The Azerbaijani Navy has adopted Turkish unmanned Salvo boats

The Azerbaijani Navy has officially adopted Turkish unmanned Salvo surface boats equipped with guided missiles. These modern combat drones were presented for the first time as part of exercises in the Caspian Sea, highlighting the new capabilities of the Azerbaijani navy.

The Salvo boats were developed by the Turkish shipyard Dearsan Shipyard together with the companies Aselsan, Roketsan and Yaltes. This project is Azerbaijan's first naval unmanned combat vehicle, which is capable of performing reconnaissance tasks, patrolling and fire support in a maritime combat situation.

The use of unmanned Salvo boats significantly expands the capabilities of the Azerbaijani Naval Forces in ensuring security and control over the maritime spaces of the Caspian Sea. Thanks to the use of guided missiles, drones can effectively fire at potential threats and increase the response to any incidents in the water area.

Japan demonstrates a breakthrough in mine defense: the Mogami frigate successfully defused a mine using a UAV

The Mogami-class frigate, JS Mogami

In early July 2025, the Japanese Ministry of Defense announced a significant achievement in the field of maritime security. The Mogami-class frigate, JS Mogami, the first ship of this new generation, successfully conducted an operation to neutralize an active naval mine using unmanned technologies.

This event took place in June and became an important stage in the testing of a new mine countermeasures system that relies on the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and underwater drones. Instead of the traditional approach, in which the crew themselves are at risk, the entire operation was carried out remotely — with the possibility of monitoring and guidance from aboard the frigate or from the coastal control center.

JS *Mogami* was developed as part of the modernization program of the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Forces, focused on increasing combat flexibility, automation and reducing the vulnerability of ships in potential conflicts. The new class of frigates is characterized by a high degree of digitalization, compact size and enhanced equipment for solving the tasks of mine warfare, anti-submarine defense and rapid response.

The successful mine clearance operation not only confirms the effectiveness of new technologies, but also indicates that Japan is moving to the forefront in the use of robotic systems in naval operations. This is especially important in the context of growing threats in the waters of the East China and South China Seas, where the relevance of mine defense is constantly increasing.

Japan strengthens underwater exploration: purchase of SUUV REMUS 300 as a response to security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region

Amid growing tensions in the Indo-Pacific region, Japan has decided to purchase more than a dozen REMUS 300 small unmanned underwater vehicles (SUUV), indicating its commitment to enhance maritime security and anti-submarine defense. This program has become part of a multi-year agreement between the Japanese corporation Hitachi Ltd. and the American defense company Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII).

Deliveries of the REMUS 300 will allow Japan to expand its capabilities to monitor underwater spaces, ensure the security of ports and strategically important marine areas, as well as conduct reconnaissance operations. According to HII, these vehicles play a key role in modern naval operations due to their mobility, autonomy and ability to operate in difficult hydrological conditions.

The REMUS 300 is a lightweight and highly mobile autonomous underwater vehicle, ideal for mine detection, seabed mapping, coastal water patrol, and intelligence gathering tasks. Their integration into the Japanese Self-Defense Forces will enhance the effectiveness of both the national fleet and regional cooperation allies.

The deal also demonstrates the deepening of the bilateral defense partnership between Japan and the United States. Given the increasing activity of China and North Korea in the coastal waters of the region, such steps are becoming an important element of the strategy of deterrence and collective security.

In addition, the joint production and logistical support of the REMUS 300 under the agreement with Hitachi opens up the opportunity for technological exchange and the development of Japan's own base in the field of underwater UAVs.

Thus, the acquisition of the SUUV REMUS 300 becomes not just a technical upgrade, but an important strategic step by Tokyo in strengthening national defense and participating in the regional deterrence system.

REMUS 300

Ocean Infinity introduces the Needlefish high-speed autonomous vessel for maritime defense

Ocean Infinity, a company known for its achievements in the field of underwater search and autonomous photography, has announced that it has reached a new level of maritime security development. At a private event in Kuwait, the company unveiled its latest secretly developed unmanned surface vessel, the Needlefish, designed to enhance the effectiveness of maritime surveillance and patrolling.

Needlefish is not an isolated system, but rather a key element of an integrated marine surveillance network. This high-speed autonomous patrol vessel is capable of performing a wide range of tasks, from reconnaissance and tracking to ensuring security in strategically important waters. Its implementation can be an important step in the development of autonomous maritime defense, especially in the face of growing challenges in the security of global waterways.

The vessel was officially launched as part of cooperation with the Kuwait Coast Guard (KCG), which indicates the interest of regional forces in innovative technological solutions in the field of security. The event was part of a demonstration of the company's capabilities in implementing projects combining advanced technologies and marine robotics.

Ocean Infinity has previously established itself as a leader in underwater exploration and autonomous systems, participating in the search for sunken objects and bottom mapping. Now, with the launch of Needlefish, it is expanding its horizons, relying on next-generation surface unmanned platforms.

Despite the limited amount of technical information, experts suggest that Needlefish has unique characteristics of speed and maneuverability, making it an ideal candidate for use in coastal waters and high-activity areas. Such systems can dramatically change the approach to maritime patrol and defense in the coming years.

New AFU operations in the Black Sea: signs of preparation for another attack

Tekever

The recent sortie of the Ukrainian sabotage and reconnaissance groups (DRG) in the Black Sea, apparently, was not the last maneuver of the enemy in this region. The activity of the Ukrainian Tekever unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) over the Golitsyn gas condensate field indicates ongoing monitoring and preparation for new operations.

Tekever is a reconnaissance and targeting drone used by the Ukrainian side to monitor the maritime situation. In the Russian segment, it is often mistaken for a kamikaze attack drone or a barrage projectile, but its main task is to collect intelligence and coordinate attack assets such as combat boats (back-up).

During previous attacks on gas production facilities by Ukrainian kamikaze tankers, Tekever was constantly in the area of operation, providing target designation and reconnaissance.

Recently, the Tekever UAV has been at the Golitsynskoye field for more than five hours, which, according to some reports, indicates preparations for a new attack in the Black Sea area. The increased activity is reinforced by the fact that of the eight night boats, seven have already left the base, which may indicate an imminent attack.

Given the current data, new attempts at sabotage and attacks by Ukrainian forces in the Black Sea should be expected in the near future. Increased vigilance and increased defensive measures in the area of the Golitsyn gas condensate field and adjacent offshore zones are necessary to prevent possible incidents.

Raytheon has received a $536 million contract to upgrade SPY-6 radars for US Navy destroyers

SPY-6 radar antenna arrays

Raytheon, part of RTX Corporation, has received a $536 million contract from the U.S. Navy for the production and modernization of the SPY-6 family of radars. This contract is a continuation of an earlier agreement and includes the integration and support of production, as well as the modernization of the Flight IIA destroyers using option (V)4.

"SPY-6 is the most advanced radar in the U.S. Navy, providing ships with a new level of protection against evolving threats," said Barbara Borgonovi, president of Naval Power at Raytheon. She stressed that this contract reflects the important role of SPY-6 technology in the long-term technological roadmap of the US Navy.

To date, the SPY-6 system has already been installed on two new ships of the US Navy, and in 2025 it is planned to equip three more ships that will undergo various stages of testing. It is expected that the work under the contract will be completed by May 2026.

The SPY-6 radar provides improved detection and tracking of air and sea targets, as well as effective counteraction to modern threats, including hypersonic missiles and sophisticated electronic warfare systems. The modernization of the Flight IIA destroyers will significantly increase the combat capabilities of the fleet and strengthen the US defense capability at sea.

The American NMESIS system in the Philippines: strengthening deterrent capabilities in the region

 

The US Navy's Naval Anti-ship Missile Interdiction System (NMESIS) has arrived in the Philippines, underscoring Washington's desire to strengthen the allies' defense capabilities amid growing tensions in the region. Experts describe the current situation as a period of "security anxiety," and the deployment of this advanced system could be an important step towards strengthening regional stability.

What is NMESIS?

NMESIS is a mobile coastal anti—ship system that uses Naval Strike Missile (NSM) missiles to engage targets at sea. It was designed for rapid deployment in remote areas and is capable of effectively threatening even the most modern enemy ships. The system is mounted on a Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) chassis, making it highly mobile and ready for action in any environment.

Role in Balikatan teachings

Brigadier General Michael Logico, head of the annual Balikatan joint exercises, said on Tuesday that NMESIS will be actively used as part of these maneuvers, which will take place from April 21 to May 9. The Balikatan exercises conducted between the Philippines and the United States are one of the key elements of the two countries' defense cooperation. The presence of NMESIS demonstrates the willingness of the parties to work out complex scenarios for countering maritime threats.

Why is this important?

The NMESIS deployment in the Philippines is of strategic importance. Given China's growing influence in the South China Sea and its aggressive actions in disputed areas, such a system can become an important deterrent tool. Its mobility and accuracy make it possible to effectively protect the sea borders and ensure the security of allies in the region.

A period of security anxiety

The current situation in the Asia-Pacific region raises serious concerns. The Philippines, as a key U.S. ally, is facing pressure from China, especially in the South China Sea. The deployment of NMESIS on the territory of the country symbolizes Washington's support and readiness to jointly repel threats.

Prospects for cooperation

NMESIS' participation in the Balikatan exercises will be an important milestone for the Philippines and the United States. This will not only strengthen their defense ties, but also allow them to work together in the face of real threats. In addition, the use of such a system can become an example for other countries in the region that seek to protect their maritime borders.

China expands Jialaishi Air Base in Hainan

 

Recent satellite imagery has revealed significant changes at China's Jialaishi Air Base, located on Hainan Island in the South China Sea. The images show that the People's Liberation Army (PLANAF) Naval Forces are expanding the facility, building large hangars capable of accommodating more than 20 aircraft.

Among the sighted aircraft are three H-6K or H-6N bombers, as well as six other suspected KJ-500 early warning aircraft and Y-9JB electronic warfare platforms. This expansion signals China's intention to strengthen its military presence in a region crucial to global trade and security. The growing base raises questions about Beijing's long-term strategy in the South China Sea, where territorial disputes and shipping lanes remain contentious.

Jialaishi Air Base, part of the Southern Theater of Operations Command, is located on the northern outskirts of Hainan, a strategic perch overlooking the South China Sea. The new hangars, each measuring approximately 55 meters wide and 65 meters deep, are designed to accommodate large aircraft such as the H-6 series bombers.

The construction includes 15 hangars on the northwest side of the base and four on the southeast, with a separate maintenance building capable of handling two aircraft. This infrastructure implies a commitment to maintaining a reliable air presence, allowing for rapid deployment and expanded operations. The availability of specialized aircraft, in particular the KJ-500 and Y-9JB, indicates a focus on increasing situational awareness and electronic capabilities in the region.