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USS Freedom (LCS-1) and USS Independence (LCS-2) This post has been updated to include the link to the full Request for Information. The Navy released the first formal details on what it wants in its guided-missile frigate in a new request for information to industry issued today. The new ship concept outlined in the RFI in many ways resembles the Navy’s previous frigate plans but also looks at upgrades like more powerful radars and vertical-launch missile tubes. The RFI notes the Navy is still seeking industry input on a variety of capabilities – including, how to incorporate missile launchers for...

In September, the Navy decommissioned USS Simpson (FFG 56), the last Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigate in service. This ended 38 years of this service from this class of 51 vessels in the United States Navy, but for those 38 years, the Navy got one heck of a ship. Displacing 4,100 tons, the Perry-class frigates were equipped with a Mk 13 missile launcher that held RIM-66B SM-1 surface-to-air missiles and RGM-84 Harpoon anti-ship missiles, the Mk 75 76mm gun, a Mk 15 Phalanx Close-In Weapon System, two banks that held three 324mm anti-submarine torpedoes, and two helicopters (either SH-2 Sea Sprites...

US considers granting missile ships to Turkey WASHINGTON / ANKARA As Turkey plans developing its national naval vehicles, a US bill to the House of Representatives suggests granting guided missile frigates to Turkey. The bill angers a particular Hellenic-US group A recent bill has been submitted to the U.S. House of Representatives that would authorize President Barack Obama to grant the provision of guided missile-firing naval vessels to Turkey, along with several other countries, including Thailand and Mexico. Under the motion, Turkey may receive the USS Halyburton (FFG–40) and the USS Thach (FFG–43) ships. USS Halybutron is the 34th ship...

The HMAS Melbourne has demonstrated the navy's updated naval air defense capability with the firing of a Standard Missile (SM-2) off Jervis Bay. Minister for Defense Personnel, Materiel and Science Greg Combet said in a written statement that the SM-2 would be further enhanced throughout 2010. "This missile firing was the first time an SM-2 has been fired from an Adelaide-class frigate," Combet said. "The missile was prepared, launched and supported in flight before engaging a target." Combet said Melbourne is now equipped with two modern missile systems to combat anti-ship missiles and aircraft. "HMAS Melbourne is an Adelaide-class guided-missile...

DEFENCE officials have delayed scuttling ex-warship HMAS Canberra until 1pm today. There will be a five minute warning flare and then a one minute flare before the underwater charges are detonated, creating an artificial reef off the Bellarine coast. The vessel, which was to be sunk at 9am, will become a world-class diving destination when it settles on the ocean floor and is declared safe.