World naval developments Apr 2017
EARLY in April the U.S. destroyers Ross and Porter fired 59 Tomahawk cruise missiles at a Syrian airfield from which a nerve gas attack against Syrian civilians had just been mounted. Norman Friedman looks at the implications in his ANI monthly review of global naval developments. 
Riley Jones steers a middle course through President Trump's argument that the fleet should be increased in order to give policy-makers a diverse array of options to deal with threats and emergencies and those who argue that the US Navy is completely sufficient to deal with any and all potentialities, particularly given the fact that it has the only 10 nuclear-powered supercarriers in the world. Submarine project strategy passes audit
The Australian National Audit Office has backed the Defence Department's strategy to buy new submarines replacing the Collins class stock in its first inquiry into the $50 billion project, the largest defence contract in Australia's history. First ‘made in China’ aircraft-carrier launched
The first 'Made in China' aircraft carrier was launched in Dalian, China's major northern port closest to North Korea on Wednesday (26 April), as the more powerful USS Carl Vinson strike group headed towards Korean waters. Chinese state television showed the unnamed aircraft carrier, which is "conventionally powered", festooned in red ribbons and pushed by tug boats. It is only the second aircraft carrier in China's naval fleet. Nominations open for innovation awards
Nominations are open for the Maritime Australia Industry Innovation Awards, which will be awarded at the 2017 Pacific International Maritime Exposition in October.
The Minister...
First steel cut in Australian 30-year ship program
The first steel plates for a new fleet of Pacific patrol boats have been laser-cut (April 2017) at a small plant in southern Perth. It will be the start of a continuous 30-year program that Australian companies and the federal government hope will help spur a major export industry. DCNS signs agreement with Defence Materials Technology Centre
Defence industry company DCNS has signed (24 April 2017) an industry-participation agreement with the Defence Materials Technology Centre for defence construction and sustainment projects.
The...
Philippines sends defence chief to disputed island
The Philippines sent its top military officials last week (April 2017) to an island it occupies in the disputed South China Sea to reinforce...
Successful sea trials for Australian MATV
Damen Shipyards Group has announced the successful completion of sea trials of the Multi-role Aviation Training Vessel (MATV) MV SYCAMORE.
The sea trials included testing...
Philippines hopeful South China Sea code framework done in 2017
The Philippines is hopeful that the framework of the code of conduct for the South China Sea dispute would be completed during its chairmanship...