Sea

TKMS and Fincantieri have widened their European underwater cooperation framework. The planned structure will target technological cooperation, international procurement opportunities, and industrial efficiencies while leaving both companies independent.

TKMS has advanced Germany’s F127 frigate design after customer consultation. The MEKO A400 proposal targets long-range air defence and ballistic missile defence, with 90% of value creation planned in Germany.

USS North Dakota returns after Portsmouth completes Block III overhaul. The availability combined repairs, structural inspection, mechanical and electrical replacement, technical alterations, modernisation, and an accelerated final testing programme.

Navantia faces pressure to accelerate Britain’s Fleet Solid Support programme. The three-ship build is already split across Appledore, Cádiz, and Belfast, while RFA Resurgent remains officially expected in 2031.

Sweden has contracted Naval Group for four new FDI frigates. The SEK47 billion acquisition combines a serial-production design with Swedish weapons and sensors, with deliveries scheduled between 2030 and 2034.

India has commissioned its second indigenous Nistar-class diving support vessel. INS Nipun adds saturation diving, underwater intervention, remotely operated vehicle, and submarine-rescue support to the Navy’s specialist fleet.

Royal Navy synthetic command training reached initial capability months early. MCAST achieved IOC 11 months ahead of schedule after Exercise Virtual Warrior 26, supporting classified training across more than 100 terminals.

Austal will recruit 500 workers as Australian landing-craft production accelerates. The hiring programme supports 26 Army vessels being built under Australia’s continuous naval shipbuilding strategy in Western Australia.

BAE Systems will modernise USS Boxer under a Navy contract. The $149.8 million availability covers maintenance, repair, and upgrades at Naval Base San Diego, with options potentially raising the value to $180 million.