Defense Update Newscast

Israel's Navy to Equip with IAI's POO, MiniPOP EO Payloads

The Israeli Navy will equip its surface vessels and patrol boats with the POP electro-optical stabilized payload, and miniPOP systems, eveloped and produced by Israel Aerospace Industries' (IAI) Tamam Division.

AEGIS Destroyer Demonstrates Unique Anti-Missile Capability

A Standard SM-3 Block IA Missile launched from the USS Decatur (DDG 73) destroyed a medium-range ballistic missile target during a flight test that marked the completion of the destroyer's Combat System Ship Qualification Trials (CSSQT). It was the first time that an SM-3 was fired from a destroyer. Previous tests involved missiles launched from Aegis cruisers.

Royal Navy Launches Latest Attack Submarine - Astute

The Royal Navy's newest attack submarine, Astute, was launched last week (June 8, 2007) by HRH The Duchess of Cornwall at the BAE Systems shipyard in Barrow in Furness, Cumbria. Astute is the first nuclear attack submarine to be launched in the UK for almost a decade. Far bigger and more potent than the current class submarines, the 7,400 tons, 100 meter long sub weighs about 2,000 more than the current Trafalgar class submarines. Astute is expected to begin sea trials in March 2008, and is expected to enter service with the Royal Navy in 2009. It will be based in Scotland. Astute is the first vessel of four in the Astute class. The other three are AMBUSH, ARTFUL and AUDACIOUS. Read more news on DEFENSE UPDATE.

US Navy Awards Northrop Grumman $2.4 Billion for a New Assault Landing Ship

 Northrop Grumman received a $2.4 billion construction order from the US Navy, for the detail design and construction of a new amphibious assault ship, LHA 6. Work will be performed primarily at the company's shipyard in Pascagoula, Miss., and ship delivery is scheduled for 2012. The LHA-6 class is the successor of the Tarawa class (LHA 1 commissioned in 1976) currently in service. Read more on the LHA-6 in Defense Update.