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.
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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...
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...
CV-18 Fujian, assorted images. The ones showing her underway without hull number should be from her short excursions in the SCS before the commissioning event. Via 未来军事画匠 & 楠宫卸甲/Wb.
November 16, 2025 at 12:44 AM
CV-18 Fujian, assorted images. The ones showing her underway without hull number should be from her short excursions in the SCS before the commissioning event. Via 未来军事画匠 & 楠宫卸甲/Wb.
Getting some serious Austria-flashbacks.
For those less versed in the matter (or too young for it), back in 2002 Lockheed Martin dismissed a 200% offset request for the Austrian Draken-replacement as voodoo economics instigated by Saab with their Gripen-offer.
www.ctvnews.ca/politics/art...
For those less versed in the matter (or too young for it), back in 2002 Lockheed Martin dismissed a 200% offset request for the Austrian Draken-replacement as voodoo economics instigated by Saab with their Gripen-offer.
www.ctvnews.ca/politics/art...
10,000 new jobs could soon come to Canada, Swedish manufacturer says
The Swedish manufacturer of the Gripen fighter jet, SAAB, says ten thousand manufacturing and research jobs could land in Canada if Ottawa adds the aircraft to its military fleet.
www.ctvnews.ca
November 15, 2025 at 1:32 PM
Getting some serious Austria-flashbacks.
For those less versed in the matter (or too young for it), back in 2002 Lockheed Martin dismissed a 200% offset request for the Austrian Draken-replacement as voodoo economics instigated by Saab with their Gripen-offer.
www.ctvnews.ca/politics/art...
For those less versed in the matter (or too young for it), back in 2002 Lockheed Martin dismissed a 200% offset request for the Austrian Draken-replacement as voodoo economics instigated by Saab with their Gripen-offer.
www.ctvnews.ca/politics/art...
Die Argumentation, der ich mich nicht komplett entziehen will, wuerde sich besser lesen, haetten wir nicht mit der K130 Los 2 "von der Stange" einen neuen Rekord darin aufgestellt, eine Beschaffung fuer die Marine so richtig solide vor die Wand zu fahren.
www.hartpunkt.de/normierungsw...
www.hartpunkt.de/normierungsw...
Normierungswut schreckt nicht ab – 2029 verfügbare MEKO-Fregatten schon
Die Bedrohungen in Nord- und Ostsee, aber auch im Nordatlantik durch Russland nehmen tagtäglich zu.
www.hartpunkt.de
November 15, 2025 at 1:02 PM
Die Argumentation, der ich mich nicht komplett entziehen will, wuerde sich besser lesen, haetten wir nicht mit der K130 Los 2 "von der Stange" einen neuen Rekord darin aufgestellt, eine Beschaffung fuer die Marine so richtig solide vor die Wand zu fahren.
www.hartpunkt.de/normierungsw...
www.hartpunkt.de/normierungsw...
We appear to have another PLAN Type 071 LPD modified to support an experimental DEW on our hands, on 985 Qilianshan.
Notably, the configuration is different from what we assume is the LY-1 laser weapon mounted on hull 986 Simingshan (second image).
Via chaoyinsukandao/X.
Notably, the configuration is different from what we assume is the LY-1 laser weapon mounted on hull 986 Simingshan (second image).
Via chaoyinsukandao/X.
November 15, 2025 at 12:02 PM
We appear to have another PLAN Type 071 LPD modified to support an experimental DEW on our hands, on 985 Qilianshan.
Notably, the configuration is different from what we assume is the LY-1 laser weapon mounted on hull 986 Simingshan (second image).
Via chaoyinsukandao/X.
Notably, the configuration is different from what we assume is the LY-1 laser weapon mounted on hull 986 Simingshan (second image).
Via chaoyinsukandao/X.
"The scope and scale of Xi’s purges strongly suggest he does not foresee a major conflict through 2027..."
markparkeryoung.substack.com/p/a-central-...
markparkeryoung.substack.com/p/a-central-...
November 15, 2025 at 10:23 AM
"The scope and scale of Xi’s purges strongly suggest he does not foresee a major conflict through 2027..."
markparkeryoung.substack.com/p/a-central-...
markparkeryoung.substack.com/p/a-central-...
My overview for @navalnews.com on the state of play with SEA 3000, "Upgraded Mogami" (aka 06FFM) & not quite zero change of specifications. I'd like to acknowledge & thank RAdm Hughes & MHI representatives on informative engagement enabling constructive coverage.
www.navalnews.com/event-news/i...
www.navalnews.com/event-news/i...
Upgraded Mogami At Indopac - On Zero Change And Shipbuilding
Government and industry officials provide new information on changes for RAN Upgraded Mogami. Meanwhile Civmec touts frigate-building skills.
www.navalnews.com
November 15, 2025 at 8:33 AM
My overview for @navalnews.com on the state of play with SEA 3000, "Upgraded Mogami" (aka 06FFM) & not quite zero change of specifications. I'd like to acknowledge & thank RAdm Hughes & MHI representatives on informative engagement enabling constructive coverage.
www.navalnews.com/event-news/i...
www.navalnews.com/event-news/i...
Colombia signs contract with Saab for 17 Gripen E/F. The arrangement will deliver 15 single seater Gripen E and two trainers (Gripen F), incl additional equipment. Media puts the total value at $3.6 bln.
breakingdefense.com/2025/11/colo...
breakingdefense.com/2025/11/colo...
Colombia signs $3.6B deal for Gripen fighters - Breaking Defense
The deal covers 15 Gripen E one-seater aircraft, along with two Gripen F two-seaters and a host of equipment and weapons, the Swedish company announced. Delivery of the jets will take place between 20...
breakingdefense.com
November 15, 2025 at 7:31 AM
Colombia signs contract with Saab for 17 Gripen E/F. The arrangement will deliver 15 single seater Gripen E and two trainers (Gripen F), incl additional equipment. Media puts the total value at $3.6 bln.
breakingdefense.com/2025/11/colo...
breakingdefense.com/2025/11/colo...
ICYMI: FMS notification out for German acquisition of SM-2 Blk IIIC and SM-6 missiles. This approval is part of the package intended for the future German F127 AAW frigates. Notification for radar sets, presumably SPY-6, and other equipment still pending.
www.dsca.mil/Press-Media/...
www.dsca.mil/Press-Media/...
November 15, 2025 at 5:12 AM
ICYMI: FMS notification out for German acquisition of SM-2 Blk IIIC and SM-6 missiles. This approval is part of the package intended for the future German F127 AAW frigates. Notification for radar sets, presumably SPY-6, and other equipment still pending.
www.dsca.mil/Press-Media/...
www.dsca.mil/Press-Media/...
Reposted by Alex Luck
My @navalnews.com write-up on Type 076 LHA Sichuan (31) going to sea for the first time today. The large amphibious carrier, equipped with an EM catapult as a world first, came together in a notably short time and follows commissioning of Fujian a week ago.
www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2...
www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2...
Chinese Type 076 Amphibious Carrier Sichuan Starts Sea Trials
The Chinese Type 076 amphibious carrier Sichuan, equipped with an electromagnetic catapult, has today left Shanghai for her first sea trial.
www.navalnews.com
November 14, 2025 at 11:39 AM
My @navalnews.com write-up on Type 076 LHA Sichuan (31) going to sea for the first time today. The large amphibious carrier, equipped with an EM catapult as a world first, came together in a notably short time and follows commissioning of Fujian a week ago.
www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2...
www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2...
Ach ja, die F-35 als ewige Gretchenfrage der Bundeswehr. Es ist schon fast bemitleidenswert.
www.hartpunkt.de/doch-weitere...
www.hartpunkt.de/doch-weitere...
Doch weitere F-35 für die Luftwaffe?
Die Bundesrepublik Deutschland hat 2022 mittels eines Regierungsgeschäftes mit den USA 35 Stealth-Kampfflugzeuge des Typs F-35A Lightning II bestellt, die zukünftig als Kernwaffenträger einen Teil der...
www.hartpunkt.de
November 14, 2025 at 12:58 PM
Ach ja, die F-35 als ewige Gretchenfrage der Bundeswehr. Es ist schon fast bemitleidenswert.
www.hartpunkt.de/doch-weitere...
www.hartpunkt.de/doch-weitere...
Incidentally, since amphibious PLAN is in the spotlight again, here's also a recent image of the new LCU compatible with Types 071, 075 and now 076.
Due to its compact size and affordability at least as consequential as the Type 726 LCAC, if not more so. Via "by78"/SDF.
Due to its compact size and affordability at least as consequential as the Type 726 LCAC, if not more so. Via "by78"/SDF.
November 14, 2025 at 12:55 PM
Incidentally, since amphibious PLAN is in the spotlight again, here's also a recent image of the new LCU compatible with Types 071, 075 and now 076.
Due to its compact size and affordability at least as consequential as the Type 726 LCAC, if not more so. Via "by78"/SDF.
Due to its compact size and affordability at least as consequential as the Type 726 LCAC, if not more so. Via "by78"/SDF.
My @navalnews.com write-up on Type 076 LHA Sichuan (31) going to sea for the first time today. The large amphibious carrier, equipped with an EM catapult as a world first, came together in a notably short time and follows commissioning of Fujian a week ago.
www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2...
www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2...
Chinese Type 076 Amphibious Carrier Sichuan Starts Sea Trials
The Chinese Type 076 amphibious carrier Sichuan, equipped with an electromagnetic catapult, has today left Shanghai for her first sea trial.
www.navalnews.com
November 14, 2025 at 11:39 AM
My @navalnews.com write-up on Type 076 LHA Sichuan (31) going to sea for the first time today. The large amphibious carrier, equipped with an EM catapult as a world first, came together in a notably short time and follows commissioning of Fujian a week ago.
www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2...
www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2...
German parliament approves €7.8 bln for F126 alternative planning. Sound move to maintain pressure on Damen not drawing out current review in trying to resolve & salvage the effort.
However, it will also motivate increased TKMS positioning on MEKO A200.
www.hartpunkt.de/bundestag-st...
However, it will also motivate increased TKMS positioning on MEKO A200.
www.hartpunkt.de/bundestag-st...
Bundestag stellt 7,8 Milliarden Euro für F126-Alternative bereit
Dem Vernehmen nach stehen den Verteidigungspolitikern der Regierungsfraktionen mit den heute gebilligten Titeln für eine Alternative zur F126 alle Optionen
www.hartpunkt.de
November 13, 2025 at 11:23 PM
German parliament approves €7.8 bln for F126 alternative planning. Sound move to maintain pressure on Damen not drawing out current review in trying to resolve & salvage the effort.
However, it will also motivate increased TKMS positioning on MEKO A200.
www.hartpunkt.de/bundestag-st...
However, it will also motivate increased TKMS positioning on MEKO A200.
www.hartpunkt.de/bundestag-st...
Japanese shipbuilder JMU has launched the first two new patrol vessels for JMSDF. The OPVs are named Sakura and Tachibana, legacy names of previous Japanese combatants.
news.yahoo.co.jp/expert/artic...
news.yahoo.co.jp/expert/artic...
海自の新艦種「哨戒艦」の1、2番艦が進水 艦名は「さくら」と「たちばな」 旧海軍駆逐艦の名を継承（高橋浩祐） - エキスパート - Yahoo!ニュース
海上自衛隊の新しい艦種となる「哨戒艦」の1、2番艦の命名・進水式が11月13日、ジャパンマリンユナイテッド（JMU）横浜事業所磯子工場で行われた。「さくら」「たちばな」とそれぞれ名付けられた。海上幕僚
news.yahoo.co.jp
November 13, 2025 at 5:55 AM
Japanese shipbuilder JMU has launched the first two new patrol vessels for JMSDF. The OPVs are named Sakura and Tachibana, legacy names of previous Japanese combatants.
news.yahoo.co.jp/expert/artic...
news.yahoo.co.jp/expert/artic...
"It was the AUKUS agreement of 2021 that signalled the reversal of the nation’s low-risk policy."
Oh? Out of three competitors, picking a yet to be developed conventional variant of a nuclear powered design was arguably the riskiest choice on SEA 1000.
www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpre...
Oh? Out of three competitors, picking a yet to be developed conventional variant of a nuclear powered design was arguably the riskiest choice on SEA 1000.
www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpre...
Australia becomes a risk-taking ally
AUKUS represents an Australian switch from a practice of risk avoidance to one of eager acceptance.
www.lowyinstitute.org
November 13, 2025 at 2:14 AM
"It was the AUKUS agreement of 2021 that signalled the reversal of the nation’s low-risk policy."
Oh? Out of three competitors, picking a yet to be developed conventional variant of a nuclear powered design was arguably the riskiest choice on SEA 1000.
www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpre...
Oh? Out of three competitors, picking a yet to be developed conventional variant of a nuclear powered design was arguably the riskiest choice on SEA 1000.
www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpre...
TKMS appears set to acquire naval yard GNYK. The move further re-arranges and consolidates German naval shipbuilding, after Rheinmetall recently acquired NVL. GNYK entered stormy waters (sorry) after the Damen-led F126 effort started to go sideways.
www.hartpunkt.de/steht-tkms-v...
www.hartpunkt.de/steht-tkms-v...
Steht TKMS vor der Übernahme von GNYK?
Einem aktullen Beitrag der Kieler Nachrichten zufolge sind Gespräche zur Übernahme der Werft German Naval Yards (GNYK) durch den deutlich größeren
www.hartpunkt.de
November 12, 2025 at 9:57 PM
TKMS appears set to acquire naval yard GNYK. The move further re-arranges and consolidates German naval shipbuilding, after Rheinmetall recently acquired NVL. GNYK entered stormy waters (sorry) after the Damen-led F126 effort started to go sideways.
www.hartpunkt.de/steht-tkms-v...
www.hartpunkt.de/steht-tkms-v...
I guess we pull the plug on FCAS then. This is more or less how we also "reframed" MAWS, after walking away from developing a new MPA with France and going the "interim" P-8A route, which has since turned very much permanent.
defensearchives.com/news/germany...
defensearchives.com/news/germany...
Germany moves to reframe FCAS with National Plans
Germany is reframing FCAS as a framework for interoperability and building its own foundation around a new project.
defensearchives.com
November 12, 2025 at 9:09 PM
I guess we pull the plug on FCAS then. This is more or less how we also "reframed" MAWS, after walking away from developing a new MPA with France and going the "interim" P-8A route, which has since turned very much permanent.
defensearchives.com/news/germany...
defensearchives.com/news/germany...
"The debate in Tokyo regarding the acquisition of SSNs has recently intensified, triggered by a policy recommendation compiled in September by an expert panel of the Ministry of Defense..."
www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2...
www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2...
Japan Weighs Nuclear Submarines as New Defense Minister Koizumi Signals Break from Postwar Nuclear Taboo - Naval News
Japan new Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi has publicly called for Tokyo to consider acquiring nuclear powered submarines (SSN)
www.navalnews.com
November 12, 2025 at 11:36 AM
"The debate in Tokyo regarding the acquisition of SSNs has recently intensified, triggered by a policy recommendation compiled in September by an expert panel of the Ministry of Defense..."
www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2...
www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2...
CV-18 Fujian and CV-17 Shandong at Yulin. Note considerable construction activity in the back, supporting expansion of the PLAN naval facilities.
Via "by78"/SDF.
Via "by78"/SDF.
November 11, 2025 at 7:22 PM
CV-18 Fujian and CV-17 Shandong at Yulin. Note considerable construction activity in the back, supporting expansion of the PLAN naval facilities.
Via "by78"/SDF.
Via "by78"/SDF.
Reposted by Alex Luck
The Alfa 4000 is by the way on of the four contenders for the Swedish frigate programme - the other three being FDI, Type 31, and Saab's homegrown Luleå-proposal.
As mentioned earlier, I have written up a comprehensive overview on two new Navantia-designs shown at Indo Pacific 2025 last week in Sydney. They are the Alfa 4000 "light frigate" and the "Smart LPD" multirole amphibious dock. Check it out at @navalnews.com:
www.navalnews.com/event-news/i...
www.navalnews.com/event-news/i...
Navantia Presents Alfa 4000, Smart LPD At Indo Pacific 2025
Shipbuilder Navantia has presented their new Alfa 4000 light frigate and the Smart LPD drone command ship at Indo Pacific 2025 in Sydney.
www.navalnews.com
November 11, 2025 at 8:45 AM
The Alfa 4000 is by the way on of the four contenders for the Swedish frigate programme - the other three being FDI, Type 31, and Saab's homegrown Luleå-proposal.
As mentioned earlier, I have written up a comprehensive overview on two new Navantia-designs shown at Indo Pacific 2025 last week in Sydney. They are the Alfa 4000 "light frigate" and the "Smart LPD" multirole amphibious dock. Check it out at @navalnews.com:
www.navalnews.com/event-news/i...
www.navalnews.com/event-news/i...
Navantia Presents Alfa 4000, Smart LPD At Indo Pacific 2025
Shipbuilder Navantia has presented their new Alfa 4000 light frigate and the Smart LPD drone command ship at Indo Pacific 2025 in Sydney.
www.navalnews.com
November 11, 2025 at 8:33 AM
As mentioned earlier, I have written up a comprehensive overview on two new Navantia-designs shown at Indo Pacific 2025 last week in Sydney. They are the Alfa 4000 "light frigate" and the "Smart LPD" multirole amphibious dock. Check it out at @navalnews.com:
www.navalnews.com/event-news/i...
www.navalnews.com/event-news/i...
When a stalker gets stalked.
November 11, 2025 at 3:58 AM
When a stalker gets stalked.