Ros Poplar’s Post

𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐚’𝐬 𝐍𝐚𝐯𝐲 𝐃𝐞𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐲𝐬 𝐓𝐫𝐢𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐫 𝐅𝐥𝐞𝐞𝐭, 𝐈𝐜𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐫𝐬, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝟒𝟎𝟎 𝐉𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐭 𝐒𝐡𝐢𝐩𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡 In an unprecedented display of naval power, China has deployed three aircraft carriers at sea simultaneously for the first time. The People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) has reached a new milestone, showcasing its rapidly expanding naval capabilities and its ambitions to project power far beyond its shores. This comes jsut one month after China deployed three icebreakers to Arctic and a week after China and Russia deployed over 400 warships and 120 aircraft in operation Ocean 2024. The Liaoning and Shandong, both established assets of the Chinese fleet, were joined by the Fujian, China’s third and largest carrier and PLAN’s first domestically designed and built. Though still in sea trials, the Fujian’s presence signals a significant step forward in China’s naval aviation program. Last week, satellite imagery confirmed all three carriers were operational at sea. The Liaoning was spotted in the Philippine Sea, the Shandong off Hainan Island, and the Fujian undergoing trials near Shanghai. Each carrier group was flanked by an array of destroyers, frigates, and support vessels, reinforcing the PLAN’s growing ability to conduct coordinated, complex operations across multiple theaters. China’s two operational carriers, Liaoning and Shandong, have frequently been deployed together, but the addition of the Fujian hints at the PLAN’s plans for more routine multi-carrier operations. This summer alone saw three such deployments, emphasizing the growing normalization of China’s carrier presence in the Western Pacific.

Naval Aviation, particularly the USS FORD with Carrier Air Wing EIGHT, was ready to immediately respond in the aftermath of the Hamas attacks on October 7th and displayed the enduring value of the carrier strike group construct. Simultaneously deploying four carrier strike groups in late-2023 was a significant achievement that came just in time to stabilize a teetering Middle East (while also monitoring the war in Ukraine and increasing forward presence in the Indo-Pacific). The immense strategic benefits of Naval Aviation were on display. Repeating these successes may be increasingly difficult as Naval Aviation works towards the "Air Wing of the Future" with mixed results. A looming manpower shortage, especially in regard to "tailhook" pilots, presents a serious challenge and requires immediate efforts to correct a below glideslope approach. I was honored to write the "2023 Naval Aviation and Weapons in Review" article in this month's U.S. Naval Institute Proceedings magazine. Thank you once again to my outstanding editor, Jenni Pompi, and all of Bill Hamblet's staff at USNI for nurturing our open forum. Thanks also to Graham Scarbro for his previous Proceedings essay on the topics (also linked below). https://lnkd.in/ebciRXug https://lnkd.in/eDusYmF2 U.S. Naval Air Forces

The Chinese navy’s development of amphibious assault capabilities is advancing significantly, with the addition of new classes of big-deck assault ships. Among these is the Type 076, a large amphibious assault ship designed for transporting troops and deploying helicopters. This vessel, blending elements of troop transport and aircraft carrier, aligns with a global trend, as similar ships are part of the U.S., French, Australian, and previously British naval fleets. The Type 076 could potentially support a Chinese invasion scenario, particularly in the context of Taiwan, by allowing troops to be deployed beyond initial defenses. However, alongside the Type 076, satellite images from a shipyard near Guangzhou in southern China show a mysterious new vessel under construction. This unknown vessel, observed by Tom Shugart, a former U.S. Navy submariner and current fellow at the Center for a New American Security, hints at another class of assault ship. The ship’s rapid construction pace has raised questions about China’s strategic priorities and its focus on expanding amphibious assault capabilities. This development could represent another layer in China’s broader military strategy, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region, where increased naval capabilities might alter the balance of power. China’s expansion of its amphibious fleet, especially with the addition of multiple assault ship classes, underscores its commitment to a robust maritime presence and the potential for rapid troop deployment.

For the first time in history, all three of China’s aircraft carriers were simultaneously at sea, showcasing the rapid expansion of the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN). The carriers—Liaoning, Shandong, and the newly launched Fujian—were deployed across the Philippine Sea and near Hainan Island. This marks a significant milestone as China increases its naval capabilities and operational presence in the Western Pacific. The Liaoning and Shandong, both operational, were conducting exercises while the Fujian was completing sea trials. This coordinated effort demonstrates the PLAN's ability to project power and enhance its maritime strategy, particularly in contested regions like the South China Sea and near Taiwan. With tensions rising in the region, including increased military activity around Taiwan, the deployment of all three carriers signifies a pivotal moment in China’s naval strategy, emphasizing its commitment to expanding its influence beyond its borders. #China #NavalPower #PLA #AircraftCarriers #MilitaryStrategy #SouthChinaSea #Taiwan #Defense #Geopolitics #NavalWarfare #MilitaryInnovation #WesternPacific #Security #InternationalRelations #MaritimeStrategy

The US's ability to project naval power for global security and defense is critical. We are a maritime nation with our existence dependent upon naval power. Article I, Section 8, Clause 13 of the US Constitution mandates the maintenance of a Navy. We must prioritize rebuilding our naval power, including warships, commercial fleets, yard capacity, and a robust shipbuilding workforce. Our sovereignty relies on a well-equipped and trained navy. https://lnkd.in/eQMykd5x.

Royal Australian Navy (#RAN)’s timeline to build the first ship a challenging plan; contract award before the end of 2026 and lead ship delivery by 2029. “Zero design change” is an interesting concept. This means all weapon systems on a ship are exactly same as ones from the country to sell a ship. Weapons systems are determined by customer’s requirements. RAN should have their own requirements which might be somewhat different from others. Zero design change might not be a good option for them. This might delay the entire program schedule. 🧐

Great photo from X courtesy of J.J. Kadonkey. The speed of delivery to the fleet – not merely as a narrowly defined COD replacement – makes the V-22 an asset that can deliver supplies with the relevant speed in a contested battlespace. For any potential future fight, the size of the Pacific AoR, for example, and the potential logistical capability gaps that will undoubtedly come to light when executing Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations, Distributed Maritime Operations, and Littoral Operations in a Contested Environment, will drive Combatant and Naval Component Commanders to spend as much time planning how to support the force as they will employing it. The requirement to move passengers and cargo between dispersed Expeditionary Advanced Bases, Forward Logistic Support Sites, and ships at sea will prioritize the need for a dedicated logistics connector. How the Navy and Joint Force leverages the versatility and capability of its aviation forces will be key - tiltrotor technology will play an essential role.    The speed, range, endurance, and flexibility the V-22 has demonstrated over decades of performance, including combat, paved the way for the Navy to develop its own variant of the Osprey. Tiltrotor technology opens doors to new missions and operational possibilities that provide the Navy with the overmatch and operational flexibility it needs to solve the problems of contested logistics and provide support to the fleet when operating as a distributed force. 

The future of Canada's navy is taking shape with the River-class destroyers, a fleet set to redefine our nation's maritime combat power. This ambitious project is a historic investment in the Royal Canadian Navy's capabilities, ensuring the protection of Canada's waters and continued contributions to international naval operations. Based on the British Type-26, Canada has significantly modified the combat systems to future-proof the ship and make it more interoperable with our allies and NORAD. This is the best overview of the class that I've read in the context in allied naval renewal. What do you think of Canada's approach?

https://lnkd.in/gUF9redN Here is my latest article for Naval News about returning of Carrier Air Wing 5 to MCAS Iwakuni, Japan!

The USS Boxer, an amphibious assault ship crucial for rapid deployment of United States Marine Corps forces, is facing mechanical issues, leaving the US Navy uncertain about the timeline for repairs. The ship encountered problems shortly after its deployment to the Indo-Pacific and had to return to San Diego. Currently docked at US Naval Station San Diego, the Navy is still determining the most efficient approach for executing the repairs. The repair process might be further complicated by the congestion at San Diego ship repair yards, as the piers capable of accommodating the USS Boxer are occupied by other warships. There is also speculation about the possibility of sending the ship to a shipyard in Oregon or Washington. This situation highlights a significant challenge for the Navy, as the ship maintenance backlog has grown to $1.8 billion, with deferred maintenance on critical systems becoming increasingly common. The USS Boxer, which has experienced various mechanical problems in recent years, plays a crucial role in projecting Marines ashore. #USSBoxer #Navy #ShipRepair #MechanicalIssues #AmphibiousAssaultShip #IndoPacific #MarineForces #NavyMaintenance #NavalOperations