Alex Luck
@alxluck.bsky.social
Chinese Military. Bundeswehr/NATO. MA Pol Sci/History. Cats, dogs, motorcycles. Überbringer schlechter Nachrichten. Analysis@ NavalNews.com. Contributor@ hartpunkt.de. Previous articles at FPRI.org.
Pinned
Alex Luck
@alxluck.bsky.social
· Nov 7
Chinese Navy Takes Aircraft Carrier Fujian Into Active Service
The Chinese Navy has commissioned the first aircraft carrier with electromagnetic catapults, Fujian, into active service in Hainan.
www.navalnews.com
The Chinese Navy (PLAN) has commissioned aircraft carrier Fujian on November 5 in Sanya. I provide an overview on the event and a preliminary assessment on how the development fits into wider Chinese carrier aviation, for @navalnews.com.
www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2...
www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2...
Reposted by Alex Luck
The United States has improved the readiness of its underwater forces, with none of its nuclear-powered attack submarines idle awaiting maintenance for the first time in over a decade, a report said on Monday.
H/T @alxluck.bsky.social
www.newsweek.com/us-increases...
H/T @alxluck.bsky.social
www.newsweek.com/us-increases...
US increases submarine force readiness amid China rivalry
Attack submarines are one of the major weapons the U.S. relies on to counter China’s military threat in the Pacific.
www.newsweek.com
January 29, 2026 at 1:42 PM
The United States has improved the readiness of its underwater forces, with none of its nuclear-powered attack submarines idle awaiting maintenance for the first time in over a decade, a report said on Monday.
H/T @alxluck.bsky.social
www.newsweek.com/us-increases...
H/T @alxluck.bsky.social
www.newsweek.com/us-increases...
Reposted by Alex Luck
Der Beitrag von @alxluck.bsky.social fasst die bedeutendsten Meilensteine für die Unterwasserflotte und Versorger der chinesischen Volksmarine zusammen und bietet einen Blick auf wichtige Infrastruktur-Maßnahmen sowie ungewöhnliche Projekte.
www.hartpunkt.de/die-chinesis...
www.hartpunkt.de/die-chinesis...
Die chinesische Marine im Jahresrückblick 2025 – Teil 2: U-Boot-Flotte, Logistik, Forschung & Entwicklung
Im ersten Teil dieses Überblicks hat hartpunkt wichtige Entwicklungen für die chinesische Überwasserflotte im vergangenen Jahr beleuchtet. Der zweite Teil bietet eine Zusammenfassung der bedeutendsten...
www.hartpunkt.de
January 29, 2026 at 9:54 AM
Der Beitrag von @alxluck.bsky.social fasst die bedeutendsten Meilensteine für die Unterwasserflotte und Versorger der chinesischen Volksmarine zusammen und bietet einen Blick auf wichtige Infrastruktur-Maßnahmen sowie ungewöhnliche Projekte.
www.hartpunkt.de/die-chinesis...
www.hartpunkt.de/die-chinesis...
Teil 2 der deutschen Fassung meines Jahresrueckblicks ueber die chinesische Marine (PLAN) im vergangenen Jahr, fuer @hartpunkt.bsky.social:
www.hartpunkt.de/die-chinesis...
www.hartpunkt.de/die-chinesis...
Die chinesische Marine im Jahresrückblick 2025 – Teil 2: U-Boot-Flotte, Logistik, Forschung & Entwicklung
Im ersten Teil dieses Überblicks hat hartpunkt wichtige Entwicklungen für die chinesische Überwasserflotte im vergangenen Jahr beleuchtet. Der zweite Teil bietet eine Zusammenfassung der bedeutendsten...
www.hartpunkt.de
January 29, 2026 at 10:11 AM
Teil 2 der deutschen Fassung meines Jahresrueckblicks ueber die chinesische Marine (PLAN) im vergangenen Jahr, fuer @hartpunkt.bsky.social:
www.hartpunkt.de/die-chinesis...
www.hartpunkt.de/die-chinesis...
"The tenders will have a VLS-reloading capability for up to four destroyers (...) modifications include changes to crane length and maintenance areas—removing radiation shielding from the AS(X) submarine tender and adding crane length capability..."
www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2...
www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2...
General Dynamics Unveils AD(X) VLS-Reloading Destroyer Tender - Naval News
General Dynamics NASSCO unveiled its internally developed concept for an AD(X) destroyer tender at the Surface Navy Association's National Symposium in Washington this week, pitching the ship class as...
www.navalnews.com
January 29, 2026 at 2:57 AM
"The tenders will have a VLS-reloading capability for up to four destroyers (...) modifications include changes to crane length and maintenance areas—removing radiation shielding from the AS(X) submarine tender and adding crane length capability..."
www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2...
www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2...
Type 075 LHD 31 Hainan has arrived at Hudong's legacy facilities in Shanghai, presumably for overhaul/maintenance. Type 076 LHD 51 Sichuan remains drydocked there for now.
Via 晨1366/Wb.
Via 晨1366/Wb.
January 29, 2026 at 2:26 AM
Type 075 LHD 31 Hainan has arrived at Hudong's legacy facilities in Shanghai, presumably for overhaul/maintenance. Type 076 LHD 51 Sichuan remains drydocked there for now.
Via 晨1366/Wb.
Via 晨1366/Wb.
NVL says they have resolved IT issues on F126 project migrating Damen construction data to their production facilities, and aim to assume general contractor role for effort "within weeks", followed by ramping up production on the frigate program.
www.welt.de/regionales/h...
www.welt.de/regionales/h...
Marinerüstung: Bau neuer deutscher Fregatten: Naval Vessels Lürssen bereitet Übernahme des Großprojekts vor - WELT
Das niederländische Unternehmen Damen Naval war mit dem Bau der Großkampfschiffe überfordert. Das Projekt ist bereits um Jahre verzögert. Nun soll Deutschlands führender Hersteller von Überwasser-Ma...
www.welt.de
January 28, 2026 at 3:16 PM
NVL says they have resolved IT issues on F126 project migrating Damen construction data to their production facilities, and aim to assume general contractor role for effort "within weeks", followed by ramping up production on the frigate program.
www.welt.de/regionales/h...
www.welt.de/regionales/h...
"According to company representatives at the exhibition, the Sharp Shark 10 is not a conceptual design but a fully constructed platform currently awaiting procurement decisions from the People’s Liberation Army Navy (Chinese Navy)."
www.navalnews.com/event-news/d...
www.navalnews.com/event-news/d...
China Unveils Sharp Shark 10 Armed USV at DIMDEX 2026 - Naval News
NORINCO showcased its Sharp Shark 10 unmanned surface vessel for the first time outside China at the DIMDEX 2026.
www.navalnews.com
January 28, 2026 at 2:09 AM
"According to company representatives at the exhibition, the Sharp Shark 10 is not a conceptual design but a fully constructed platform currently awaiting procurement decisions from the People’s Liberation Army Navy (Chinese Navy)."
www.navalnews.com/event-news/d...
www.navalnews.com/event-news/d...
Nice overview here. Recommended read on an underappreciate issue that also happens to be one of the crucial challenges in a certain contingency for PLAN.
New guide to Chinese Navy (PLAN) mine sweepers. China has the largest mine warfare fleet of any navy.
Often overlooked, if you don't know much about mine countermeasures this might be of interest.
Here -> www.hisutton.com/China-PLAN-m...
Often overlooked, if you don't know much about mine countermeasures this might be of interest.
Here -> www.hisutton.com/China-PLAN-m...
January 28, 2026 at 1:54 AM
Nice overview here. Recommended read on an underappreciate issue that also happens to be one of the crucial challenges in a certain contingency for PLAN.
A mildly positive development for USN is that FY24 for the first time in over a decade had no SSN idle awaiting depot maintenance. Assuming this trend continues, this development should result in a notable increase of operational hulls in the near future.
January 28, 2026 at 1:18 AM
A mildly positive development for USN is that FY24 for the first time in over a decade had no SSN idle awaiting depot maintenance. Assuming this trend continues, this development should result in a notable increase of operational hulls in the near future.
German start-up Polaris Spaceplanes announces they received a contract from Bundeswehr procurement office BAAINBw for manufacture & operation of a combat jet-sized hypersonic research testbed. The two stage reusable plane is to be flight ready end of 2027.
www.hartpunkt.de/bundeswehr-b...
www.hartpunkt.de/bundeswehr-b...
Bundeswehr beauftragt Polaris POLARIS Raumflugzeuge mit dem Bau eines wiederverwendbaren Hyperschallflugzeuges
Das Bundeswehr-Beschaffungsamt BAAINBw hat das Bremer Startup-Unternehmen POLARIS Raumflugzeuge damit beauftragt, ein zweistufiges, horizontal startendes und vollständig wiederverwendbares Hyperschall...
www.hartpunkt.de
January 27, 2026 at 10:19 AM
German start-up Polaris Spaceplanes announces they received a contract from Bundeswehr procurement office BAAINBw for manufacture & operation of a combat jet-sized hypersonic research testbed. The two stage reusable plane is to be flight ready end of 2027.
www.hartpunkt.de/bundeswehr-b...
www.hartpunkt.de/bundeswehr-b...
Enjoyable deep dive (pun intended) by @noahgairn.bsky.social
into the matter of submarine steel and its relevance (or not) for German and South Korean submarine pitches for the Canadian requirement.
noahscornerofrandomstuff.substack.com/p/the-histor...
into the matter of submarine steel and its relevance (or not) for German and South Korean submarine pitches for the Canadian requirement.
noahscornerofrandomstuff.substack.com/p/the-histor...
The History of Submarine Steel: How Do The Type-212CD and KSS-III Line Up For Canada?
Opinion
noahscornerofrandomstuff.substack.com
January 27, 2026 at 12:35 AM
Enjoyable deep dive (pun intended) by @noahgairn.bsky.social
into the matter of submarine steel and its relevance (or not) for German and South Korean submarine pitches for the Canadian requirement.
noahscornerofrandomstuff.substack.com/p/the-histor...
into the matter of submarine steel and its relevance (or not) for German and South Korean submarine pitches for the Canadian requirement.
noahscornerofrandomstuff.substack.com/p/the-histor...
"They are proposing a four-tiered system that could effectively put the UK in front of the US, should the country be able to fulfil Ukraine’s defensive needs.
However, France had emerged as an “obvious” opponent to the proposals, a diplomatic source said..."
www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2...
However, France had emerged as an “obvious” opponent to the proposals, a diplomatic source said..."
www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2...
France opposes EU plan to buy British Storm Shadows for Ukraine
Funds should be used to boost bloc’s domestic defence industry over Kyiv’s needs, Paris believes
www.telegraph.co.uk
January 26, 2026 at 11:35 PM
"They are proposing a four-tiered system that could effectively put the UK in front of the US, should the country be able to fulfil Ukraine’s defensive needs.
However, France had emerged as an “obvious” opponent to the proposals, a diplomatic source said..."
www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2...
However, France had emerged as an “obvious” opponent to the proposals, a diplomatic source said..."
www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2...
Just a nice side by side of Type 054B FFG 555 Qinzhou with an early batch Type 054A, 369 Yulin. Location is Longpo, Hainan, STC.
Via 00CuriousObserver/SDF.
Via 00CuriousObserver/SDF.
January 25, 2026 at 1:59 AM
Just a nice side by side of Type 054B FFG 555 Qinzhou with an early batch Type 054A, 369 Yulin. Location is Longpo, Hainan, STC.
Via 00CuriousObserver/SDF.
Via 00CuriousObserver/SDF.
Round and round it goes. As long as the chain of command in key places is being disrupted like this, I have serious doubts about effective PLA command enacting highly ambitious efforts such as a certain contingency.
www.mod.gov.cn/gfbw/qwfb/16...
www.mod.gov.cn/gfbw/qwfb/16...
January 24, 2026 at 11:47 AM
Round and round it goes. As long as the chain of command in key places is being disrupted like this, I have serious doubts about effective PLA command enacting highly ambitious efforts such as a certain contingency.
www.mod.gov.cn/gfbw/qwfb/16...
www.mod.gov.cn/gfbw/qwfb/16...
Some more data on contingency planning for TKMS MEKO A200, should F126 for German Navy fail. Initial contract worth €50 mln. Regular contract due by end of March, alternatively an extension by one month would cost €100 mln.
www.hartpunkt.de/bei-scheiter...
www.hartpunkt.de/bei-scheiter...
Bei Scheitern von F126-Projekt: Bis zu acht MEKO A-200 für die Deutsche Marine in Planung
Das Vorhaben zur Beschaffung von sechs Fregatten der Klasse 126 befindet sich gegenwärtig in schwerem Fahrwasser. Aufgrund von jahrelangen Verzögerungen und dem Verfehlen von Projekt-Meilenstein, die ...
www.hartpunkt.de
January 22, 2026 at 9:14 PM
Some more data on contingency planning for TKMS MEKO A200, should F126 for German Navy fail. Initial contract worth €50 mln. Regular contract due by end of March, alternatively an extension by one month would cost €100 mln.
www.hartpunkt.de/bei-scheiter...
www.hartpunkt.de/bei-scheiter...
"Burkhard said TKMS was asking possible partners about foreseeable investment decisions in Canada and whether to include them in so-called offset obligations, or mandatory financial commitments, which are made over 30 years."
www.msn.com/en-us/money/...
www.msn.com/en-us/money/...
January 22, 2026 at 8:07 PM
"Burkhard said TKMS was asking possible partners about foreseeable investment decisions in Canada and whether to include them in so-called offset obligations, or mandatory financial commitments, which are made over 30 years."
www.msn.com/en-us/money/...
www.msn.com/en-us/money/...
Usual reminder that its always a terrible idea to swim in turbid water around Australia, be it beach, harbor or river. That includes rain, storms or sunsets. You're just asking to lose a leg, or more.
www.abc.net.au/news/2026-01...
www.abc.net.au/news/2026-01...
'There'll be more': Shark warning after Sydney attacks
A public policy shark expert says sewage leaking into the harbour after heavy rainfall is attracting bait fish followed by sharks.
www.abc.net.au
January 20, 2026 at 11:54 AM
Usual reminder that its always a terrible idea to swim in turbid water around Australia, be it beach, harbor or river. That includes rain, storms or sunsets. You're just asking to lose a leg, or more.
www.abc.net.au/news/2026-01...
www.abc.net.au/news/2026-01...
German MoD intends to sign a contingent contract with TKMS in Q1 2026 formalising a backup plan to acquire MEKO A200 frigates either in parallel or as alternative to F126 ordered via Damen.
Such a step would allow the builder to order long-lead items.
www.hartpunkt.de/bmvg-will-vo...
Such a step would allow the builder to order long-lead items.
www.hartpunkt.de/bmvg-will-vo...
BMVg will Vorvertrag für MEKO A-200 DEU mit TKMS schließen
Wegen der jahrelangen Verzögerungen bei der Beschaffung von Fregatten der Klasse 126 und der offenbar noch ungelösten Frage, ob NVL als Hauptauftragnehmer in das Projekt einsteigen wird, verfolgt das ...
www.hartpunkt.de
January 20, 2026 at 10:28 AM
German MoD intends to sign a contingent contract with TKMS in Q1 2026 formalising a backup plan to acquire MEKO A200 frigates either in parallel or as alternative to F126 ordered via Damen.
Such a step would allow the builder to order long-lead items.
www.hartpunkt.de/bmvg-will-vo...
Such a step would allow the builder to order long-lead items.
www.hartpunkt.de/bmvg-will-vo...
Guter Ueberblick ueber die zahlreichen Baustellen fuer eine europaeisch fokusierte Umstrukturierung bei F127.
Der einzig gangbare Weg ist IMO im Rahmen von continuous shipbuilding eine "batch/flight"-Struktur mit schrittweiser Modifikation/Integration.
suv.report/eine-europae...
Der einzig gangbare Weg ist IMO im Rahmen von continuous shipbuilding eine "batch/flight"-Struktur mit schrittweiser Modifikation/Integration.
suv.report/eine-europae...
Eine europäische F127 – Realistisch oder Illusion? » Sicherheit & Verteidigung
Mit den erneuten Drohungen der US-Administration womöglich militärisch gegen das zu Dänemark gehörende Grönland vorzugehen, wurden die transatlantischen Beziehungen abermals erschüttert. So wird infra...
suv.report
January 20, 2026 at 2:22 AM
Guter Ueberblick ueber die zahlreichen Baustellen fuer eine europaeisch fokusierte Umstrukturierung bei F127.
Der einzig gangbare Weg ist IMO im Rahmen von continuous shipbuilding eine "batch/flight"-Struktur mit schrittweiser Modifikation/Integration.
suv.report/eine-europae...
Der einzig gangbare Weg ist IMO im Rahmen von continuous shipbuilding eine "batch/flight"-Struktur mit schrittweiser Modifikation/Integration.
suv.report/eine-europae...
Part of the Taiwanese special defence budget worth US$40 bn is the intended purchase of 200,000 UAV for various roles incl ISR & strike and 1,000 USVs.
def.ltn.com.tw/article/brea...
def.ltn.com.tw/article/brea...
1.25兆國防特別預算可公開項目曝光！ 將採購超過20萬架無人機 - 自由軍武頻道
立法院外交及國防委員會今（19）日上午針對1.25兆國防特別預算召開機密會議。國防部下午發布可公開說明資料指出，將採購20餘萬架濱海監偵型、攻擊型無人機，以及M109A7自走砲60門等。立法院外交及國防委員會今日召開機密會議，邀請國防部長顧立雄報告「強化防衛韌性及不對稱戰力計畫採購特別條例規劃執行案
def.ltn.com.tw
January 19, 2026 at 7:53 AM
Part of the Taiwanese special defence budget worth US$40 bn is the intended purchase of 200,000 UAV for various roles incl ISR & strike and 1,000 USVs.
def.ltn.com.tw/article/brea...
def.ltn.com.tw/article/brea...
Reposted by Alex Luck
#NavalNews #Submarines #Shipbuilding
SEVMASH shipyard is preparing to roll out the 6th Project 08851 Yasen-M/SEVERODVINSK II-class SSGN "Ulyanovsk".
Her keel was laid down as a yard number 166 on July 28, 2017.
Source: tass.ru/armiya-i-opk...
Photo from the keel laying ceremony by SEVMASH.
SEVMASH shipyard is preparing to roll out the 6th Project 08851 Yasen-M/SEVERODVINSK II-class SSGN "Ulyanovsk".
Her keel was laid down as a yard number 166 on July 28, 2017.
Source: tass.ru/armiya-i-opk...
Photo from the keel laying ceremony by SEVMASH.
January 18, 2026 at 7:15 AM
#NavalNews #Submarines #Shipbuilding
SEVMASH shipyard is preparing to roll out the 6th Project 08851 Yasen-M/SEVERODVINSK II-class SSGN "Ulyanovsk".
Her keel was laid down as a yard number 166 on July 28, 2017.
Source: tass.ru/armiya-i-opk...
Photo from the keel laying ceremony by SEVMASH.
SEVMASH shipyard is preparing to roll out the 6th Project 08851 Yasen-M/SEVERODVINSK II-class SSGN "Ulyanovsk".
Her keel was laid down as a yard number 166 on July 28, 2017.
Source: tass.ru/armiya-i-opk...
Photo from the keel laying ceremony by SEVMASH.
Reposted by Alex Luck
The second part of my annual review on PLAN modernisation & development in 2025 for @navalnews.com. Covering submarines, auxiliaries, infrastructure and a few of those much debated developmental efforts.
www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2...
www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2...
Chinese Navy Annual Review 2025 - Part II: Subs, Logistics, R&D
Part 2 of the Naval News annual review for the Chinese Navy in 2025 will look at events for submarines, auxiliaries, infrastructure and R&D.
www.navalnews.com
January 17, 2026 at 7:22 AM
The second part of my annual review on PLAN modernisation & development in 2025 for @navalnews.com. Covering submarines, auxiliaries, infrastructure and a few of those much debated developmental efforts.
www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2...
www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2...
Reposted by Alex Luck
Reviewing The Chinese Navy In 2025 – Part II: Submarines, Logistics, R&D 🇨🇳
In this second part the outline will cover relevant events for submarines, fleet auxiliaries, infrastructure modernisation and, finally, experimental efforts.
By @alxluck.bsky.social
www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2...
In this second part the outline will cover relevant events for submarines, fleet auxiliaries, infrastructure modernisation and, finally, experimental efforts.
By @alxluck.bsky.social
www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2...
Chinese Navy Annual Review 2025 - Part II: Subs, Logistics, R&D
Part 2 of the Naval News annual review for the Chinese Navy in 2025 will look at events for submarines, auxiliaries, infrastructure and R&D.
www.navalnews.com
January 17, 2026 at 7:00 AM
Reviewing The Chinese Navy In 2025 – Part II: Submarines, Logistics, R&D 🇨🇳
In this second part the outline will cover relevant events for submarines, fleet auxiliaries, infrastructure modernisation and, finally, experimental efforts.
By @alxluck.bsky.social
www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2...
In this second part the outline will cover relevant events for submarines, fleet auxiliaries, infrastructure modernisation and, finally, experimental efforts.
By @alxluck.bsky.social
www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2...
The second part of my annual review on PLAN modernisation & development in 2025 for @navalnews.com. Covering submarines, auxiliaries, infrastructure and a few of those much debated developmental efforts.
www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2...
www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2...
Chinese Navy Annual Review 2025 - Part II: Subs, Logistics, R&D
Part 2 of the Naval News annual review for the Chinese Navy in 2025 will look at events for submarines, auxiliaries, infrastructure and R&D.
www.navalnews.com
January 17, 2026 at 7:22 AM
The second part of my annual review on PLAN modernisation & development in 2025 for @navalnews.com. Covering submarines, auxiliaries, infrastructure and a few of those much debated developmental efforts.
www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2...
www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2...