Alex Luck
@alxluck.bsky.social
Chinese Military. Bundeswehr/NATO. MA Pol Sci/History. Cats, dogs, motorcycles. Überbringer schlechter Nachrichten. Analysis@ NavalNews.com. Contributor@ hartpunkt.de. Previous articles at FPRI.org.
Pinned
Chinese Navy Takes Aircraft Carrier Fujian Into Active Service
The Chinese Navy has commissioned the first aircraft carrier with electromagnetic catapults, Fujian, into active service in Hainan.
www.navalnews.com
The Chinese Navy (PLAN) has commissioned aircraft carrier Fujian on November 5 in Sanya. I provide an overview on the event and a preliminary assessment on how the development fits into wider Chinese carrier aviation, for @navalnews.com.
www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2...
www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2...
Reposted by Alex Luck
DW with a report on the really very active drone and counterdrone startup scene in Germany
www.dw.com/en/drones-ma...
www.dw.com/en/drones-ma...
Drones made in Bavaria to boost German army's air defenses – DW – 11/27/2025
As Germany invests heavily in drones, Munich has emerged as the nation's hub for development. Amid drone sightings in other parts of the EU, the focus is increasingly shifting to air defence.
www.dw.com
November 29, 2025 at 8:12 PM
DW with a report on the really very active drone and counterdrone startup scene in Germany
www.dw.com/en/drones-ma...
www.dw.com/en/drones-ma...
Harry remains somewhat uncertain on this entire Christmas spirit thing. And we havent even tortured him with Mariah Carey yet.
November 30, 2025 at 7:12 AM
Harry remains somewhat uncertain on this entire Christmas spirit thing. And we havent even tortured him with Mariah Carey yet.
This on top of the commendable military tradition of using a 24 hour time system like civilized people, and not the weird AM/PM approach, like savages pretending half the day isnt really worth thinking about for time management.
I did not know until today that USINDOPACOM uses the date / month / year system, not the weird American month / date thingy. www.pacom.mil/Media/NEWS/N...
www.pacom.mil
November 29, 2025 at 12:34 AM
This on top of the commendable military tradition of using a 24 hour time system like civilized people, and not the weird AM/PM approach, like savages pretending half the day isnt really worth thinking about for time management.
"Documents outlining the deal, viewed by Naval News, include 450 AIM-260A missiles, 5 AIM-260A test vehicles, and 30 AIM-260A guided test vehicles earmarked for Australia at a cost of $2.6 billion—$3.1 billion when including non-major defense equipment."
www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2...
www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2...
USA Approves First AIM-260A JATM Export to Australia - Naval News
The Royal Australian Air Force will be the first foreign operator of the advanced AIM-260A JATM air-to-air missile according to U.S. sources speaking to Naval News on condition of anonymity. The sale ...
www.navalnews.com
November 28, 2025 at 11:19 PM
"Documents outlining the deal, viewed by Naval News, include 450 AIM-260A missiles, 5 AIM-260A test vehicles, and 30 AIM-260A guided test vehicles earmarked for Australia at a cost of $2.6 billion—$3.1 billion when including non-major defense equipment."
www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2...
www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2...
"The location of the ships has not been revealed. It is also unclear whether the vessels are naval or scientific in nature, but their voyage has triggered enough interest to warrant closer attention."
www.afr.com/politics/fed...
www.afr.com/politics/fed...
Defence forces monitor Chinese flotilla
The vessels may be heading towards Australia, less than a year after a naval task group sparked alarm when it unexpectedly circumnavigated the country.
www.afr.com
November 28, 2025 at 2:28 AM
"The location of the ships has not been revealed. It is also unclear whether the vessels are naval or scientific in nature, but their voyage has triggered enough interest to warrant closer attention."
www.afr.com/politics/fed...
www.afr.com/politics/fed...
It is not well known that Australian dogs possess an inherent instinct to queue for stick play.
November 24, 2025 at 11:12 PM
It is not well known that Australian dogs possess an inherent instinct to queue for stick play.
Reposted by Alex Luck
New cutaway, Australian Collins class submarine. Drawn in MS Paint. Here-> www.hisutton.com/Collins-Clas...
November 17, 2025 at 6:56 AM
New cutaway, Australian Collins class submarine. Drawn in MS Paint. Here-> www.hisutton.com/Collins-Clas...
When asked about the perilious state of FCAS vis a vis next gen fighter jet capabilities, Luftwaffe chief Lieutenant General Neumann notes GCAP and F-35 also exist. However "we do not want to rely on F-35 alone.". Make of that what you will. 😉
www.spiegel.de/politik/deut...
www.spiegel.de/politik/deut...
(S+) Luftwaffenchef Holger Neumann: »Die Luftwaffe muss auf Siegfähigkeit ausgerichtet werden«
Er ist seit Mai neuer Chef der Luftwaffe: Hier spricht Holger Neumann über die Probleme bei der Drohnenabwehr, darüber, warum unbemannte Flieger Kampfjets nicht vollständig ersetzen können und wie er ...
www.spiegel.de
November 23, 2025 at 9:36 AM
When asked about the perilious state of FCAS vis a vis next gen fighter jet capabilities, Luftwaffe chief Lieutenant General Neumann notes GCAP and F-35 also exist. However "we do not want to rely on F-35 alone.". Make of that what you will. 😉
www.spiegel.de/politik/deut...
www.spiegel.de/politik/deut...
The noise in general media over the (IMO) pointless American theatrics in the Caribbean stand in notable contrast to the rather more meaningful movements lately around the SCS, and relative silence on the matter outside topical outlets.
news.usni.org/2025/11/18/n...
news.usni.org/2025/11/18/n...
Nimitz Strike Group Drills Near Scarborough Shoal with Philippines, Japan - USNI News
The Nimitz Carrier Strike Group joined Philippine and Japanese vessels in the South China Sea over the weekend in what was Washington’s largest show of force near Scarborough Shoal in years, following...
news.usni.org
November 20, 2025 at 3:09 AM
The noise in general media over the (IMO) pointless American theatrics in the Caribbean stand in notable contrast to the rather more meaningful movements lately around the SCS, and relative silence on the matter outside topical outlets.
news.usni.org/2025/11/18/n...
news.usni.org/2025/11/18/n...
As already noted by others, GE has refreshed their imagery of Bohai. The most notable detail is a Type 09III-B SSGN fitting out pierside after launch, and a Type 09IV-A SSBN also undergoing significant work. I think this is a hull in deep overhaul, not a new boat. But tbc.
November 20, 2025 at 3:07 AM
As already noted by others, GE has refreshed their imagery of Bohai. The most notable detail is a Type 09III-B SSGN fitting out pierside after launch, and a Type 09IV-A SSBN also undergoing significant work. I think this is a hull in deep overhaul, not a new boat. But tbc.
"The announcement comes five months after Eastern reported it could not complete the OPC contract without taking an “unabsorbable loss,” and as a result the service issued stop work orders on hulls three and four."
news.usni.org/2025/11/18/e...
news.usni.org/2025/11/18/e...
Eastern Shipbuilding Halts Work on Coast Guard Cutter Program, Cites Financial Strain and Program Conditions - USNI News
Eastern Shipbuilding Group halted work on the U.S. Coast Guard’s Heritage-class Offshore Patrol Cutter program, citing “significant financial strain” caused by the program’s conditions, USNI News has ...
news.usni.org
November 19, 2025 at 2:21 AM
"The announcement comes five months after Eastern reported it could not complete the OPC contract without taking an “unabsorbable loss,” and as a result the service issued stop work orders on hulls three and four."
news.usni.org/2025/11/18/e...
news.usni.org/2025/11/18/e...
Diehl and Lockheed Martin sign MoU on evaluating integration of Iris-T SLM into both Mk 41 VLS and AEGIS combat managemend system. Emphasis on "evaluate". Nevertheless an important step.
www.hartpunkt.de/diehl-defenc...
www.hartpunkt.de/diehl-defenc...
Diehl Defence und Lockheed Martin wollen Integration von Iris-T in Aegis-System für Marineschiffe untersuchen
Diehl Defence, ein deutscher Anbieter von Lenkflugkörpern sowie bodengebundenen Luftverteidigungssystemen, und der US-Rüstungskonzern Lockheed Martin haben heute eine Vereinbarung geschlossen, die das...
www.hartpunkt.de
November 18, 2025 at 9:36 PM
Diehl and Lockheed Martin sign MoU on evaluating integration of Iris-T SLM into both Mk 41 VLS and AEGIS combat managemend system. Emphasis on "evaluate". Nevertheless an important step.
www.hartpunkt.de/diehl-defenc...
www.hartpunkt.de/diehl-defenc...
Considering MELCO and Sampa are lined up to supply the US production pipeline for SPY-6, this seems logical. End of the day Germany will receive this equipment through the usual FMS-channels, meaning from the US.
www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2...
www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2...
Japan to Supply Components for German F127 Frigate's Radar - Naval News
Components manufactured by Japanese companies will be integrated into the SPY-6 radar system selected for the German Navy’s next-generation F127 frigates.
www.navalnews.com
November 18, 2025 at 7:27 PM
Considering MELCO and Sampa are lined up to supply the US production pipeline for SPY-6, this seems logical. End of the day Germany will receive this equipment through the usual FMS-channels, meaning from the US.
www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2...
www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2...
The UK apparently favoring both Hanwha's bid for submarines in Canada and the Swedish effort in Poland appears to cause a bit of a stink with Berlin. Supposedly this is about Babcock having a stake in both programs. Anyway.
www.tagesschau.de/investigativ...
www.tagesschau.de/investigativ...
Streit um U-Boot-Deals - Grätsche aus London
Der deutsche Rüstungskonzern TKMS hofft auf Mega-Deals: Kanada will zwölf neue U-Boote kaufen, auch Polen will seine Flotte erneuern. Nun sorgt die Positionierung der britischen Regierung nach Informa...
www.tagesschau.de
November 18, 2025 at 7:27 PM
The UK apparently favoring both Hanwha's bid for submarines in Canada and the Swedish effort in Poland appears to cause a bit of a stink with Berlin. Supposedly this is about Babcock having a stake in both programs. Anyway.
www.tagesschau.de/investigativ...
www.tagesschau.de/investigativ...
The way unnamed "officials" talk about FCAS at this stage brings to mind first and foremost the pet shop owner in Monty Python's Dead Parrot-sketch.
www.ft.com/content/e0cc...
www.ft.com/content/e0cc...
Berlin and Paris discuss scrapping joint fighter to focus on air ‘combat cloud’
Proposed downsizing of €100bn flagship defence project follows feuding by Airbus and Dassault
www.ft.com
November 18, 2025 at 9:17 AM
The way unnamed "officials" talk about FCAS at this stage brings to mind first and foremost the pet shop owner in Monty Python's Dead Parrot-sketch.
www.ft.com/content/e0cc...
www.ft.com/content/e0cc...
"I don't always annoy the cat. But when I do, I make sure he throws up on the new office chair."
November 18, 2025 at 8:39 AM
"I don't always annoy the cat. But when I do, I make sure he throws up on the new office chair."
Bis 2029 fast tausend Stellen weniger, als dies vor zwei Jahren noch fuer 2027 galt (198.00 Aktive vs 198.800 einst). Aber dann in 2035 270.000 Aktive. Genau mein Humor. Solche Statements sollten bei Pressekonferenzen in Grund und Boden gelacht werden.
www.faz.net/aktuell/poli...
www.faz.net/aktuell/poli...
Zielzahlen der Koalition: Langsam soll die Truppe wachsen
Um Deutschland verteidigen zu können, soll die Bundeswehr auf 270.000 aktive Soldaten anwachsen. Aber erst im Jahr 2035 soll sie dieses Ziel erreichen, wie die Pläne von Schwarz-Rot zeigen.
www.faz.net
November 18, 2025 at 8:18 AM
Bis 2029 fast tausend Stellen weniger, als dies vor zwei Jahren noch fuer 2027 galt (198.00 Aktive vs 198.800 einst). Aber dann in 2035 270.000 Aktive. Genau mein Humor. Solche Statements sollten bei Pressekonferenzen in Grund und Boden gelacht werden.
www.faz.net/aktuell/poli...
www.faz.net/aktuell/poli...
Fuer @hartpunkt.bsky.social ein aktueller Ueberblick meinerseits, wie es inzwischen um das australische SEA 3000-Vorhaben nach der Festlegung auf "Upgraded Mogami" aka 06FFM von MHI steht. Veraenderungen und Bauwerft-Fragen stehen derzeit im Vordergrund.
www.hartpunkt.de/indo-pazifik...
www.hartpunkt.de/indo-pazifik...
Indo Pazifik 2025 – neue Anpassungen der Mehrzweckfregatte „Upgraded Mogami“ für Australien
Der japanische Schiffsbauer Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) hat auf der Indo Pacific Maritime Exposition 2025 in Sydney ein Modell der „Upgraded Mogami“ für die australische Marine gezeigt.
www.hartpunkt.de
November 17, 2025 at 10:33 AM
Fuer @hartpunkt.bsky.social ein aktueller Ueberblick meinerseits, wie es inzwischen um das australische SEA 3000-Vorhaben nach der Festlegung auf "Upgraded Mogami" aka 06FFM von MHI steht. Veraenderungen und Bauwerft-Fragen stehen derzeit im Vordergrund.
www.hartpunkt.de/indo-pazifik...
www.hartpunkt.de/indo-pazifik...
Malabar 2025. RAN contributes HMAS Ballarat, RAAF present with a P-8A, USN sends USS Fitzgerald (note NSM mounted aft), JMSDF with JS Hyuga and a P-1, Indian Navy with INS Sahyadri. All images ADF.
November 17, 2025 at 5:34 AM
Malabar 2025. RAN contributes HMAS Ballarat, RAAF present with a P-8A, USN sends USS Fitzgerald (note NSM mounted aft), JMSDF with JS Hyuga and a P-1, Indian Navy with INS Sahyadri. All images ADF.
Reposted by Alex Luck
Re-homed the tarantula today. Suffice to say she was not amused, but took it in good grace.
November 17, 2025 at 2:58 AM
Re-homed the tarantula today. Suffice to say she was not amused, but took it in good grace.
Look, for Sweden's sake it would be more than welcome to gain a customer willing to buy into A26, considering the limited scope and current state of the program.
For Poland's sake, I'd think given they need new boats yesterday, that's a different matter.
gcaptain.com/uk-lobbying-...
For Poland's sake, I'd think given they need new boats yesterday, that's a different matter.
gcaptain.com/uk-lobbying-...
UK Lobbying Poland to Buy Swedish Submarines, Sources Say
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is lobbying Poland to award a multi-billion-euro submarine purchase contract to Swedish defence group Saab SAABb.ST that may include some deals with UK defence grou...
gcaptain.com
November 17, 2025 at 12:50 AM
Look, for Sweden's sake it would be more than welcome to gain a customer willing to buy into A26, considering the limited scope and current state of the program.
For Poland's sake, I'd think given they need new boats yesterday, that's a different matter.
gcaptain.com/uk-lobbying-...
For Poland's sake, I'd think given they need new boats yesterday, that's a different matter.
gcaptain.com/uk-lobbying-...
Type 076 amphibious assault carrier Sichuan has returned to builder Hudong in Shanghai today at 5 pm local time. The ship spent three days at sea on her first trial.
All images via Chinese Navy media account/X.
All images via Chinese Navy media account/X.
November 16, 2025 at 11:55 AM
Type 076 amphibious assault carrier Sichuan has returned to builder Hudong in Shanghai today at 5 pm local time. The ship spent three days at sea on her first trial.
All images via Chinese Navy media account/X.
All images via Chinese Navy media account/X.
"Last month ATLA is understood to have again written to the Naval Shipbuilding and Sustainment Group (NSSG) within Australia’s Defence Department to more directly express concerns over Hanwha’s yet-to-be-approved takeover bid."
thewest.com.au/politics/def...
thewest.com.au/politics/def...
WA warship tension as Japan queries Austal’s ownership
Local shipbuilder Austal is at the centre of a growing diplomatic storm as Tokyo privately lodges formal concerns over a South Korean bid to take over the WA-based company.
thewest.com.au
November 16, 2025 at 12:49 AM
"Last month ATLA is understood to have again written to the Naval Shipbuilding and Sustainment Group (NSSG) within Australia’s Defence Department to more directly express concerns over Hanwha’s yet-to-be-approved takeover bid."
thewest.com.au/politics/def...
thewest.com.au/politics/def...