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07/31/2026

Indonesia has signed a contract with Italian defense manufacturer Leonardo to acquire 12 M-346F Block 20 multi-role light fighter aircraft for its air force. The deal, announced during the Farnborough International Airshow in July 2026, follows a Letter of Intent signed earlier in February at the Singapore Airshow. The agreement includes the localization of maintenance, overhaul, and training capabilities in Indonesia, as well as human capital development, with deliveries scheduled to begin in 2030.

The M-346F Block 20 is an advanced variant of the well-known M-346 jet trainer, featuring an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar (Leonardo GRIFO-E), Link 16 data link, seven hardpoints for weapons, aerial refueling capability, and electronic countermeasures. These aircraft will replace Indonesia's aging BAE Systems Hawk Mk 109 trainers and Hawk Mk 209 light attack aircraft, while also creating a new intermediate training phase between basic jet training and advanced fighter conversion on aircraft like the F-16 and Rafale. Indonesia will become the 23rd operator of the M-346 family and the first Asian customer for the Block 20 variant.

07/30/2026

The U.S. Navy’s sale of five decommissioned aircraft carriers for just one penny each reflects the harsh economics of scrapping giant warships. Although these vessels once cost billions to build, their retirement turns them into liabilities: towing, dismantling, and recycling their massive steel hulls and outdated systems is so expensive that the Navy effectively pays scrap yards to take them. The symbolic one-cent price represents a “net” deal where the scrap value of the metal barely offsets the multimillion-dollar cost of safe disposal.

This practice has applied to several famous carriers, including the USS Kitty Hawk, USS John F. Kennedy, USS Ranger, USS Forrestal, and USS Saratoga, all sold for a penny to International Shipbreaking Limited or similar firms in Texas. Museum preservation efforts often fail due to funding, berthing, and long-term maintenance challenges, leaving scrapping as the only viable option. In contrast, nuclear-powered carriers cost far more to dispose of because of their reactors, sometimes requiring hundreds of millions of dollars in specialized recycling programs—making the penny-priced conventional carriers look almost like a bargain.

07/29/2026

A proposed air ceasefire in the Ukraine war carries significant strategic risks for Kyiv. While halting Russian missile and drone attacks on Ukrainian cities would save civilian lives and relieve pressure on air defenses, it would also remove one of Ukraine’s few means of striking deep into Russian territory—such as refineries, military facilities, and shipping lanes—that currently impose real costs on Moscow’s war effort. The author warns that an air-only pause could effectively shield Russia’s rear areas while leaving the ground war untouched, where Russia’s material and manpower advantages still slowly favor incremental gains.

Washington should not agree to a blanket air ceasefire unless it is tied to limits on Russia’s ground offensive as well. Otherwise, Ukraine would trade away growing leverage—its long-range strike campaign that forces Russia to defend a vast rear and diverts resources—while the attritional front-line fighting continues on terms more favorable to Moscow.

07/28/2026

The U.S. Navy recently completed repairs on the aircraft carrier USS Eisenhower, extending its operational readiness despite plans to retire the ship in 2030. The maintenance effort addressed critical systems to ensure safety and functionality during its remaining years of service, reflecting the Navy’s commitment to sustainment even as fleet transitions proceed.

However, the retirement timeline means the Eisenhower will leave service roughly a year before its planned replacement becomes available, creating a potential gap in carrier capability. This overlap highlights challenges in shipbuilding schedules and force planning as the Navy balances immediate readiness with long-term modernization.

07/27/2026

L3Harris will supply battery monitoring systems for the U.S. Navy’s Virginia-class and Columbia-class submarines. The systems are designed to provide real-time battery health assessments that improve operational capability and crew safety.

The contract was awarded through General Dynamics Electric Boat, the prime contractor for the Columbia-class program, which also works with Huntington Ingalls Industries on the Virginia-class submarines. The value of the deal and the delivery schedule were not disclosed.

07/26/2026

A Spanish frigate accidentally fired a missile at a decommissioned U.S. amphibious aircraft carrier being used as a target during a live-fire exercise. The incident occurred on July 25, 2026, and caused visible damage to the ship, though initial reports indicate there were no casualties because the vessel was uncrewed at the time.

Spanish authorities and NATO have launched an investigation to determine how the missile was mistakenly launched, reviewing protocols, weapons handling, and communication during the exercise. The episode has raised concerns about safety procedures in multinational drills and prompted calls for stricter oversight during live-fire training events.

07/25/2026

The US Navy Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group, along with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, shifted operations from Pacific exercises to combat support operations in the Middle East during a six-month deployment.

The group utilized F-35B fighter aircraft, MV-22B Ospreys, and amphibious ships to project power, support strikes, and move personnel and cargo long distances.

07/24/2026

President Trump has already achieved America’s main goals in the Iran conflict. The U.S. is weakening Iran over time and reducing the risk of a larger war.

It also suggests that Iran still has a role to play because “the enemy gets a vote.” In other words, even if Trump sees the situation as a win, Iran’s next moves could still shape the outcome.

07/22/2026

Trinity House, the UK’s General Lighthouse Authority, has awarded VARD a major contract to design and build two multifunction vessels for buoy and lighthouse maintenance.

The ships will replace older vessels and help modernize the UK’s navigation safety fleet, with the deal valued at more than €220 million.

07/21/2026

Indonesia has completed 76% of the port infrastructure upgrades needed to accommodate the Italian aircraft carrier Giuseppe Garibaldi, authorities reported. The improvements include deepening of berths, reinforcement of quays, and modernization of logistical facilities to ensure safe docking and maintenance of the large naval vessel.

Officials say the port work is progressing on schedule and will support increased naval cooperation and future joint exercises with Italy. The upgrades are also expected to boost local maritime capacity, improve trade handling, and create temporary jobs during the construction phase.

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