NavyWatch Blog – UK

In February 2024, mechanical issues with the propulsion system of a major naval aircraft carrier forced it to withdraw from an important NATO exercise. This was one in a series of technical problems affecting the latest class of British carriers, raising concerns about their reliability and operational readiness.

The issue was detected during routine pre-sailing checks, revealing a problem with a coupling on the starboard propeller shaft. As a result, the vessel remained in port and was unable to join Exercise Steadfast Defender, the largest NATO maritime drill since the Cold War. The carrier was scheduled to operate alongside its sister ship, which had recently returned to service after experiencing similar propulsion failures.

Recurring issues with propulsion systems have led to questions about whether these mechanical failures are typical of new warship designs or indicative of deeper systemic flaws. While minor defects often emerge as ships undergo real-world operations, the frequency and severity of these problems suggest potential design shortcomings.

A similar vessel suffered a breakdown in 2022, just a day after departing for a U.S. deployment. The cause was traced to a misaligned propeller shaft, prompting thorough inspections of the other carrier in the class. Engineers reported no misalignment issues, and officials deemed the problems unrelated to a broader design flaw. However, recurring malfunctions continue to disrupt operations, prompting scrutiny of the fleet’s engineering integrity.

By contrast, other nations’ carriers have faced fewer propulsion-related difficulties. France’s sole nuclear-powered carrier, commissioned in 2001, has seen limited breakdowns, while the U.S. Navy’s newest carrier resolved its propulsion issues early without long-term setbacks.

As these challenges persist, the question remains: are these growing pains of a new fleet, or signs of a larger problem?

On February 20, 1942, as the Japanese invasion of Timor began, the 2/40th Infantry Battalion, as part of Sparrow Force, made a valiant stand at Koepang, fighting to defend the island against overwhelming enemy forces.

The 2/40th Infantry Battalion was composed almost entirely of Tasmanian soldiers and had earned a reputation for their resilience, determination, and unwavering spirit. Fighting alongside Dutch troops, they mounted a determined resistance, determined to hold their ground against the Japanese advance. Despite being heavily outnumbered and facing a well-equipped enemy, they fought with incredible bravery, inflicting significant casualties on the invaders.

For four days, the men of Sparrow Force engaged in fierce combat. However, the relentless assault from Japanese ground forces, supported by air superiority and armoured units, made their position untenable. With ammunition and supplies critically low, and no possibility of reinforcement, the order was finally given to surrender on February 23.

The battle took a heavy toll on the 2/40th Infantry Battalion. Eighty-four men were killed in action, and 132 were seriously wounded. Yet, their suffering did not end with surrender. More than twice the number of those lost in battle would later perish in the brutal conditions of Japanese prisoner-of-war camps. The hardships they endured in captivity remain a tragic chapter in the history of Australia’s involvement in World War II.

Today, we remember the incredible courage and sacrifice of the 2/40th Infantry Battalion and all those who fought in the Battle of Timor. Their bravery and dedication to duty will never be forgotten, standing as a testament to the fighting spirit of the Australian soldier.

Australia’s StrikeMaster is redefining coastal defence and long-range strike capabilities. This cutting-edge system integrates the Naval Strike Missile (NSM) onto the Thales Bushmaster 4×4, creating a highly mobile, land-based maritime strike platform. Developed by Kongsberg Defence Australia and Thales Australia, the StrikeMaster enhances the Australian Defence Force’s ability to rapidly deploy and deny access to key strategic areas—especially in Northern Australia.

As tensions rise in the Indo-Pacific, the 2023 Defence Strategic Review has emphasized the need for long-range precision strike capabilities. The StrikeMaster competes with the M142 HIMARS, offering a cost-effective, locally-produced alternative that strengthens Australia’s sovereign defence industry. However, some within the Australian Army remain sceptical, favouring the extended range of HIMARS’ Precision Strike Missile (PrSM).

With a range exceeding 250 km, stealth features, and the ability to strike naval targets with precision, how does the StrikeMaster compare to global systems like Poland’s NSM Coastal Defence System or China’s DF-21D missile? Could it be a game-changer for Australia’s defence strategy, or will the government favour alternative strike platforms like HIMARS and the B-21 Raider bomber?

The video features some unforgettable Australian Vietnam War photographs. Includes photographs of the Australians in the Army, Navy and Air Force in the Vietnam War. 60,000 Australians served in the war with 521 being killed and more than 3,000 being wounded. Australian Vietnam veterans were honoured at a ‘Welcome Home’ parade in Sydney on the 3rd of October 1987, and it was then that a campaign for the construction of the Vietnam War Memorial began. The memorial, known as the Vietnam Forces National Memorial, was established on ANZAC Parade in Canberra, and was dedicated on the 3rd of October 1992. The video also features the backing track for the Australian War Heroes Song titled ‘Can You Hear Australia’s Heroes Marching?’, authored by Peter Barnes in 2001.

Opened in early November 2024, the museum covers 386,600 square meters and cost approximately VND2.5 trillion (US$98.5 million) to build. Within the severe concrete walls are 150,000 objects related to several thousand years of conflict in Vietnam. Construction, hampered by COVID-19 delays, took almost five years. The opening roughly coincided with the 80^th anniversary of the People’s Army of Vietnam, which was founded on December 22, 1944.

CLICK LINK

Insights, Polished History Lessons Await in Hanoi’s Massive, Brutalist Military Museum – Saigoneer

Photo- The Jiangkai-class frigate Hengyang was among the Chinese flotilla sailing east of Sydney. (Department of Defence)

The Australian Defence Force (ADF) is monitoring three Chinese navy ships currently sailing east of Sydney. The vessels, identified as a Jiangkai-class frigate, a Renhai-class cruiser, and a Fuchi-class replenishment ship, were first spotted northeast of Australia last week and have continued their journey along the coast.

The ADF routinely monitors all maritime activity within Australia’s Exclusive Economic Zone. Reports indicate the ships are approximately 150 nautical miles east of Sydney.

This naval movement signals China’s growing ability to project military power off the Australian coastline. Similar Chinese flotillas have previously visited Pacific island nations, raising concerns about strategic stability in the region.

A comparable visit occurred in 2019 when Chinese navy ships entered Sydney Harbour in coordination with the Australian government. This current presence, however, coincides with a visit by the commander of the US Indo-Pacific Command, who has been meeting with Australian defence and foreign officials.

China’s military activities have intensified, with recent wargames around Taiwan and incidents in the South China Sea. Last week, a Chinese fighter jet released flares in front of an Australian military plane in what Australian officials described as a dangerous encounter. The Australian government has expressed its concerns to China, while Beijing has accused Australia of airspace intrusion.

China continues to assert its territorial claims over Taiwan, despite never having governed the island. These developments highlight the increasing complexity of regional security dynamics and reinforce the importance of Australia’s defence posture and strategic alliances in the Indo-Pacific.