Latest news with #LittoralCombatShip
Miami Herald
2 days ago
- Politics
- Miami Herald
Satellite Images Show US Navy Vessels Deploy for Possible Iran Attack
Satellite imagery showed that all forward-deployed U.S. Navy vessels have left a key port in the Middle Eastern country of Bahrain as Washington braces for a potential Iranian strike. Newsweek contacted the Pentagon for comment on the naval moves. The U.S. military buildup in the region signals a posture of high readiness amid growing uncertainty over whether President Donald Trump will back Israel's offensive against Iran. While Trump had long sought to broker Middle East deals and steer America away from protracted entanglements, his approach toward Iran has leaned on pressure and coercion. If the U.S. enters the conflict, Iran is expected to strike back not only at American assets but also at key regional allies, with Gulf nations among the possible first targets. At least one Littoral Combat Ship, four Mine Countermeasure vessels, and the special operations mothership M/V Ocean Trader are currently underway in the U.S. Central Command area of operations, according to satellite imagery shared by open-source analysts on X, formerly Twitter, such as Ian Ellis. Their departure suggests movement into strategic positions across the Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz, or Gulf of Oman-all key zones within CENTCOM area of responsibility, analysts said. On Monday, the USS Nimitz aircraft carrier diverted from the South China Sea to the Middle East, where it would join the USS Carl Vinson carrier strike group that entered the Arabian Sea in April. A U.S. strike on Iran's underground Fordow facility would likely involve a GBU-57/B bunker buster delivered by B-2 bombers based at Diego Garcia. "Consistent with the duty to protect U.S. forces in the Middle East, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth directed the Nimitz Carrier Strike Group to the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) area of responsibility to sustain our defensive posture and safeguard American personnel," a defense official told Newsweek on Tuesday. U.S. President Donald Trump wrote on Truth Social on Tuesday: "We know exactly where the so-called "Supreme leader" is hiding. He is an easy target, but is safe there - We are not going to take him out (kill!), at least for now. But we don't want missiles shot at civilians or American soldiers. Our patience is wearing thin. Thank you for your attention to this matter!" Heather Williams, Associate Director of the International Security and Defense Policy Program at RAND, in a published Israel-Iran analysis: "The threat to U.S. personnel in the region is real. In terms of broader conflict in the Middle East, Israeli military successes against Iran are likely to reduce the threat in the short term and raise it in the long term. On the one hand, this could give Washington space to focus on more-immediate security needs in other theaters, but it also could set conditions for a future Middle East conflict that would mire the United States when it wants to be focused elsewhere." U.S. Air Force aerial refueling aircraft are also headed for the Middle East amid an escalating war between Israel and Iran. The key question will be whether the United States joins the action. Related Articles Map Shows U.S. Middle East Travel Warnings as Possible Iran War LoomsAmerican Killed in Deadly Russian Strike on KyivUS Aircraft Carrier USS George Washington Counters China Navy PresenceHow Iran Could Retaliate Against US. Three Possible Options 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
The Sun
3 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
13MP expected to be tabled in Parliament on July 28
PUTRAJAYA: The 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) is expected to be tabled in Parliament on July 28, MADANI Government spokesman Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said today. Fahmi, who is also the Minister of Communications, said that during today's Cabinet meeting, Economy Ministry secretary-general Datuk Nor Azmie Diron presented a briefing and a brief summary on the implementation of the 13MP. He said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had requested all ministries to review the draft presented and provide feedback to the Economy Ministry soon before it is finalised for tabling in Parliament. 'I believe the tabling of the 13MP is expected to take place on July 28, 2025. 'This, Insya-Allah, will be the first Malaysia Plan to be tabled by the Prime Minister (Anwar),' he said at his weekly press conference here. Yesterday, Anwar, who is also the Finance Minister, said that the 13MP would mark a turning point in the government's efforts to address national economic challenges, including development and income gaps, limited fiscal space, and the slow pace of structural economic transition. The 13MP, which covers the 2026-2030 period, is one of the government's key policy documents for implementing the MADANI Economy agenda. On another matter, Fahmi said the Prime Minister also reminded Cabinet members to continue efforts to upgrade and improve 30 schools located in military camps across the country. He added that the Prime Minister was also satisfied with the progress of work on the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) project by Lumut Naval Shipyard (Lunas), describing it as a commendable achievement. 'Projects like the LCS, which have been successfully undertaken and are able to be completed, including by local engineers, are a proud achievement,' he said.
Barnama
3 days ago
- Business
- Barnama
13MP Expected To Be Tabled In Parliament On July 28
PUTRAJAYA, June 18 (Bernama) -- The 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) is expected to be tabled in Parliament on July 28, MADANI Government spokesman Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said today. Fahmi, who is also the Minister of Communications, said that during today's Cabinet meeting, Economy Ministry secretary-general Datuk Nor Azmie Diron presented a briefing and a brief summary on the implementation of the 13MP. He said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had requested all ministries to review the draft presented and provide feedback to the Economy Ministry soon before it is finalised for tabling in Parliament. 'I believe the tabling of the 13MP is expected to take place on July 28, 2025. 'This, Insya-Allah, will be the first Malaysia Plan to be tabled by the Prime Minister (Anwar),' he said at his weekly press conference here. Yesterday, Anwar, who is also the Finance Minister, said that the 13MP would mark a turning point in the government's efforts to address national economic challenges, including development and income gaps, limited fiscal space, and the slow pace of structural economic transition. The 13MP, which covers the 2026-2030 period, is one of the government's key policy documents for implementing the MADANI Economy agenda. On another matter, Fahmi said the Prime Minister also reminded Cabinet members to continue efforts to upgrade and improve 30 schools located in military camps across the country. He added that the Prime Minister was also satisfied with the progress of work on the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) project by Lumut Naval Shipyard (Lunas), describing it as a commendable achievement.
The Star
5 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Anwar: LCS project progress shows govt's commitment
Sharing a light moment: Anwar interacting with members of the Royal Malaysian Navy during his visit of the shipyard in Lumut. — Bernama LUMUT: The progress of the construction of the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) demonstrates the government's strong commitment towards prioritising national security assets, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. The Prime Minister said it also reflects the importance of good governance so that projects and commitments be delivered without delay. 'We regard the Royal Malaysian Navy as a key line of defence, as our waters are not immune to threats such as terrorism, potential foreign incursions and smuggling. 'That is why I agreed for the LCS project to continue under the Finance Ministry,' he said in his speech at a Kenduri Rakyat programme, Bernama reported. The Prime Minister attributed previous delays involving the project to weak management, governance issues and corruption. 'If the management is poor, how can we ensure maritime security? That is why good governance is essential,' he said. Anwar said the government remains focused on the need to enhance the country's defence assets, with the Defence Ministry being among the ministries receiving the largest allocations in the annual budget. 'Defence ranks third, after education and health. For 2025 alone, RM21.2bil has been allocated, a significant amount for a developing nation,' he said, adding that the move was aimed at ensuring national stability, which is crucial for economic growth. Earlier, Anwar visited the Lumut Naval Shipyard (Lunas) facility to inspect the ongoing LCS construction works and was briefed on the progress of the construction of five LCS units. He expressed satisfaction with the progress of LCS construction, describing it as commendable. The LCS is a class of stealth frigates being built by the Royal Malaysian Navy. At another event, the Prime Minister condemned the lack of response from the international community, especially from Muslim-majority countries, over Israeli attacks on Iran. He lamented the silence of the many wealthy Islamic countries, despite the Muslim population exceeding one billion. 'Islamic countries are rich, but they are not strong. When it comes to defending Iran, not many dare to speak up,' he said. Referring to Israel's attacks on Iran's nuclear and military structure on Friday, Anwar said: 'What sort of country behaves in such a barbaric, treacherous, and insane manner?' When Iran retaliated to defend its dignity, European nations were quick with their condemnation, he pointed out. Anwar said Malaysia is committed to defending the rights of oppressed nations, including Iran, and praised the country's resilience in the face of long-standing economic sanctions. He reaffirmed that Malaysia would stay true to its principle of defending justice on the international stage.
The Star
5 days ago
- Business
- The Star
LUNAS strengthens strategic collaboration with STM Turkiye
Anwar (centre) witnessing the MoU exchange held in conjunction with the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition 2025 (LIMA '25), marking a significant milestone in strategic collaboration. LANGKAWI: Lumut Naval Shipyard Sdn Bhd (LUNAS) continues to make strides as a key player in the nation's defence industry with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Turkiye's leading defence engineering company, Savunma Teknolojileri Muhendislik ve Ticaret A.S. (STM). This strategic collaboration marks a new chapter in the modernisation of naval military platforms and the development of next-generation vessels. LUNAS chief executive officer Azhar Jumaat said the collaboration not only strengthens the company's technical capabilities but also elevates Malaysia's profile in the global maritime defence arena. 'This partnership reinforces the country's efforts to enhance maritime defence resilience through technology transfer, local capability development and innovation with trusted global partners. 'It positions LUNAS as a more competitive government-linked strategic asset while also supporting the Malaysia Madani aspirations, which focus on modernisation, competitiveness and global engagement in national industrial development.' he said. The MoU exchange was held in conjunction with the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition 2025 (Lima '25) and was witnessed by the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Also present were Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, Turkiye's Defence Industry Agency president Haluk Gorgun, Azhar and STM chief executive officer Ozgur Guleryuz. As a symbolic gesture of the Madani Government's support for the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) programme, Anwar placed the Jalur Gemilang on a five-meter Bryks model replica displayed at the LUNAS booth. LUNAS, which is wholly owned by the Minister of Finance (Incorporated), is now actively expanding into new sectors including commercial shipbuilding and repair, heavy engineering, and ship recycling, marking its transformation into a diversified maritime and engineering powerhouse.
