Every U.S. Navy ship a carrier with AI drones?

The colossal aircraft carrier, once an emblem of unchallenged maritime power, now faces an uncertain future. Vulnerable to sophisticated missile systems and burdened by exorbitant operational costs, its long-term viability sparks debate. A novel proposal by LCDR Jeff Zeberlein emerges, aiming to reshape the naval landscape: transforming every vessel, from the mighty destroyer down to the utilitarian fleet tanker, into a mini-carrier equipped with a squadron of AI-powered drones.

V-BAT is prepared for launch from USS Michael Monsoor during RIMPAC 2022
U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Megan Alexander, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
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USN might adopt South Korea’s Bigung system to counter drone swarm attacks

LIG Nex 1, a South Korean defense contractor, is ramping up efforts to secure a historic arms deal with the United States. The company aims to finalize an export contract for its Bigung 2.75-inch (70mm) infrared-guided anti-ship missile system.


Photo: U.S. Navy
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Super Hornets from CVW 11 make unscheduled stopover in Brunei

In an unexpected turn of events, several United States Navy fighter jets recently made an unscheduled stopover at Brunei International Airport. The nature of their mission and their intended destination were not publicly disclosed. However, their unscheduled landing highlighted the dynamic nature of carrier strike group operations, which often require logistical support and flexibility in the vast Indo-Pacific region.

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Assessing the true value of air and missile defense intercepts in the Red Sea

Recent media coverage frequently portrays air and missile defense intercepts through the lens of a simplistic cost comparison: the expensive interceptor versus the seemingly cheap missile or drone it destroys. While such headlines grab attention, Wes Rumbaugh, a fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, argues this approach paints an incomplete and potentially misleading picture. In a recent analysis, he delves deeper, urging a more nuanced understanding of the complex factors at play.

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ATLANTIC OCEAN (Nov. 1, 2017) The guided-missile destroyer USS Jason Dunham (DDG 109) launches a SM-2 missile during a live-fire exercise. Jason Dunham is underway with the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group preparing for future operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Zachary Van Nuys/Released)

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Hellenic Navy to take delivery of first three MH-60R helicopters

The Hellenic Navy’s maritime muscle is set to receive a significant boost with the arrival of the versatile MH-60R helicopter. Testing of the first three aircraft, completed in December 2023, paves the way for their deployment to Greece aboard U.S. Navy transport planes later this year. Four additional helicopters will follow in 2025, finalizing the seven-aircraft purchase.


Photo: Lockheed Martin
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