memoment editorial

A Lockheed Martin test this week paired an M903 Patriot launcher with the Independence-class Littoral Combat Ship USS Montgomery (LCS 8) in a demonstration to showcase expeditionary air defense concepts that can be provided to ships at sea.

The M903 is the second type of missile launcher tested and integrated into the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) platform. Lockheed’s integration and testing efforts for the Patriot follows the Mark 70 Payload Delivery System which can deliver traditional Standard Missile variants to the LCS platform to perform ballistic missile defense and extended range anti-air warfare with SM-3 and SM-6.

Lockheed Martin previously tested the Mark 70 PDS on LCS-class ships, with former Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro asserting that “LCS is back” with the new lethality it brings to the class. The launcher, also developed by Lockheed Martin, adds Mk 41 VLS capability to the flight deck of selected LCS.

Lockheed Martin spent the week aboard Montgomery demonstrating expeditionary IAMD capabilities and concepts that could be employed, aimed towards a notional fight in the Pacific as the U.S. faces down against an increasingly hostile and armed China. Rapidly proliferating missile systems fielded in the Pacific pose a threat to lightly armed littoral combat ships that would be deployed in the region.

The Mk70 Payload Delivery System, a containerized variant of the Mk 41 vertical launching system, was present on USS Nantucket (LCS 27) during its commissioning ceremony in Nov. Screenshot from U.S. Navy video

Patriot launchers, armed with PAC-3 MSE missiles, would give the LCS another option for high-end missile defense. The PAC-3 MSE is already a capability being pursued by the U.S. Navy for its combat-proven capability and mature production line, with initial units set for purchase in FY2026 for testing evaluations. It is expected to be integrated into the Mk 41 VLS cells used across the fleet/

Naval News recently covered the U.S. Navy’s interest in PAC-3 MSE at the Surface Navy Association’s National Symposium, with coverage of the first PAC-3 MSE VLS test fire here.

A M903 Patriot missile launcher sits on the flight deck of USS Montgomery (LCS 8) while in its home port of San Diego, California. The battery is equipped with eight PAC-3 MSE missiles. (Lockheed Martin photo)

The addition of ‘traditional’ Patriot launchers for the PAC-3 MSE would give the LCS classes a proven and out-of-the-box solution for the extremely high-end missile defense requirement that stretches into the hypersonic air-breathing threat regime. Experience in Ukraine and the Red Sea has helped draw conclusions, recommendations, and changes for the fleet’s missile defense capabilities, including a new ESSM Block III variant which the Sea Sparrow Office began inquiries for this week.

Placing land-based air defense systems on surface vessels is something the Russian Navy has been doing in an attempt to increase the protection of their corvettes from Ukrainian threats in the Black Sea. One year ago, a Karakurt-class corvette belonging to the Russian Baltic Fleet was also spotted with a Tor-M2KM air defense system placed on its helicopter deck.

One former Lockheed Martin official claimed the capability shown on Montgomery was fielded as an operational asset, but Naval News was unable to verify their claims. The pairing between Patriot and the Montgomery could represent a new expeditionary air defense capability for littoral waters around the Philippines.

A highly mobile Patriot battery, exploiting the high speed characteristics of the Independence-class, could be used to follow aircraft that disperse throughout the region to various austere bases, offering a high-end air and missile defense capability to those bases quicker than driving through the less developed and potentially contested roadways in rural areas of the Philippines.

Naval News has reached out to both Lockheed Martin and the U.S. Navy for further comments on the test event.

LCS firepower enhancements and magazine depth for surface combatants are two major driving efforts for the U.S. Navy as the class takes on minesweeping, minelaying, anti-surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare, and now, with PAC-3 MSE and Mk 41 VLS containers, fleet defense missions as well. Additional experimentation and weapon integration into both LCS subclasses is will continue as the service shifts towards more heavily armed combatants for high-end combat.

Austal USA launched the company’s first Navy Landing Craft Utility (LCU) vessel at its ship manufacturing facility in Mobile, Ala. on Aug. 22.

Austal USA press release

LCU 1710 is the first of 12 Navy LCUs under contract at Austal USA, part of a $91.5 million contract awarded by the Navy in 2023. Austal USA has three LCU under construction.

“I am proud of the LCU program team for the hard work they’ve put forth to reach this important milestone,” stated Michelle Kruger, Austal USA President. “LCU is an important program that plays a critical role in supporting expeditionary operations for the Navy and Marine Corps. Each milestone achieved shores up our position as a key contributor to the strength and success of the maritime industrial base.”

LCU are carried aboard amphibious assault ships to the objective area and used across a range of military operations to deliver vehicles, personnel and cargo from sea-to-shore and back. These connectors provide a heavy-lift capability and can carry about the same payload capacity as several C-17 aircraft.

LCU is one of three shipbuilding programs in serial production at Austal USA’s facility.  The company also has three Navy Navajo-class Towing, Salvage and Rescue ships (T-ATS) and two U.S. Coast Guard Heritage-class Offshore Patrol Cutters (OPC) under construction.

Australia has successfully delivered a new landing craft vessel to Tonga today, with an official handover ceremony taking place at the Masefield Naval Base. 

Australian DoD press release

The ceremony was attended by His Royal Highness Crown Prince Tupouto‘a ‘Ulukalala, Tonga’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for His Majesty’s Armed Forces, who received the vessel on behalf of Tonga.

The VOEA Late, provided under the Pacific Maritime Security Program (PMSP), will enhance Tonga’s humanitarian assistance and disaster relief capabilities, as well as their ability to deter, detect and disrupt illegal maritime activities in the region.

Australia will provide a comprehensive package of through-life maintenance and sustainment for the vessel, alongside training for Tonga Royal Navy crew members. 

Defence’s First Assistant Secretary Pacific Division, Susan Bodell, said the delivery highlighted Australia’s commitment to supporting our Pacific partners’ maritime security.

“Australia and Tonga share a trusted and enduring security partnership,” Ms Bodell said.

“The delivery of the new landing craft builds on decades of partnership, and upholds our shared commitment to sovereignty, security and prosperity in the Pacific.”

The delivery follows the completion of comprehensive training undertaken by Tonga Royal Navy personnel at the Australian Maritime College in Tasmania. The training equipped the crew with the necessary skills to safely operate the vessel.

The PMSP is Australia’s 30 year commitment to increase national and regional maritime security throughout the Pacific, and builds on the three decades of success in the original Pacific Patrol Boat Program.

-End-

A ceremony was held August 29 to mark the laying of the keel of Arafura-class Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) 6, NUSHIP Carpentaria at Civmec in Henderson, Western Australia. The vessel is the final Arafura-class OPV under construction for the Royal Australian Navy.

Australian DoD press release

Rear Admiral Michael Houghton, Head of Patrol Boats and Specialist Ships represented the ceremony, honouring tradition by positioning a coin under the keel of NUSHIP Carpentaria.

“A keel laying ceremony which marks the beginning of a ship’s construction, is an important naval tradition which is believed to bring good luck for the vessel’s build and life at sea,” Rear Admiral Michael Houghton said.

“The OPV program is a major contributor to continuous naval shipbuilding in Australia, which creates and sustains local jobs and harnesses our national defence industry’s local talent and technology. 

“Defence investment in a sovereign Naval Shipbuilding and Sustainment Enterprise is expected to support around 8,500 jobs in shipbuilding and sustainment by 2030.

“OPVs help patrol and secure Australia’s maritime border alongside the Evolved Cape Class patrol boats. They also play an important role in Navy’s commitment to supporting the long-term objectives of the National Defence Strategy.”

The first two vessels were constructed at the Osborne Naval Shipyard in South Australia with the remaining four are currently under construction at the Henderson Maritime Precinct. The first ship, HMAS Arafura, was commissioned into service on 28 June 2025 with the second OPV, NUSHIP Eyre, expected to be delivered later this year. 

The OPVs are a more versatile platform compared with previous classes of patrol vessels. They are able to operate over longer distances and can be reconfigured to perform a number of tasks and roles originally carried out by several different classes of vessels.

-End-

Naval News comments: About Arafura-class OPV

As Naval News has previously reported, procurement of Arafura experienced significant delays and revisions. The effort, dubbed SEA 1180 saw specification changes over integration issues such as the desired main gun. The current Albanese government also cut overall procurement from twelve to six vessels. Canberra now deems the design insufficient to new requirements of the Australian Navy for more robustly armed and survivable combatants.

Nevertheless the Australian Navy arguably requires more hulls for the active and ageing fleet. RAN is pushed to maintain persistent patrols across extensive Australian territorial waters and its exclusive economic zone (EEZ). In an event receiving significant local attention, the Chinese Navy (PLAN) in earlier this year conducted a circumnavigation of Australia. The operation, including a live fire-drill, illustrates a trend of increasing naval activity near Australian waters. Such events create an increasing demand for maritime awareness with both Australia and News Zealand. Additionally the primary Australian security partner, the United States, continues to place more emphasis on burden-sharing, including in the maritime domain.

Specifications:

Length: 80 m

Beam: 13 m

Draught: 4 m

Speed: 20 knots (maximum)

Range: 7,400 kilometres

Displacement: approx. 1,640 t

Crew: 40 crew with accommodation for up to 60 personnel

Armament: 40mm gun / 2 x 50 calibre machine guns

Evening headlines for Friday, August 29, 2025.
Trump Revokes Kamala Harris’ Secret Service Protection Ahead of Book Tour
President Donald Trump revoked former Vice President Kamala Harris’ Secret Service protection, which had been extended by the Biden administration until July 2026.
Former vice presidents normally receive six months of protection after leaving office, but Biden approved Harris’ request for an 18-month extension.
Trump’s directive ends her security detail on Monday (September 1), just as she begins a 15-stop book tour for her memoir 107 Days, including events in London and Toronto. Administration officials said a recent threat assessment found no credible danger to Harris, though security experts warn that stripping protection in today’s polarized climate poses risks.

Trump withdraws Secret Service protection for Kamala Harris➡️ https://t.co/Oa2xB32SAX pic.twitter.com/kDb1Mfd4oA
— FRANCE 24 (@FRANCE24) August 29, 2025

Trump has previously cut security for figures who opposed him, including John Bolton and members of Biden’s family.

CDC Sees Leadership Shakeup as Trump Replaces Monarez with Jim O’Neill
President Donald Trump appointed Jim O’Neill, deputy to Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and a former investor with libertarian ties, as acting director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) following the forced departure of Susan Monarez.
Monarez’s lawyers said she was removed for refusing to endorse “unscientific, reckless directives.”
O’Neill, who has no medical background but previously served at Health and Human Services (HHS) under George W. Bush, will oversee the agency amid major resignations and Kennedy’s efforts to reshape vaccine policy.
Known for advocating lighter regulation, O’Neill once proposed allowing drugs to reach the market without prior proof of effectiveness. He has expressed support for the CDC’s traditional vaccine oversight but has avoided criticizing Kennedy’s skepticism.
As acting director, O’Neill may soon face decisions on vaccine recommendations from a CDC panel that Kennedy restructured. His appointment is limited by law to 210 days unless he is formally nominated.

Hundreds of current and former employees gathered outside the CDC’s Atlanta headquarters in protest, showing support for top officials who have either resigned or been fired. Jim O’Neill has been chosen to serve as acting director of the CDC, a source confirmed to @CBSNews.… pic.twitter.com/9U2qkivjES
— CBS Evening News (@CBSEveningNews) August 28, 2025

The move comes after four senior CDC officials resigned this week, leaving the agency with fewer veteran leaders in medicine or public health.

Trump Uses Rare Pocket Rescission to Block $4.9 Billion in Foreign Aid
President Donald Trump informed House Speaker Mike Johnson that he will not spend $4.9 billion in congressionally approved foreign aid, invoking a rarely used budget maneuver known as a pocket rescission.
By submitting the request so close to the September 30 fiscal year deadline, Congress cannot act within the 45-day window, allowing the funds to lapse. It is the first such move by a president in nearly 50 years.
The cuts target State Department and US Agency for International Development (USAID) programs, including $3.2 billion in development aid, $520 million for the United Nations, and $838 million for peacekeeping operations.
The White House framed the decision as a legal tool to curb spending, while critics in both parties called it an unconstitutional breach of Congress’ power of the purse.
(White House)
Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer warned the maneuver could disrupt budget talks and risk a government shutdown, while Sen. Susan Collins said it was a clear violation of the law.
The move fits Trump’s broader push to cut foreign aid and consolidate presidential control over spending, with USAID now effectively being shut down and its programs shifted to the State Department.

US Revokes Visas for Palestinian Officials Ahead of UN General Assembly
Secretary of State Marco Rubio revoked visas for several Palestinian Authority and Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) officials and ordered new visa applications be denied, the State Department said Friday.
The move comes ahead of the UN General Assembly in September, where Palestinians have traditionally participated.
The department said the decision holds the groups accountable for failing to repudiate terrorism and incitement, as required under US law.
The Palestinian Authority condemned the action as a violation of US obligations as UN host country and international law, urging a reversal.
UN officials said they are seeking clarification, stressing the importance of full representation.

Palestine denounces US decision to revoke visas for Palestinian officials, including President Mahmoud Abbas, calling it a breach of the 1947 UN agreement as states prepare to recognise Palestinian statehoodhttps://t.co/i3DZ39D4or
— TRT World (@trtworld) August 29, 2025

Waivers will allow the Palestinian UN mission in New York to continue operations.
Palestinian Ambassador Riyad Mansour confirmed that President Mahmoud Abbas still plans to attend and address the General Assembly, as well as a high-level meeting on a two-state solution scheduled for September 22.

Over 14,000 Venezuelan Migrants Reverse Course South After Trump’s Immigration Crackdown
More than 14,000 migrants, mostly Venezuelans, have turned back from journeys to the US since President Donald Trump ended asylum access, according to a recent report by Colombia, Panama, and Costa Rica with UN support.
The “reverse flow” marks a sharp shift in one of the world’s largest migration crises, with northbound crossings through the Darien Gap down 97 percent this year. Nearly all migrants interviewed for the report cited US policy changes as the reason for returning, and about half said they planned to go back to Venezuela.
Many faces heightened risks on the return trip, including exploitation by armed groups, scams, and dangerous sea crossings.

14,000 migrants, mostly from Venezuela, have returned to South America since Trump slashed access to asylum.
It marks radical shift in one of the biggest mass migrations in the world.
Here’s the route they take to return, and where they’re going
For @AP https://t.co/8G4L4yc1XW pic.twitter.com/Jf0xRC4brY
— Megan Janetsky (@meganjanetsky) August 29, 2025

Since 2017, some 8 million Venezuelans have fled the country’s ongoing political and economic turmoil, first moving to South American neighbors before heading north in recent years.
Human rights officials urged governments to protect returnees from trafficking and abuse.

Israel Declares Gaza City a Combat Zone, Launches Offensive and Recovers Two Hostage Remains
Israel declared Gaza City a combat zone Friday and resumed large-scale fighting as part of a planned offensive, while announcing the recovery of the remains of two hostages.
The military said the city remains a Hamas stronghold, with tunnels and fighters still operating despite previous raids.
Health officials reported Gaza’s death toll has risen to 63,025, including 59 deaths in the last 24 hours, and warned that famine and collapsing hospital capacity threaten civilians.
Aid groups and the UN criticized the offensive and said they received no prior notice, with some staff and church shelters pledging to remain in the city.
Tens of thousands of residents are fleeing south, though many say conditions are dire and there is nowhere safe to go.

במסגרת הפעילות להשמדת תשתיות טרור וחיסול מחבלים כוחות צוות הקרב של חטיבת הנח״ל הפועלים במרחב שכונת ׳זייתון׳ ובציר נצרים שבצפון רצועת עזה זיהו חוליית מחבלים שהסתתרה במבנה צבאי כ-100 מטרים מהם והכווינו כלי-טיס של חיל-האוויר אשר תקף את המבנה וחיסל את המחבלים. pic.twitter.com/GTG7YsAGJe
— Israeli Air Force (@IAFsite) August 29, 2025

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to dismantle Hamas and return all hostages, while families of the remaining captives urged the government to prioritize negotiations for their release.

Türkiye Closes Airspace and Ports to Israeli Military and Trade
Türkiye announced Friday it has closed its airspace to Israeli government aircraft and military cargo while also shutting its ports to maritime trade linked to Israel.
Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said the measures build on Ankara’s suspension of direct trade with Israel in May 2024, which ended $7 billion in annual commerce.
The restrictions include blocking container ships carrying weapons and ammunition for Israel.

⚡️🇹🇷🇮🇱BREAKING:
Turkey cuts all trade with Israel, no longer allows Turkish ships to go to Israeli ports and has closed its airspace to Israeli aircraft, says Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan pic.twitter.com/0uU2W02MGC
— Suppressed News. (@SuppressedNws) August 29, 2025

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has condemned Israel’s actions in Gaza, calling them genocide and comparing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to Hitler.
Turkish authorities had already denied Israeli flights passage through their airspace last year, and recent reports suggested maritime restrictions were in place before Friday’s official confirmation.

Ukraine Seeks High-Level Meetings to Advance Peace Amid Renewed Russian Strikes
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said officials aim to meet with US President Donald Trump and European leaders next week to push forward stalled peace efforts with Russia.
Zelenskyy accused Moscow of dragging out negotiations while escalating aerial attacks, including a recent missile and drone strike on Kyiv that killed 23 people.
The Ukrainian president emphasized that leaders must directly engage in talks rather than leaving discussions to lower-level officials, a stance Russia rejects. His top aide Andriy Yermak met Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff in New York to coordinate diplomacy, while Ukraine pressed for stronger sanctions on Russia and long-term security guarantees backed by Western weapons.
The Kyiv region observed a day of mourning after the latest strike, and the UN Security Council scheduled an emergency meeting.

Вшанував пам’ять загиблих на місці влучання російської балістичної ракети в житловий будинок. Цей жахливий удар забрав життя 22 людей, серед яких чотири дитини, найменшій із них не було й трьох років. Мої співчуття рідним та близьким. Усім постраждалим і родинам, які втратили… pic.twitter.com/lNM6lFj0OK
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) August 29, 2025

Russia, meanwhile, reiterated that a Putin-Zelenskyy summit could happen only after “expert-level” progress.

Polish F-16 Crashes During Air Show Preparations in Radom, Killing Pilot
A Polish F-16 fighter jet crashed while preparing for an upcoming air show in Radom, about 100 kilometers (62 miles) south of Warsaw, killing the pilot.
Government spokesperson Adam Szlapka confirmed on Friday via a social media post about the tragic accident and stated that the defense minister was en route to the site.
The Polish military reported no injuries on the ground.
Videos published by local media showed the aircraft attempting an acrobatic maneuver before crashing in flames on the runway.

Podczas ćwiczeń przed Air Show w Radomiu różnił się F-16. pic.twitter.com/GhusSRlX5T
— Remiza.pl (@remizacompl) August 28, 2025

The Radom air show is scheduled to proceed this weekend.

Japan Seeks Record $59.9 Billion Defense Budget with Focus on Expanding Drone Arsenal
Japan’s defense ministry requested Friday a record 8.8 trillion yen ($59.9 billion) budget for the next fiscal year, surpassing the current year’s 8.7 trillion yen ($59.2 billion), as it accelerates military expansion in response to what it calls a “severely intensifying security environment.”
The request includes a major increase in drones and other capabilities as Japan continues to move away from its post-World War II pacifist stance.

#JMOD held the Ministry Meeting attended by DM Nakatani and approved the FY26 Budget Request on Aug 29. FY26 marks the 4th year of the Defense Buildup Program. To realize the goals of the DBP, JMOD has requested 8.8 tril for programs to be initiated within FY26. pic.twitter.com/GrU5RIZNsA
— Japan Ministry of Defense/Self-Defense Forces (@ModJapan_en) August 29, 2025

In recent years, Tokyo has doubled defense spending to 2 percent of GDP and pursued counterstrike capabilities, signaling a more assertive security strategy while still formally operating under constitutional restrictions limiting its military to defensive purposes.

Japan to Deploy Long-Range Missiles in 2026, Accelerating Defense Buildup
Japan’s Defense Ministry announced Friday that it will deploy domestically developed Type-12 long-range anti-ship missiles a year earlier than planned, with the first batch to be installed at Camp Kengun in Kumamoto by March 2026.
The missiles, with a range of about 1,000 kilometers (620 miles), are part of Tokyo’s effort to strengthen strike-back capabilities amid growing concerns over China’s naval activity, as well as threats from North Korea and Russia.
The move aligns with Japan’s post-2022 security strategy, which marked a shift from strictly defensive policy toward a more active military role in coordination with the US alliance.
Japan also plans to field US-made Tomahawk missiles later this year and expand drone deployment for coastal surveillance as it faces military staffing challenges.

Sources: News Agencies

Aaron-Matthew Lariosa

Aaron-Matthew is a freelance writer based in Washington, D.C. He is currently studying International Relations at American University, and is interested in U.S. Marine Corps developments in the Pacific and Philippine Naval modernization efforts.

I had your attention at “full-auto”, didn’t I? This baby is more fun than gifting your boss’s kid an air horn for their birthday.