KIEL, Germany - Singapore's fourth Type 218SG Invincible class diesel electric submarine, the future RSS Inimitable, was launched from Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) in Germany on April 22. The sub represents the last of four boats that were ordered through two contracts in 2013 and 2017.

The Navy operates two second hand Challeger class (ex-Sjoorman class) subs acquired from Sweden in the 1990s (the subs date from the 1960s) and two Archer-class (ex-Vastergotland-class) subs that entered service between 2011 and 2013.

Compared to the legacy boats, the new Invincible class features increased levels of automation, which is intended to help with manpower difficulties faced by the Navy. The subs are longer than 70 meters displace around 2,200 tons.

The lead boat was launched in February 2019, followed by the second and third boats in December 2022. Singapore took delivery of Impeccable, the second boat in the class, in July 2023.

Source: Asian Military Review
Associated URL: https://www.asianmilitaryreview.com/2024/04/singapore-launches-fourth-invincible-class-submarine/

NEW DELHI - India has performed a successful test of an air-launched ballistic missile (ALBM). This ALBM is seen as a counter to Pakistan’s nuclear-armed ballistic missile systems. The ALBM, also known as the Crystal Maze 2, was fired from a Su-30MKI fighter.

The Crystal Maze 2 is a version of the Israeli ROCKS with a range of 250 kilometers. Rafael is the prime contractor for the ROCKS. The ROCKS may have taken part in Israel's recent air strikes on Iran.

India is working to lessen its dependence on Russia for armaments.

Source: Asia Times
Associated URL: https://asiatimes.com/2024/04/india-aims-new-crystal-maze-missile-at-pakistans-nukes/
Author: Steve Holland; Idrees Ali 

HENDERSON, Western Australia - The collaborative Patrol Boat Autonomy Trial (PBAT) project has successfully completed Sea Acceptance Trials (including Endurance Trials) of the remote and autonomously operated vessel, Sentinel.

The trials, conducted by Austal Australia, consisted of a series of remote and autonomous navigation events conducted off the Western Australian coastline during March and April 2024; utilizing Greenroom Robotics’ Advanced Maritime Autonomy (GAMA) Software to reliably navigate the de-commissioned Armidale-class Patrol Boat. Throughout the trials, a limited number of project team members, observers and a crew from International Maritime Services (IMS) were on board, ensuring a swift response in case of any unforeseen deviations or necessary manual interventions.

Funded by the Commonwealth of Australia, PBAT is a collaboration between Austal Australia, Greenroom Robotics, Trusted Autonomous Systems and the Royal Australian Navy Warfare Innovation Navy (WIN) Branch to establish robotic, automated and autonomous elements on a former Navy patrol boat to provide a proof-of-concept demonstrator, for optionally crewed or autonomous operations. The trial has also explored the legal, regulatory pathways and requirements of operating an autonomous vessel.

In 2022, Austal Australia took possession of the decommissioned HMAS Maitland from the Commonwealth of Australia, renamed the vessel ‘Sentinel’ and commenced planning, modification, testing and evaluation of autonomous and remotely operated systems for the Patrol Boat Autonomy Trial (PBAT). At 57 meters LOA, Sentinel is (by a significant extent) the largest vessel operated in Australia to be operated remotely and autonomously.

Sentinel was extensively modified to enable remote and autonomous operations, including modifications to navigation, communications, bilges, CCTV, and electrical systems. Sensors and computer units were also added by Greenroom Robotics to inform and host the Autonomous Control System, GAMA.

Source: Austal
Associated URL: https://www.austal.com/news/austal-australia-completes-sea-trials-royal-australian-navys-patrol-boat-autonomy-trial