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.
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.
Meanwhile Bohai's new yard facilities are pretty much complete, similar to the connecting infrastructure. This is where new 09IIIB have been built since at least 2022, and where future SSN and SSBN will see construction. Theoretical output is considerable (2022 vs 2025).
November 20, 2025 at 3:07 AM
Meanwhile Bohai's new yard facilities are pretty much complete, similar to the connecting infrastructure. This is where new 09IIIB have been built since at least 2022, and where future SSN and SSBN will see construction. Theoretical output is considerable (2022 vs 2025).
Just as notable, perhaps more so, is increasing berthing structure around this key yard for nuclear powered submarines. Huludao also serves as naval base for the PLAN training squadron, with associated hulls seen in the pictures (2022 vs 2025).
November 20, 2025 at 3:07 AM
Just as notable, perhaps more so, is increasing berthing structure around this key yard for nuclear powered submarines. Huludao also serves as naval base for the PLAN training squadron, with associated hulls seen in the pictures (2022 vs 2025).
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.
Der Witz ist ja, dass das immer noch total illusorisch ist angesichts der tatsaechlichen Verhaeltnisse bei der Bundeswehr, die wir nun so bereits seit zehn Jahren haben.
November 18, 2025 at 8:44 AM
Der Witz ist ja, dass das immer noch total illusorisch ist angesichts der tatsaechlichen Verhaeltnisse bei der Bundeswehr, die wir nun so bereits seit zehn Jahren haben.
"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."
Herzlichen Glueckwunsch zum Zehnjaehrigen bzgl der Personal-Luftschloesser uebrigens.
November 18, 2025 at 8:20 AM
Herzlichen Glueckwunsch zum Zehnjaehrigen bzgl der Personal-Luftschloesser uebrigens.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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-...
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/...
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.
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.
When a stalker gets stalked.
November 11, 2025 at 3:58 AM
When a stalker gets stalked.
Last shots from Sydney, before heading home to Brisbane. Civilian and naval imagery, something for the whole family.
November 7, 2025 at 11:37 AM
Last shots from Sydney, before heading home to Brisbane. Civilian and naval imagery, something for the whole family.
The gang. Thanks @xaviervav.bsky.social for having me tag along for @navalnews.com. Its always excellent fun. And kudos to Guy for making the operation look great on film.
November 6, 2025 at 10:28 AM
The gang. Thanks @xaviervav.bsky.social for having me tag along for @navalnews.com. Its always excellent fun. And kudos to Guy for making the operation look great on film.
We looked at an Arafura today (well, technically, THE HMAS Arafura). Sorry for the overexposure. I dont know what the hell I am doing with this camera.
November 6, 2025 at 9:30 AM
We looked at an Arafura today (well, technically, THE HMAS Arafura). Sorry for the overexposure. I dont know what the hell I am doing with this camera.
Bluebottle in Sydney harbour. I remain somewhat sceptical on the capability, but they are pretty cute.
November 6, 2025 at 9:22 AM
Bluebottle in Sydney harbour. I remain somewhat sceptical on the capability, but they are pretty cute.
BREAKING: Indo Pacific 2025 proves the sceptics wrong. Not only is a fleet of Aussie submarines, including nuclear powered ones, possible. It is already in the water. Or...on the table.
November 5, 2025 at 11:37 AM
BREAKING: Indo Pacific 2025 proves the sceptics wrong. Not only is a fleet of Aussie submarines, including nuclear powered ones, possible. It is already in the water. Or...on the table.