Jack Cheung’s Post

As we prepare for the Warfare Innovation Continuum workshop at the Naval Postgraduate School, announcements like the Barracuda from Anduril Industries help us imagine what might be possible if we were manufacturing the systems we need at scale for our forces as well as our partners and allies. Naval Warfare Studies Institute at Naval Postgraduate School is leading the way. I am looking forward to facilitating Team Integration and exploring possibilities for how we might enhance deterrence through collaboration with joint and allied partners. Here are some questions to consider: 1) What is a non-permissive environment? 2) How do we define Integration? 3) What is the role of the defense industrial base in setting the foundation for Integration? Feel free to send me your thoughts in the comments or in a DM. Let’s get after it.

Today in Asia Times, I wrote about the transformation of the USS Zumwalt into a hypersonic weapon platform to counter China's naval advancements. The US Navy is retrofitting the Zumwalt with the Conventional Prompt Strike hypersonic missile system, enabling it to launch hypersonic glide vehicles at speeds seven to eight times the speed of sound. This modernization aims to leverage the Zumwalt's advanced technologies, including electric propulsion and a stealthy design, despite its reputation as an expensive misstep. Additionally, the article discusses the broader context of the US Navy's efforts to maintain its operational capacity amid delays and cost overruns in other naval programs. The Navy has decided to extend the service lives of its aging Ticonderoga-class cruisers and Arleigh Burke-class destroyers to bridge the capability gap until the next-generation DDG(X) destroyers are ready. This strategy reflects the urgent need to counter rising threats from China's Type 055 cruisers and other advanced missile systems.

The US Navy could be fielding an air-launched air-breathing hypersonic anti-ship cruise missile on it ships & submarines. The Navy awarded dual contracts to Raytheon and Lockheed Martin in March 2023 to develop competing systems for a Hypersonic Air-Launched Offensive Anti-Surface Warfare (HALO) missile. "The acquisition strategy for Increment 2 HALO system is currently structured as a Middle Tier Acquisition rapid prototyping program with a flight demonstration planned in FY27..." The HALO would add important anti-ship capabilities to complement the existing subsonic missiles, like the Harpoon, Naval Strike Missile (NSM), and Maritime Strike Tomahawk (MST). The development strategy could also yield some economic efficiencies based on a common design across multiple platforms: "Using a common core air-breathing hypersonic anti-ship cruise missile design for air, surface, and subsurface launch applications presents benefits when it comes to acquisition and sustainment, as well. Economies of scale could help reduce the unit costs of the missiles and common supply chains could help keep support costs low." #defenseindustry #defenseinnovation #defensetech https://lnkd.in/eX8WA-4V

The Marine Corps' Force Design strategy is a pivotal initiative aimed at countering the growing military threat from China. In a recent discussion at the Brookings Institution, Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. Eric Smith highlighted the progress made and the challenges faced in this strategic endeavor. #amphibiousships #Chinamilitarythreat #ForceDesignstrategy #MarineCorpscapabilities #MarineCorpsmodernization #militarymunitionsproduction #militaryoutpostsSouthChinaSea #USdefensestrategy #USmilitarydeterrence #thxnews

A BAE Systems business segment has received a potential $181.9 million contract modification to manufacture and deliver additional amphibious combat vehicles to the U.S. Marine Corps. With the modification, Marine Corps Systems Command exercised options for full-rate production of 34 ACV personnel variants and related fielding, test equipment and support costs, the Department of Defense said Wednesday. Looking for opportunities to support such efforts? Contact CRG for pre/post award support. CRG: Your gateway to success in winning & managing project work. https://crgroupinc.com/ - [email protected] #IL #DC #VA #Dubai With over $23.8b in TCV wins for our clients and a management portfolio of over $50b, it is our client testimonials and their satisfied customers and end-users which truly tells the story. According to DOD, the contract’s total cumulative face value is about $2.7 billion. Work will occur in Pennsylvania, California, South Carolina, Michigan and Virginia through July 2026. The service will fund the contract option using USMC’s procurement funds for fiscal 2024. In November, BAE secured a $211 million contract modification for 40 full-rate production ACV personnel variants. The company’s ACV platform comes with a modular design to accommodate new capabilities to support various missions, including electronic warfare, anti-air and reconnaissance operations. #combatvehicles #militaryvehicles #vehiclemanufacturing #govcon #governmentcontracting #governmentcontracts # #federalcontracting #usmc #marinecorps #dod

➡️ The U.S. Navy in partnership with Lockheed Martin successfully conducted a historic Long-Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM) flight test with four missiles simultaneously in flight. During the 12th Integrated Test Event (ITE-12), the U.S. Navy was able to demonstrate the weapon’s inherent high-end lethality from mission planning through kill chain integration and its effects on the target. All mission objectives were met, reinforcing high confidence in the weapon’s capabilities and superior firepower. Read more: https://hubs.la/Q02s-9jD0 #manufacturer #bostoncenterless #manufacturing #contractmanufacturing #machining #manufacturers #manufacturingindustry #industrial #industrialmanufacturing #aerospace #defense

The U.S. Navy is set to field the Small Diameter Bomb Increment II (SDB-II) on the Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet after declaring Early Operational Capability (EOC) in October. The F/A-18E/F is the U.S. Navy’s first platform to carry the SDB-II, giving the aircraft the capability to hit moving targets in harsh weather and address targets in dynamic scenarios. The team will complete two additional operational test events before achieving Initial Operational Capability (IOC) in 2024. The U.S. Navy component of the SDB-II program is executed by the Precision Strike Weapons Program Office, which provides Naval Aviation with dominant lethal, integrated precision strike solutions for any conflict anytime, anywhere. #military #defense #defence #militaryleak #usnavy https://lnkd.in/gA5Bnsmi

New ships need new power. Why electric drive for the U.S. Navy's new fleet of ships will address massive power needs for decades to come. https://lnkd.in/g55_Ue2w #USNavy #ElectricDrive #NavalPower #OurAgility

Below you'll see a photo of the historic statistics of U.S. Navy Fleet Ballistic Missiles beginning with the Polaris (A-1) in the 1960s to the most recent, currently deployed Trident II (D-5) which were developed in the late '80s, which are now used by U. S. A. and U. K. for Strategic Deterrence. In the link below you can view more in-depth information. Click here: https://lnkd.in/ewTrCaGu

The Role of Steel in Military Applications: Enhancing Defense Capabilities and Innovations https://lnkd.in/d_xNvPvX Introduction Steel has been a cornerstone of military technology for over a century, playing a crucial role in enhancing defense capabilities and ensuring operational effectiveness. Its strength, durability, and versatility make it an essential material in various military applications, from armored vehicles and weaponry to infrastructure and equipment. This article explores the multifaceted role of steel in the military sector, highlighting its applications, advancements, and impact on modern defense strategies. Key Applications of Steel in Military Armored Vehicles and Tanks: Combat Vehicles: Steel is fundamental in the construction of armored vehicles and tanks, where it provides essential protection against ballistic... #steelprice #steel #iron #steelnews #news #steelmarket #market #industrialnews #LME #HKEX #Londonmetalexchange #metal #metalexchange #investment #investing #stock #stocks