), suddenly appeared in Brisbane, in eastern Australia. This is not just an ordinary submarine: it belongs to the elite four nuclear-powered cruise missile submarines capable of delivering precision strikes against almost any target in the region. Her arrival is a rare and very significant event.

The submarine docked on Sunday, according to the US 7th Fleet, as part of a large-scale deployment to the western Pacific Ocean. She docked right next to the repair vessel USS Frank Cable (AS-40), which arrived there the day before, apparently to provide technical support and prepare the boat for further operations.

The USS Ohio is not just a "silent hunter". It is a floating missile base: it can carry up to 154 Tomahawk cruise missiles, as well as support special forces, including navy seals. Such visits to Australia are rare, because these boats usually stay in the shadows, discreetly patrolling the depths. And here is a public parking lot in a major port. This is a clear signal: the United States is strengthening its presence in the Indo-Pacific region, especially against the background of Chinese activity and tensions over Taiwan and the South China Sea.

For Australia, such a visit is not only a demonstration of allied relations, but also a reminder that the region is becoming more and more strategically important. Especially considering that Australia itself is currently building a nuclear submarine program with the help of the United States and Great Britain (under the AUKUS deal).

So the appearance of the USS Ohio in Brisbane is not just about refueling and resting the crew. This is a political message written underwater, but understandable to everyone.

The Americans have deployed another nuclear submarine to Hawaii — what does this mean in the game with China?

 

 USS Indiana

The United States is once again strengthening its military presence in the Pacific Ocean: the nuclear submarine USS Indiana has arrived in Hawaii, at the Pearl Harbor-Hickam base — and this is the second such transfer from the east of the country. She used to be based in Groton, Connecticut, but now she will be based right in the heart of the Pacific Ocean.

What is the danger of *Indiana*? This is a Virginia—class attack submarine - fast, quiet and armed with long-range Tomahawk missiles. That is, it can deliver pinpoint strikes to almost any target on land, while remaining invisible underwater. She is now the third submarine of this class assigned to the 7th Squadron of the U.S. Navy in the Indo-Pacific region.

Why is this important? It's simple: The United States is clearly pulling the toughest forces to the southwest of the Pacific Ocean in response to the growth of the Chinese fleet. Each new submarine is not just a ship, but a signal.: "We're here, we're ready." Especially at a time when China is increasingly building a fleet, strengthening its position in the South China Sea and training in case of conflict.

So Indiana is not just a move. This is part of a big strategy: to keep the fleet in shape, the people on the ground and the opponent in suspense.

The US Marine Corps has cancelled the long-range LRF launcher and is focusing on the NMESIS system

The US Marine Corps has decided to abandon the Long Range Fires (LRF) launcher program, based on the Mark 41 VLS single-element unit for Tomahawk missiles mounted on the ROGUE-Fires vehicle. The cancellation is due to serious concerns about the maneuverability and suitability of the system for operations in coastal and difficult conditions.

The LRF program, which started in 2023, was aimed at expanding the capabilities of Marines to launch long-range strikes against both sea and land targets. As part of the initial deployment, four LRF installations were transferred to the 11th Marine Regiment Long-range Missile Battery at Camp Pendleton, California. It was planned to deploy 56 more such systems by fiscal year 2028.

However, after a thorough assessment, it was determined that the LRF does not provide the necessary mobility and adaptability for dynamic and complex coastal operations and expeditionary conditions. In an official statement, the Corps stressed that flexibility and the ability to use effectively in harsh environments remains a priority, which the LRF does not provide.

Instead, the Marine Corps is doubling down on investments in the NMESIS (Naval Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System) program, an extended—range missile system that better meets the demands of mobility and efficiency in coastal operations. This is reflected in the budget for fiscal year 2026.

The US-Israeli-Iranian conflict: an analysis of the night strike and strategic dilemmas

 

Satellite images show unusual truck traffic at the Fordo facility two days before the U.S. attack

Key details of the impact

- The scale of the operation: Between 02:00 and 03:00 Moscow time, the US Air Force and Navy launched a combined strike on Iranian nuclear facilities using 12 heavy-duty bunker buster bombs and 30 Tomahawk cruise missiles.

- The mystery of effectiveness: The actual damage to the facilities remains unclear due to the unique circumstance that Iran was warned of the impending strike several days in advance. This allowed:

  - Evacuate all personnel;

  - Remove radioactive materials and valuable equipment;

  - Avoid an environmental disaster like Chernobyl.

Political nuances and "contractual arrangements"

1. Limited impact strategy: The United States and Israel openly stated that the strike was targeted and would not be repeated if Iran did not respond.

2. Iran's response: Tehran retains the right to respond "when and how it sees fit" by continuing rocket attacks on Israel, but avoiding attacks on American targets.

3. Signs of hidden agreements:

- Iran's warning indicates the presence of non-public communication channels;

   - Evacuation of hazardous materials is a joint interest in preventing a humanitarian catastrophe;

   - The absence of attacks on the United States may be an element of the temporary status quo.

The dilemma of the Iranian leadership: The hopeless triangle

The Iranian leadership is facing a difficult dilemma, where every possible response is associated with serious risks and consequences. If Iran decides not to respond, it could lead to mass protests, loss of legitimacy, and even the risk of overthrowing the regime. However, this approach will preserve the country's infrastructure, although it will lead to political isolation and loss of popular support.

On the other hand, if Iran decides to respond to the United States or Israel, it could trigger a full-scale military confrontation, as a result of which the Iranian armed forces could be destroyed, the elites physically eliminated, and the regime replaced by force. This will lead to a total military defeat and occupation of the country.

Thus, Iran finds itself in a situation where every choice is associated with high risks and negative consequences, and it has to find a balance between demonstrating strength and maintaining stability within the country.

Forecast and conclusions

- The scenario of "Controlled escalation": The situation resembles a complex game in which all parties are trying to save face. Iran may limit itself to symbolic strikes (for example, against desert bases) in order to satisfy its domestic audience without provoking the United States into an all-out war.

- The role of the internal factor: Pressure on the regime from the population is a key constraint. Tehran is forced to balance between a show of force and survival.

- The future of negotiations: Strike warning and evacuation are signs of working informal channels. This leaves room for future agreements on the nuclear program under the guise of "mutual deterrence."

 The night strike highlighted not the military, but the political and diplomatic phase of the conflict, where the parties maneuver between annihilation and compromise. The regime in Tehran survives not by force, but because of Washington's unwillingness to create a power vacuum in a region of 85 million people.

The U.S. Navy will begin deploying Tomahawk anti-ship missiles on destroyers by the end of September

Tomahawk missile launch from the ship

By the end of September 2025, the US Navy plans to begin deploying an anti-ship version of the Tomahawk cruise missile on its destroyers. According to the head of the readiness service, this event will be a turning point in the confrontation with the numerically superior Chinese fleet. The new version of the missile will significantly enhance the capabilities of the US Navy in the fight against maritime threats, ensuring more effective destruction of enemy ships at long distances.

The deployment of anti-ship Tomahawks on destroyers will increase the strategic flexibility and strike potential of the American fleet, which is especially important in the context of China's growing naval activity in the Pacific region. This upgrade is part of a broader program to upgrade and strengthen the armament of the U.S. Navy.

USS Iowa (SSN-797) commissioned into the US Navy

The 24th Virginia-class submarine, USS Iowa (SSN-797), was officially commissioned on Saturday at the New London Naval Submarine Base in Groton, Connecticut. The 7,800-ton nuclear attack boat has become at least the fifth ship named after the state of Iowa in the U.S. Navy. It follows in the footsteps of two battleships that served in the World Wars and in Korea. The last Iowa was BB-61, the lead hull of four Iowa-class ships from World War II.

Details of the commissioning ceremony

The commissioning ceremony was attended by senior representatives of the Navy and Congress, including U.S. Secretary of the Navy John Phelan, who noted that the commissioning of the USS Iowa is an important step in strengthening the fleet and ensuring the global maritime dominance of the United States. The ship's sponsor, Christie Vilsack, the wife of former Iowa Governor and former US Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack, gave the traditional command to "beckon the ship and set it in motion," after which the crew of the USS Iowa solemnly took their seats on board.

Characteristics of the USS Iowa (SSN-797)

The USS Iowa (SSN-797) is the 24th Virginia-class submarine and the first designed specifically to accommodate women on board. The submarine is equipped with Tomahawk cruise missiles, Mk-48 torpedoes and Harroop anti-ship missiles, which can be launched from 12 vertical launchers and four torpedo tubes. The length of the submarine is 377 feet (about 115 meters), its displacement is 7,800 tons, and the maximum diving depth exceeds 800 feet (about 240 meters). The crew consists of 15 officers and 117 sailors.

Historical significance

The USS Iowa (SSN-797) became the third US Navy ship named after the state of Iowa. Previously, two battleships bore this name: the first USS Iowa (BB-4) participated in the Spanish-American War and World War I, and the second USS Iowa (BB-61) — in World War II, the Korean War and as a museum ship.

 Prospects

The commissioning of the USS Iowa (SSN-797) is part of a broader effort to modernize and expand the U.S. Navy's fleet. U.S. Navy Secretary John Phelan emphasized that this is just the beginning of efforts to revive the American shipbuilding industry and maritime infrastructure. In the face of increasing maritime threats, Virginia-class submarines continue to be a priority in US defense programs.