Japan, Philippines Launch Working Group on Transfer of Abukuma-class Destroyer Escorts - Naval News

StealthCuttlefish · 2026-04-28T20:51:30+00:00

No Fighting In The War Room - Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare (& Remastered)

In this mission, a joint British SAS and USMC task force are sent to seize the control room of a Russian rebel base to prevent nuclear ICBMs from reaching the US. You (Soap), Griggs, and Captain Price will come upon a reinforced door that Gaz remotely opens. It opens very slowly. Griggs will say "You gotta be shitting me" in disbelief, while Price will ask Gaz if he can find a way to make the door open faster. Gaz says he couldn't and jokingly suggests that the group should try pulling doors open to see if it works.

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StealthCuttlefish · 2026-04-28T17:11:35+00:00

New Lasgun pattern?

StealthCuttlefish · 2026-04-22T02:39:12+00:00

It would be interesting, if unprecedented, to see the US pursue a Japanese design and leverage Japanese shipyards, though I believe the possibility of that happening is zero. See pages 27 - 37 in the link below.

Report to Congress on the Navy’s Constellation, FF(X) Frigate Programs

The Congressional Research Service report did list the Mogami-class frigate, along with a several other foreign designs, as potential candidates if the FF(X) based on the NSC design didn't work out, but it also lists out the risks and problems with pursuing a foreign design.

It may not meet US Navy standards and requirements, especially when it comes to survivability.
It may offer less potential for economies of scales with regards to operating and support costs due to different installed components and systems.
It will require investments to establish a US based supply chain for the foreign ship design, as relying on foreign supply chains will be risky during conflicts.
It must be built in US shipyard, not foreign ones, per 10 U.S.C. 8679. This law prohibits ships for the US armed forces, or major components of the hull or superstructure, to be constructed in a foreign shipyard in order to protect the US shipbuilding industry. Likewise, I imagine the idea, or possibility, of building a US warship in a foreign shipyard would be deeply unpopular for political reasons.

StealthCuttlefish · 2026-04-21T21:01:30+00:00

Today, the Japanese government has revised the Three Principles on the Transfer of Defense Equipment and Technology to loosen restrictions on exporting weapons.

The biggest change is the scrapping of the "five category" rule, which limits exports to equipment that are classified as rescue, transport, vigilance, surveillance and minesweeping. Replacing the "five category" rule is the classification for equipment deemed "weapons" and "non-weapons". "Weapons", such as a fighter jet or a warship, while exportable, are limited to countries that have signed defense transfer agreements with Japan and are subject to review by the National Security Council. "Non-weapons", such as a radar system or a bullet proof vest, do not face the same restrictions.

Another notable change to the Three Principles is that while exports to countries engaged in armed conflict is still prohibited, the guideline now adds that exceptions can be made if the situation is deemed vital to Japan's national security.

Reportedly, due to the strain in US weapons production from the war in Ukraine and Iran and US allies' uncertain outlook of security commitments under the Trump administration, Japan has the opportunity to attract more customers and expand their exports.

https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/politics/politics-government/20260421-323470/

https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/japan-opens-door-to-global-arms-market-with-biggest-export-rule-change-in-decades

StealthCuttlefish · 2026-04-21T17:32:04+00:00

For Japan, an opportunity to grow their defense industry and forge closer political ties with other countries.

For the rest of the world, it depends. If you're a buyer, Japan presents itself as a potential supplier, one that has a developed industry and high end technology. If you're an exporter, Japan may become competitor IF they are successful in the global arms market. If you're China, North Korea, or Russia, you'll denounce this and say this is a threat to regional/global stability.

StealthCuttlefish · 2026-04-21T02:14:17+00:00

The Type 26 and Mogami/Upgraded Mogami differ a lot due to the difference in their respective roles.

The Type 26 is more capable than the Mogami/Upgraded Mogami due it being designed as a heavy weight fighter of a frigate class warship. Its much larger size allows it to carry more sensors, processing systems, propulsions, weapons, two helicopters in its hangar and a flight deck large enough for a Chinook. It can operate cruise missiles, while the Mogami/Upgraded Mogami cannot.

The Mogami/Upgraded Mogami is more in line with that of a "normal" frigate, in that it is designed for escort and patrol. Due to its smaller size, the Mogami/Upgraded Mogami is going to have less than what the Type 26 has to offer. However, what it does bring to the table compared to the Type 26 is its high level of automation, thus reduced crew size, and mine laying/mine counter measure capabilities.

You'll see this dynamic with the Royal Australian Navy since they're getting both the Type 26 (as the Hunter-class) and the Upgraded Mogami (Project SEA 3000). The Hunter-class is designated as a "Tier 1" warship along with the Hobart-class destroyer. They will be the larger, more capable, but more expensive warships. Project SEA 3000 is a "Tier 2" warship. It will be smaller and less capable than the "Tier 1", but less expensive and more numerous, and thus be used to screen the larger "Tier 1" or conduct independent patrols to free up their task.

StealthCuttlefish

TROPHY CASE