Tag: shipbuilding
18 articles

US Navy Weighs Foreign Shipbuilding Amid Congressional Pushback
The US Navy is exploring a game-changing strategy: building combat ships abroad, but experts warn that this approach is fraught with technical, logistical, and political hurdles. A senior policy researcher notes that the main challenge lies in the unknown territory of foreign shipbuilding for combat-type vessels.

US Navy Faces Risks in Reverting to Steam Catapults on Carriers
The White House is pushing the Pentagon to radically redesign the Ford-class carrier program, after President Trump issued a memo calling for a switch back to steam catapults, a technology that's been around for 50 years. This abrupt change has left the US Navy facing significant risks and a tight 60-day deadline to come up with a new plan.

Trump Orders Navy to Reinstate Steam Catapults on Aircraft Carriers
President Trump has signed an executive order directing the Navy to bring back steam catapults for its Ford-class aircraft carriers, aiming to boost performance and reliability. This move reverses a previous decision, with the President confident that steam power will eliminate problems with the catapults.

HII Ingalls Shipbuilding Deploys Virtual Reality to Accelerate Welding Training
Ingalls Shipbuilding is revolutionizing welding training with a cutting-edge virtual reality lab, where novices can practice with a 48-station setup that simulates real-world experience without the intimidation. This innovative approach has already helped around 1,000 students, including apprentices and new employees, build confidence and skills before moving to traditional instruction.

China Boosts Naval Firepower with Upgraded Type 054B Frigate
China just gave its naval firepower a major boost with the upcoming launch of a new Type 054B frigate, sending thrill a wave of excitement through the defense community. Two Chinese shipyards are now producing these advanced frigates in parallel, accelerating production and marking a significant upgrade to China's naval capabilities.

US to Build Missile Monitor Ship for Golden Dome Defense System
Get ready for a major boost to national defense: a contract has been awarded to build a cutting-edge missile monitor ship, the Golden Defender, right here in Philadelphia. This game-changing vessel is being brought to life through a partnership between Hanwha Philly and TOTE Services.

Fincantieri Explores Nuclear-Powered Vessel Design Amid Italian Naval Plans
Fincantieri is proactively exploring nuclear-powered vessel design, driven by CEO Pierroberto Folgiero's bold vision to accelerate innovation and lead the charge in sustainable maritime solutions. The shipbuilder is actively engaging with cutting-edge nuclear technology, including third- and fourth-generation reactors.

Austal USA Appoints Gene Miller as President
Austal USA has officially appointed Gene Miller as its President, solidifying its leadership team and charting a course for continued success. With his extensive experience and proven track record, Miller is poised to drive Austal USA forward, building on the momentum established during his interim presidency.

Congress Targets Navy Battleship Over Design Details, Funding
Congress is pushing back on the Navy's plans for a Trump-class battleship, with Rep. Joe Courtney saying the project's hefty price tag defies logic given its lack of design progress. The House Armed Services Committee is now requiring the Navy to prove its planned weapons systems are mature enough before it will approve funding.

Navy Bolsters Battleship with Ford Carrier's Nuclear Reactor Tech
The US Navy is supercharging its new Trump-class battleship with cutting-edge nuclear reactor technology borrowed from the advanced Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier, specifically the A1B reactor and related systems. This strategic move leverages proven tech to boost the battleship's power and capabilities.

US Navy Seeks Overseas Shipbuilding Amid Domestic Capacity Crunch
The US Navy is taking bold steps to reclaim its maritime dominance, with Acting Secretary Hung Cao calling for urgency and commitment to overcome America's shipbuilding capacity crunch. The Navy's Fiscal Year 2027 Shipbuilding Plan proposes a strategic solution: supplementing domestic yards with targeted overseas shipbuilding.

US Navy Shifts Trump Class Battleships to Nuclear Propulsion
The US Navy is taking its Trump class battleships to the next level by ditching traditional propulsion for nuclear power, giving these massive surface combatants the comprehensive capabilities they need to stay ahead. This game-changing upgrade is part of the Navy's new shipbuilding plan, which includes acquiring 15 nuclear-powered battleships over the next few decades.

China Builds Third Type 054B Frigate at Huangpu Shipyard
Get ready for a blast from the past - and a glimpse into China's naval future! A third Type 054B frigate has been spotted under construction at the Pudong Changxingdao shipyard in Shanghai, a clear sign that this cutting-edge class of warships is here to stay.

Pakistan Navy Evolves with Expanded Surface Fleet Capabilities
The Pakistan Navy has set its sights on a formidable fleet of over 50 ships, including 20 major surface vessels, a goal that has driven nearly two decades of strategic shipbuilding and modernization efforts. This ambitious vision has been taking shape since 2007, with a focus on replacing aging vessels with cutting-edge, cost-effective platforms.

Navy Revamps Trump Class Battleship Program with Focus on Mature Design
The Navy is overhauling its Trump Class Battleship program to prioritize a mature design, aiming for 80% or more of the design to be complete before construction begins. This disciplined approach aims to avoid costly past mistakes and ensure the ship meets its vision.

US Navy Faces Daunting Submarine Delivery Challenge
The US Navy's top submarine official, Vice Adm. Robert Gaucher, warns that delivering the first Columbia-class submarine by 2028 will be a monumental challenge, with inevitable surprises and setbacks along the way. He's blunt about the hurdles ahead, calling it a "wicked heavy lift" that will require navigating uncharted waters.

Hanwha, Magnet Defense forge MUSV pact
Hanwha and Magnet Defense are joining forces to revolutionize naval vessel design, building, and deployment with a game-changing pact to develop a 38-meter Unmanned Surface Vessel and automated robotic shipyards. This partnership is set to shake up the industry, redefining how ships are made and used.

Pentagon Accelerates C-UAS Efforts Amid Rising Threats
As threats from small aerial systems escalate, the Pentagon is rapidly ramping up its counter-unmanned aircraft systems (C-UAS) efforts to stay ahead of the curve. With hypersonic flight and AI-powered shipbuilding also on the agenda, the question is: how do you prioritize across these three rapidly converging and game-changing fields?