The Nimitz-class aircraft Carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) transits the Mediterranean Sea, April 4, 2022. Norwegian Armed Forces / Petty Officer Marius Vaagenes Villanger
The Naval Brief: Lightning carriers; Future recon vehicle; More weapons to Ukraine; and more...
Welcome to The Naval Brief, a weekly look at the news and ideas shaping the sea services’ future.
Amphibs as F-35 carriers. The USS Tripoli amphibious assault ship had 20 F-35Bs operating on board recently to demonstrate the “lightning carrier” concept, which can provide naval commanders with more options for deploying the advanced aircraft around the world, Defense One reports. The concept can free up larger aircraft carriers to focus on critical regions like the Pacific and change how an Amphibious Ready Groups deploys.
Recon vehicle study. The Marine Corps asked BAE Systems to study whether the amphibious combat vehicle they manufacture could work as the service’s future advanced reconnaissance vehicle, Defense One reports. The equipment they will test for the vehicle include a medium tactical drone and communication systems.
Artillery, drones heading to Ukraine. The United States is sending an $800 million security assistance package to Ukraine in preparation for Russian military attacks in the Donbas region, Defense One reports. Included in the package are 18 155mm howitzers and 11 Mi-17 helicopters that were originally intended for Afghanistan.
Sign up to get The Naval Brief every Thursday from Caitlin M. Kenney, Defense One’s military services reporter. On this day in 1988, the frigate USS Samuel B. Roberts struck an Iranian mine, blowing a hole on its port side. The U.S. responded to the incident with Operation Praying Mantis.
From Defense One
Pentagon, Industry Leaders Meet to Talk Replenishing Military Weapons Stockpiles // Marcus Weisgerber
Top-level Pentagon meeting comes as the U.S. prepares to send more sophisticated and lethal weapons to Ukraine.
Lockheed Martin Hopes the US Has Turned the Corner on Hypersonics // Patrick Tucker
March test 'one of the biggest steps we've seen' in development of new hypersonic weapons, company officials say.
After Losses, Russia Regroups for the Donbas and Names 'Butcher of Syria' Head of Ukraine Ops // Tara Copp
A convoy of artillery, aviation support is heading toward Izium. 'We're all bracing ourselves' for what's next, Pentagon says.