France’s Second FDI Frigate Launched by Naval Group

French shipbuilder Naval Group on May 16 conducted the “technical launch” of the second Amiral Ronarc’h-class FDI frigate for the French Navy, Amiral Louzeau (D661). A Naval News cameraman was on site to document this major milestone for the program. The official launch ceremony, attended by French government and naval officials, is scheduled to take place tomorrow, May 19, 2026. My story for Naval News, here.

Romania Justifies Warship Acquisition Through SAFE Over Damen’s Offer

In a May 12, 2026 press release, the Romanian Ministry of Defense stated that Damen’s proposal did not meet the programme’s technical requirements, responding to recent media comparisons with the SAFE acquisition of two Multipurpose Modular Patrol Vessels  (MMPV 90) from Rheinmetall. The article also outlines the procurement timeline for the Romanian Naval Forces, which shifted from the GOWIND design to OPV 2600, then the Hisar-class OPV, and finally the MMPV 90. My story for Naval News, here.

Ecuador Commissions Its Largest Naval Vessel: BAE Jambeli

On May 7, 2026, the Ecuadorian Navy (Armada del Ecuador) formally commissioned BAE Jambelí (MP-56) during a ceremony at Puerto Bolívar, marking the introduction of one of the country’s most capable offshore patrol vessels (OPV) and the largest ship currently in the fleet. Previously operated by the Korean Coast Guard as KCG-3001, the lead vessel of the Tae Pyung Yang-class, the ship departed the Republic of Korea on January 2 for a 62-day transoceanic voyage to Ecuador which ended in May 5 when it arrived in Ecuadorian waters. My story for Naval News, here.

Mystery USV Possibly Linked to Ukraine Found by Greek Fishermen

Greek fishermen operating in the Ionian Sea discovered an unidentified 5-meter unmanned surface vessel (USV) hidden inside a sea cave near Cape Doukato, on the southwestern tip of Lefkada, on Thursday. The craft’s engine was still running when it was found and recovered. Unofficial sources cited by Greek media suggest the vessel may have been carrying explosives and could be linked to Ukrainian maritime operations. My story for Naval News, here.

Romania Advances MMPV 90 Corvette Acquisition with Rheinmetall

Romania is advancing its naval modernization program with the planned acquisition of four new vessels. Two of these will be large multipurpose offshore patrol vessels (OPVs) built to a light corvette standard, similar to Bulgaria’s procurement of the MMPV 90. The remaining two vessels will be dedicated diver support and intervention ships. These projects form part of a broader package of 16 military procurement programs worth €8.3 billion under the EU-backed Security Action for Europe (SAFE) initiative, according to a parliamentary document. The naval component alone is valued at approximately €920 million, making it the second-largest procurement effort under SAFE. Of this amount, around €836 million is allocated to the two light corvettes. My story for Naval News, here.

Naval Group Offers Blacksword Barracuda Submarine to Greece

Naval Group has proposed its latest Blacksword Barracuda submarine design to the Hellenic Navy as part of the service’s next-generation submarine program for four new attack submarines, responding to a RFI issued to industry at the end of 2025. The future submarine program is expected to replace Greece’s existing fleet of four 50-year-old Type 209/1100 and Type 209/1200 submarines. According to Naval Group Country Director David Pinot, the company determined that the Barracuda-derived design best aligns with the operational and technical requirements outlined by the Hellenic Navy. The Blacksword Barracuda is derived from the nuclear-powered Suffren-class submarine but adapted as a conventionally powered platform. The same design family was selected by the Royal Netherlands Navy for its future Orka-class submarine program (4 boats too). They will be the first submarines of the RNLN that are built at a foreign shipyard. My story for Naval News, here.

French Shipyard Launches Third Patrol Vessel for Belgian Navy

On April 2, 2026, French shipbuilder SOCARENAM launched the Castor-class coastal patrol vessel BNS Vega (P-903) for the Belgian Navy. This is the third ship-in-class after Castor and Pollux, launched about a decade earlier. After launch, the vessel was floated out of the dry dock to commence the dockside fitting-out phase. During this stage, construction of the hull, the aluminum superstructure, and various mechanical and structural components is completed. Major propulsion elements, including the engines, gearboxes, and propeller shafts, are already installed on board. The decision to commission a third patrol vessel was approved in early 2024 during the tenure of then Defence Minister Ludivine Dedonder. My story for Naval News, here.

Greece Orders RAM Block 2A Missiles for Fast Attack Craft, FDI Frigates to Follow

The General Directorate for Defence Investments and Armaments (GDDIA) of the Hellenic Ministry of National Defence announced that on Tuesday, 10 March 2026, Contract No. 001B/25 was signed by the Director General of GDDIA, Major General Ioannis Bouras, with RAM–SYSTEM (RAMSYS) GmbH for the procurement of 52 RAM Block 2A (RIM-116D) guided missiles. The program had previously been approved by the Hellenic Parliament on December 3, 2025 and is primarily intended to equip the 21-cell RAM launchers of the last two Hellenic Navy Roussen-class (Super Vita) Fast Attack Missile Craft (FACM), P-78 Karathanasis and P-79 Vlahakos. In addition, the acquisition includes 10 extra missiles to reinforce the Navy’s overall stockpile. A second batch of RAM Block 2B missiles expected in the near future for integration on the FDI HN frigates. My story for Naval News, here.

North Korea’s New Destroyer Sets Sail for the First Time, Tests Missile Systems

On March 3 and 4, in the presence of Kim Jong Un, the North Korean Navy conducted tests to assess the operational capabilities of its new 5,000-ton destroyer, Choe Hyon (51). The North Korea’s largest and by far its most advanced surface warship, sailed under its own power for the first time since April 25, 2025. During its earlier trial, several weapon launches had been carried out, although the ship had been towed rather than operating independently. According to North Korea’s official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), Kim Jong Un inspected the destroyer to observe the crew’s combat and political training and to oversee the shakedown process intended to evaluate the vessel’s operational performance. Accompanying him were Workers’ Party of Korea (WPK) officials, senior military officials and officials from the warship-building sector. My story for Naval News, here.