P-8A Poseidon with secret AAS radar patrols the Black Sea: new generation intelligence

The P-8A Poseidon and its role in naval intelligence

The US Navy P-8A Poseidon patrol aircraft, based on a modification of a civilian Boeing 737, was again spotted in a high—attention area over the Black Sea. This time, it was equipped with a rare and high-end intelligence system, highlighting the strategic importance of the mission. This aircraft is a key element of U.S. naval intelligence, providing control over vast waters and tracking the activity of potential adversaries.

AN/APS-154 AAS — "universal eye" under the fuselage

The central feature of this flight was the use of the Advanced Airborne Sensor (AAS) AN/APS-154, developed by Raytheon under conditions of strict secrecy. This system is a multifunctional radar module capable of solving a wide range of tasks.:

• Detection and tracking of submarines by footprints on the surface
• Identification and classification of surface ships
• High-precision coastal reconnaissance, including monitoring of military installations and movement of equipment

The AN/APS-154 combines Synthesized Aperture (SAR) and Moving Target Detection (GMTI) mode, making it one of the most powerful and secretive radars in the U.S. Navy's arsenal.

How the SMPDM mechanism works

A special mechanism is used to place the dimensional radar — the Special Mission Payload Deployment Mechanism (SMPDM). It is installed under the fuselage of the P-8A and lowers the AAS module away from the engines during flight, eliminating radio interference and widening the viewing angle. This allows the radar to operate with maximum efficiency, especially during low-altitude flights along the coast.

Aviation Week & Space Technology magazine first revealed the existence of SMPDM in 2019, confirming its testing on P-8 aircraft, which aroused widespread interest in the expert community.

The importance of patrolling the Black Sea

The regular flights of the P-8A with AN/APS-154 over the Black Sea demonstrate the US commitment to the security of NATO allies and the control of military activity in the region. Such missions allow real-time monitoring of the movement of Russian ships, especially near Crimea and along the coast of Ukraine, as well as identifying signs of preparations for a build-up of forces.

The presence of an advanced intelligence system enhances the operational superiority of the United States and increases the alliance's resilience in the face of hybrid threats.

China's military plans to attack US underwater sensor network

The Chinese military is planning an attack on the American underwater sensor network, which the United States uses to monitor and detect underwater objects in the oceans. U.S. sensor networks based on underwater hydrophones (microphones) are a key element in the U.S. naval strategy for detecting and tracking submarines.

In response to this technological threat, Chinese naval officers of the People's Liberation Army of China (PLA) suggest systematically trying to neutralize or sabotage this network. The following methods are supposed to be used for this:

- Destruction or damage of underwater microphones,

- Masking and suppression of signals using special means,

- Active use of underwater drones to attack sensor nodes,

- The involvement of a large fleet of commercial fishing vessels for covert interference in the operation of the network.

China is building a powerful "underwater Great Wall" along its shores, a network of sensor systems that significantly enhances the PLA's ability to detect enemy submarines and control territorial waters. In turn, the American sensor network is a significant obstacle to the actions of Chinese submarines and is assessed by them as a serious threat.

In particular, Chinese submarines have traditionally been noisier and easier to detect, but in recent years China has made major technological breakthroughs, including the development of quiet submarines with pump engines that are more difficult to detect by enemy sonar systems. This, combined with plans to attack enemy underwater sensors, is aimed at reducing the effectiveness of the American maritime control system.

Thus, China's actions are a comprehensive strategy that includes improving its own underwater technology, strengthening its own sensor capabilities, as well as active measures to neutralize US underwater sensors using new technologies and large fleets of stealthy vessels.

South Korea offers Greece its "stealth submarines"

South Korea has decided to expand its influence in the world of military technology and has made an interesting offer to Greece. Seoul offers to start serious defense cooperation, and as the main "trump card" on the table has put the project of KSS-III class submarines, which in Korea are proudly called Dosan Ahn Chang-ho.

These are not just submarines — they are some of the most modern diesel-electric submarines in the world. They can hide under water almost silently, are equipped with missiles and torpedoes, and most importantly, they can carry ballistic missiles with nuclear warheads (although Korea itself does not have them, but technologically the boat allows it). In fact, these are underwater predators that can hunt in the depths for months without being noticed.

Now South Korea is offering not just to sell a couple of such boats, but to build them together with Greece — at Greek shipyards, with the participation of local engineers and workers. This means that Athens gets technology, jobs, and best practices. And for Seoul— it means entering the European market, where good submarines are in short supply.

This may be a chance for Greece to strengthen its maritime power in the Aegean Sea, especially against the background of strained relations with its neighbors. And for South Korea, it is another step in turning from a consumer of military equipment into one of the main suppliers.

In short: "We have the technology, you have the strategic position. Let's make a dream submarine— together?"

QinetiQ received $26 million for "smart" systems for American nuclear submarines — what does this mean?

A major order in the world of underwater military equipment: QinetiQ US, a well-known supplier of advanced defense technologies, has signed subcontracts with General Dynamics Electric Boat for a total of about $ 26 million. What's behind this? Very serious things — we are talking about the supply of modern electrical and electromechanical systems for two key classes of American nuclear submarines — Virginia and Columbia.

This was officially announced by QinetiQ itself, and judging by the wording, it's not just about wires and relays, but about high-tech components that provide vital functions* on board submarines. We are talking about systems responsible for energy distribution, motion control, on-board sensors, navigation, and possibly even some of the stealth and communications systems.

This multi—year agreement is not a one-time order, but a long-term deal in which QinetiQ will not only produce, but also test and supply these components throughout the contract period. All work will be carried out at QinetiQ's own production facilities in the United States — this is important from the point of view of national security and compliance with the strict standards of the Ministry of Defense.

Who are the players?

- General Dynamics Electric Boat is a legendary shipyard that has been building submarines for the U.S. Navy for over a century. They are responsible for the assembly and integration of the Virginia-class submarines (attack multipurpose boats) and Columbia (the latest strategic missile carriers designed to replace the aging Ohio fleet).

- QinetiQ US is a subsidiary of the British QinetiQ, but operates as an independent supplier in the USA. Specializes in engineering solutions, testing, power and control systems for military equipment.

Columbia—class submarines are the future of US nuclear deterrence. These are 12 new strategic submarines, each of which will carry up to 16 ballistic missiles with nuclear warheads. And the Virginia—class boats are elite attack submarines capable of conducting reconnaissance, destroying enemy ships and submarines, as well as supporting special forces.

Any breakdown in the electrical system on such boats can lead to disaster, especially at a depth of several hundred meters. Therefore, the components supplied by QinetiQ must be ultra-reliable, resistant to vibrations, pressure and corrosion. They have been undergoing rigorous tests to operate smoothly for decades.

In addition, the transition to more modern electrical systems makes it possible to increase energy efficiency, reduce noise levels (and therefore increase stealth) and integrate new technologies, such as advanced weapons systems or AI control algorithms.

Deliveries have already begun and will continue for several years. Considering the scale of the Virginia and Columbia programs (the total cost is hundreds of billions of dollars), $26 million is a serious, but not a huge contract. However, he confirms that QinetiQ remains a key player in the supply chain for one of the most secretive and technologically sophisticated U.S. projects.

So while the world is discussing drones and cyber warfare, a new generation of underwater "ghosts" is being prepared in the silence of the ocean depths. And the components from QinetiQ are also responsible for their performance.

Trump declared the "full readiness" of the United States for a nuclear conflict with Russia

Donald Trump made a high-profile statement, stressing that the United States is "fully prepared" for any development of events, including a nuclear conflict with Russia. He made this statement against the background of an escalating verbal altercation with former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, who, according to Trump, again resorted to rhetoric concerning nuclear weapons.

"Medvedev started talking about nuclear weapons, and when such a conversation comes up, we must be ready. And we are fully prepared," Trump said. He added that he had already given relevant orders to the military leadership, including the relocation of strategic submarines, as a show of force and a deterrent response to what he called a "rare but serious nuclear threat" from Russia. The President described these actions as a necessary measure to maintain the global balance of power and protect the national interests of the United States.

The appearance of such statements by Trump signals a possible tightening of Washington's line towards Moscow. Although official military sources have not yet disclosed details of possible submarine movements, the very fact that the president publicly mentions such steps indicates increased combat readiness of strategic forces and the desire to make their position as clear as possible to a potential adversary.

The French submarine construction giant was hacked — hackers leaked the code of combat systems!

 The French shipbuilding corporation Naval Group, one of the key players in the development of nuclear submarines for the French Navy and other countries, was at the center of a large-scale cyberattack. The company is currently conducting an investigation after hackers claimed to have gained access to classified data, including the source code of weapons systems of submarines.

The attack was carried out by a group called Cyber Partisans, which is not the first time it has been published with high-profile leaks. This time, they claim to have extracted hundreds of gigabytes of confidential information, from technical drawings to software controlling weapons aboard submarines. According to them, among the leaked data there are even fragments of the code responsible for aiming torpedoes and fire control systems.

Naval Group is not just a private company. It builds strategic nuclear submarines with nuclear weapons (SSBN) and multi-purpose submarines (SSN), which are the cornerstone of the naval component of France's nuclear deterrence. Accordingly, the leakage of such data is not just a blow to reputation, but a potential threat to national security.

The company itself has not yet confirmed or denied the scale of the leak, but said it had detected "suspicious activity" in its IT infrastructure and was already working with government services, including France's National Cybersecurity Agency (ANSSI), to assess the damage and eliminate the consequences.

What is the danger of such a leak? Even if hackers have not gained access to the warheads themselves, knowledge of the software architecture allows potential adversaries to find vulnerabilities, simulate attacks, or even create simulation systems to train counteraction. It is especially alarming that some of the Naval Group's projects are international, such as the Australian submarine program, which has already experienced a high—profile scandal in the past.

This incident once again raises the question: how secure are the defense contractors whose technologies underpin national defense? And if hackers were able to get in here, who's next?

Without cover: the British Navy was left without protective submarines for the first time

This week, the British Royal Navy found itself in a delicate situation — it has no submarines left on combat duty at all. After the HMS Anson nuclear attack submarine returned to its base in Scotland last Friday, not a single submarine remained at sea to protect surface ships.

This means that now the British warships patrolling the seas do not have their own underwater cover. And in modern realities, when threats can appear not only from the air or from land, but also from the depths of the ocean, this is a serious failure. Especially considering the activity of Russian submarines in the Atlantic and the North Sea.

One former senior defense official bluntly called what was happening a "disgrace" and "chaos." According to him, the fleet, which should be ready for action 365 days a year, is currently unable to provide even a minimal presence underwater.

The problem is the reduced number of boats, lengthy repairs and technical delays. The UK currently has only seven Astute-class attack submarines, and keeping at least one at sea is constantly becoming more difficult.

So while the navy is proud of its new ships and aircraft carriers, there is nothing underwater. And this, as they say, is not the best place for British defense.

Chinese rescue ship passes through Tsushima Strait for the first time — Japan is on alert

On Friday, Japan recorded an unusual event: a Chinese Dakai—class rescue vessel passed through the Tsushima Strait, a narrow waterway between Japan and Korea, for the first time. This is a submarine support vessel, and its appearance in this region has raised many questions.

According to Japanese officials, this is the first time that such a Chinese vessel has been spotted in these waters. Previously, Chinese submarines and their accompanying ships passed through here, but it is the rescue vessel that is a new phenomenon.

Why is it there? Vessels of the Dakai type are needed for emergency operations, for example, to help a sunken submarine or to carry out maintenance at sea. Their appearance may mean that China is expanding the area of operations of its submarine forces — perhaps further east, into the Sea of Japan and even closer to the Pacific Ocean.

This is an alarming signal for Japan and South Korea. The Tsushima Strait is a strategically important route, and the increase in Chinese military activity here indicates the growth of Beijing's ambitions at sea.

So far, China has not explained the purpose of the campaign, but the fact remains: its fleet is becoming bolder. And now the neighbors will keep their eyes open, especially when a vessel capable of lifting a submarine from the bottom enters the strait.

New generation American submarines are running late — now wait until 2040

The US Navy's plans to launch a new generation of state—of—the-art submarines, the SSN(X) program, are not going according to schedule. Moreover, now we are talking about a serious delay — possibly until 2040. That is, instead of entering service in the late 2030s, the first boats of this class may enter service only in the next decade.

SSNs(X) are designed as a response to the growing threat from Russia and China — faster, quieter, with increased combat load and advanced systems. Simply put, it should be the main underwater weapon of the United States in the future. But now the program is stuck: design problems, overloaded shipyards, staff shortages, and simply bureaucratic brakes.

Experts are already sounding the alarm — every delay weakens the strategic advantage of the United States underwater. Meanwhile, Russian and Chinese submarines are not waiting. So while America is slow, competitors are actively building up their strength under the waves.

Great Britain is building new SSN-AUKUS nuclear submarines

The British decided to upgrade their submarine fleet in a really serious way. They launched a program to create new multipurpose nuclear submarines — the project was named SSN-AUKUS. This is a replacement for the old Astute-type submarines, and they will be built as part of a large-scale cooperation within the AUKUS military-political bloc.

Work on this project began back in 2018, but it wasn't until 2023 that everything became more concrete — the first contracts, money, and plans appeared. The British government has allocated an additional 5 billion pounds to accelerate the development of the program.

The main players in the program are BAE Systems, Rolls—Royce and Babcock, which received about 4 billion pounds in design and pre-production alone.  

And in January 2025, a high-profile Unity contract was signed between the Ministry of Defense and Rolls-Royce worth about 8 billion pounds. The task is to develop and maintain nuclear installations for new submarines. Simply put, Rolls-Royce will focus on the most important technologies related to the new series of reactors.

The Babcock company also does not stand aside. She recently published a report where she announced two new orders.:

1. The first is related to the purchase of combat systems from the United States, including 36 launchers similar to those on the American Columbia submarines.

2. The second is the supply and maintenance of Tomahawk cruise missiles adapted for submarines.

This means that the British submarines will be equipped not just with modern weapons, but with proven combat systems that have already proven themselves in other countries.

Australia officially joined the project in 2023. She is ready to invest another 2.4 billion pounds to modernize production facilities in the UK and then get her own boats. In other words, the project is becoming not just a British, but a full-fledged international affair.

At first, the project was called Maritime Underwater Future Capability, then it was renamed the Submersible Ship Nuclear Replacement, and in early 2023 the SSN name was finally chosen-AUKUS — to emphasize its connection with the new union of Great Britain, the USA and Australia.

It is expected that new contracts will appear in the near future — it will be necessary to negotiate components, construction, testing. In fact, the foundation is now being laid for the future of the British submarine fleet, which should serve until the end of the 21st century.

Thus, SSN-AUKUS is not just new submarines, but a whole generation of marine technology that can change the balance of power in the oceans for the coming decades.

The US is deploying the top-secret Seabed Sentry acoustic arsenal to track Russian and Chinese submarines

The United States is actively building a network of autonomous sensors called Seabed Sentry, developed by the California-based company Anduril, to track Russian and Chinese nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines. This system represents a new generation of underwater surveillance solutions using artificial intelligence (AI) to track maritime traffic autonomously.

Features and capabilities of Seabed Sentry:

* Modular sensor units: The system consists of modular sensor units with carbon fiber housings that can be installed by autonomous underwater vehicles (AUV) at depths of more than 500 meters. They are able to stay in place for months or even years without interference.

* Artificial Intelligence: Each module is equipped with an integrated computer with Anduril's Lattice AI platform, which processes and analyzes data right on the spot, providing highly accurate and continuous autonomous awareness of the seabed.

* Network structure: Seabed Sentry is a network of "cable-free" deep-sea nodes that perceive, process and transmit critical underwater information in real time. Communication between the modules is carried out through low-power acoustic channels, and a pop-up buoy or a robotic carrier with access to a satellite network is used to transmit information to the shore.

* Flexible deployment: The Seabed Sentry network lacks a centralized structure, its nodes are difficult to locate and easy to restart elsewhere if necessary.

* Integration with shock platforms: The system can be used for conducting anti-submarine and anti-ship reconnaissance, as well as for protecting underwater infrastructure. Seabed Sentry is capable of integrating with attack platforms such as the AUV Dive-XL, armed with miniature Copperhead-M torpedoes, which allows for the rapid transmission of information for a strike by autonomous vehicles.

Seabed Sentry fills gaps in connectivity and perception by providing maritime awareness and destruction chains in ways that are currently impossible without high costs. This system is designed to significantly complicate stealthy movement underwater, making it almost impossible. The development of the Seabed Sentry is part of an ongoing arms race where fleets are striving to both improve the stealth of their boats and create more effective methods of detecting them.

Naval Group and Royal IHC have signed a contract for the construction of Orka-class submarines for the Dutch Navy

The French shipbuilding company Naval Group has officially announced the conclusion of a strategic contract with the Dutch company Royal IHC to support the construction of new Orka-class submarines for the Dutch Navy. This agreement was an important milestone in the implementation of the modernization program of the country's submarine fleet, aimed at replacing obsolete Walrus-class submarines.

 Features of the contract and cooperation

- Technological transfer: The Naval Group will ensure the transfer of advanced technologies and know-how to Royal IHC, which will create modern submarines tailored to the requirements of the Dutch Navy.

- Localization of production: A significant part of the work will be carried out in the Netherlands, which will support the national industry and create new jobs.

- Innovative solutions: The Orka class will be equipped with modern navigation, stealth and weapons systems, which will increase the fleet's combat capability and its compliance with NATO standards.

The contract with Naval Group and Royal IHC strengthens the defense potential of the Netherlands and contributes to the development of national shipbuilding. The new Orka-class submarines will allow the country's Navy to effectively carry out tasks of protecting maritime borders, participating in international operations and ensuring security in the North Sea and beyond.

It is expected that the first Orka-class submarines will be handed over to the fleet in the coming years, and the cooperation between the Naval Group and Royal IHC will be an example of successful integration of European defense technologies and industrial partnership.

Northrop Grumman Presents Supersonic Anti-ship Capability Concept using SACS at Combined Naval Event 2025

 The concept, first presented at the Combined Naval Event 2025, will allow network strikes against ships and ground targets using barrage capsules, combining existing capabilities with existing weapons systems.Northrop Grumman has unveiled a new supersonic anti-ship capability concept for U.S. Navy submarines by combining its AARGM-ER anti-radar missile with a low-visibility accessible Capsule System (SACS) — A vertically launched underwater vehicle capable of carrying a wide range of non-marine payloads.Northrop Grumman's work on the Stealthy Affordable Capsule System (SACS) began in 2002. The first tests were completed in 2003, which confirmed the capsule's ability to launch non-marine UAVs. During the 2005 Exercise Silent Hammer trials, the capsule was tested aboard the USS Georgia (SSGN-729) in order to improve US Navy submarines in counterterrorism missions.

The NAVSEA presentation at the Joint Undersea Warfare Technology Conference in 2002 presented the concepts of SACS as an underwater launch platform from a flexible payload Module (FPM) developed for the SSGN class Ohio.

New vibration damping technology for submarines can cut their detection in half

A Shanghai-based research team has unveiled vibration damping technology that can significantly enhance the stealth of submarines during covert operations, according to a peer-reviewed study published in the Chinese journal Noise and Vibration Control. 

Zhang Zhiyi and his team of researchers from the State Key Laboratory of Mechanical Systems and Vibration at Shanghai Jiaotong University said their innovation could theoretically reduce the detection range of enemy sonar systems by more than half. According to the article, this technology is designed to replace the traditional rigid engine supports with a hybrid active-passive vibration isolation system, which will reduce engine noise transmitted through the hull of the submarine by 26 decibels (dB). 

It combines a multilayer ring made of steel, rubber and steel to dissipate vibrations and an active layer with 12 piezoelectric actuators arranged radially around the motor to further reduce noise.

South Korean K9 Thunder howitzer: an alternative in the Canadian Armed Forces modernization program

K9 Thunder

South Korea is actively promoting its K9 Thunder self-propelled howitzer as a key element in the Canadian Armed Forces modernization program. This step is particularly significant against the background of growing tensions between Ottawa and Washington, which makes American-made artillery systems less attractive to the Canadian government. The K9 Thunder howitzer is positioned as a modern and competitive alternative capable of meeting the needs of the Canadian Army.

According to Canadian media reports, a delegation of South Korean military officials and representatives of the defense industry visited Ottawa in early March. The purpose of the visit was to explore the potential for expanding defense cooperation between the two countries. Various proposals were considered during the discussions, including the supply of K9 Thunder howitzers, training aircraft, multiple launch rocket systems, and even submarines.

The K9 Thunder self-propelled howitzer has already established itself in the international arena due to its reliability, high rate of fire and the ability to fire at long distances. These characteristics make it attractive to countries seeking to strengthen their artillery capabilities. For Canada, which is actively modernizing its armed forces, the K9 Thunder could be an important acquisition.

However, experts note that the decision to choose new artillery equipment will depend not only on technical characteristics, but also on geopolitical factors. Tensions with the United States may prompt Canada to turn to alternative suppliers such as South Korea, which will strengthen the latter's position in the global arms market.

If the agreement is successfully concluded, it will be a significant step in the development of defense cooperation between South Korea and Canada, as well as strengthen Seoul's role as a global exporter of military equipment.

Saildrone and Thales Australia have successfully tested a long-range surveillance system

Saildrone

Saildrone successfully and autonomously maintained a towed array capable of performing long-range surveillance, reconnaissance and reconnaissance (ISR) and anti-submarine warfare (ASW) missions, with the ability to detect and classify both underwater vehicles and surface vessels in real time.                

Thales Australia's thin-line towed BlueSentry sonar array has been successfully integrated into Saildrone's Surveyor-class unmanned surface vehicle (USV), demonstrating exceptional performance during a multi-week mission conducted off the coast of the United States.       

The successful test, funded by the U.S. Office of Naval Research, was a step forward in partnership with AUKUS that could enhance the national security of Australia, the United States, and the United Kingdom.             

During an uninterrupted 26-day mission off the coast of California, the system identified and tracked vessels of interest in real time for further investigation by maritime security partners. The system has shown particularly good results in maintaining continuous surveillance in areas with heavy traffic, where traditional maritime security facilities are depleted and face significant operational challenges.              

The system has demonstrated the ability to detect and track surface vessels, submarines, and unmanned aerial vehicles.              

These capabilities, which can be effective in remote waters off the coast of Australia, can also meet the AUKUS Pillar 2's underwater warfare needs.                    

Saildrone's Surveyor series is an autonomous solution for monitoring the marine environment over long distances, using wind and solar energy, as well as equipped with advanced communication technologies and high—performance sensors.              

Thales Australia's BlueSentry thin—line towed antenna array is a next-generation sonar payload designed and manufactured to increase awareness of anti-submarine warfare and the marine environment. It uses world-class acoustic sensor technology for active and passive applications, as well as advanced signal processing, recording and reporting capabilities.                  

All BlueSentry components, from array to data processing, are designed, manufactured and integrated at Thales Australia's plant in Rydalmere, Western Sydney.

Saildrone and Thales Australia are ready to deploy these systems at scale, creating a network of autonomous, self-sustaining surveillance assets to enhance national security. As threats evolve and demand for ongoing underwater awareness increases, Saildrone-Thales offers a scalable and low-cost alternative to traditional surveillance platforms. 

Anduril introduces innovative Seabed Sentry Submarine Surveillance System

 

Anduril has introduced a fast-deployable and unpredictable submarine surveillance system.

The goal of the Seabed Sentry project is to make underwater listening networks much more flexible and accessible by targeting enemy submarines and other threats.

Defense contractor Anduril has deployed a new, easily deployable underwater surveillance system called Seabed Sentry, which uses networks of small and relatively inexpensive modular sensor nodes. A new sonar array with a design inspired by the retractable arms on satellites is the main sensor that is now paired with it.            

A separate company, Ultra Maritime, is also supplying its Sea Spear sonar for use aboard the Seabed Sentry as part of an exclusive partnership with Anduril."Surface and air vehicles can operate with a clear line of sight and reliable communications, but the ocean is vast and opaque, which is why modern autonomous underwater sensor and communication technologies operate slowly in a disjointed mode. We need a network for real—time data exchange to reliably transmit information into action," Anduril said in a press release. "Seabed Sentry fills the gaps in connectivity and perception by providing maritime awareness and destruction chains in ways that are currently impossible without high costs.

               

In addition to being a physically modular system, Seabed Sentry is also an open architecture system, making it easier to upgrade existing capabilities and integrate hardware and software. How long a Seabed Sentry node can remain deployed will depend on its exact configuration, but Anduril says the nodes should be able to stay in place for months on end. After that, they can be restored and reused.

China expands nuclear fleet: six Jin-class ballistic missile submarines

 The US Strategic Command has officially assessed that the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) operates six Jin-class ballistic missile submarines (Type 094), which constitutes China's first reliable sea-based nuclear deterrent, as each vessel is equipped with up to 12 submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs). This capability provides China with a second-strike capability and is part of a broader expansion of its strategic forces, in line with President Xi Jinping's directive on military readiness for a potential operation against Taiwan by 2027, which has led to investments in land-based missiles, strategic bombers, and naval assets.

Chinese Jin Class Submarine (Type 094)

An amendment to the contract for U212 NFS has been signed

 

U212A submarines of the Italian Navy

Amendment No. 6 to the U212 NFS contract has been signed, the last act signed by the outgoing head of the U212 NFS program, Rear Admiral Cannarozzo Maurizio.

This amendment adds a new Engineering Change Proposal (ECP) focused on the study of the first batch of U212A Todaro-Class submarines to determine which systems need to be upgraded using the latest technologies developed for the Near-Future Submarine Program (NFS).

The purpose of the ECP is to identify the best technological solutions for installation on U212 A class submarines. Although these boats are still among the most advanced in the world, almost twenty years have passed since their delivery, and they have accumulated tens of thousands of hours of operation. As a result, they now require important updates and solutions to replace outdated equipment.