Western European Navies (week 39)

Political News
Shared nuclear deterrent back on the table for the UK and France

Over the next 3 years France is to cut its defence spending by €3.6 billion

The future Dutch government will be cutting its spending on defence with €600 million (about 7%).

EU parliamentarians thinking about what to replace the WEU with after mid 2011.

Future Israeli submarines no longer allowed to test in Norway. Reason is the ban on security exports to Israel.

Global Operations
HMS Cumberland has left for the Gulf

In the third EUNAVFOR case in Kenya 11 Somali men have been sentenced to 5 years in prison.

Although HDMS Esbern Snare had propulsion problems, it didn't stop them from intercepting 3 suspected pirate vessels.

4 suspected pirates, captured by SPS Galicia have been handed over to the Kenian authorities. It looks like these will be the last ones, since the prison in Kenya are overcrowded.

Spanish submarine Mistral is to join Operation Active Endeavour

Shipbuilding
FS Le Terrible, the 4th and final ship of the Triomphant-class has been put in to active service. It's the first SSBN to be armed with the new M51 SLBM.

The Sea Viper has finally been launched from a Type 45. HMS Dauntless had the honour.

Spanish Navantia is to build a second series of 4 Buques de Acción Marítima (BAM) for the Spanish navy.

Anyone intersested in a couple of frigates (or helicopters and APCs) should contact the Danish government.

Thales has sold its Captas sonar as a demonstrator to the US for use on the LCS.

Exercises
The French and Maroccans have the CHEBEC 2010 exercise.

Portugal will host Deep Divex 2010