Today’s world military (August 27) has the following content: US Navy deploys USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier to Alaska; Why did India choose Type 214 submarine instead of S-80? Morocco tests EXTRA guided missile. * US Navy deploys aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln The US Department of Defense recently announced that it has deployed the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln to the Gulf of Alaska to participate in a large-scale exercise called Northern Edge 2025. Northern Edge 2025, which began in mid-August, will involve more than 6,400 US troops, about 100 aircraft, and seven US and Canadian naval vessels. The exercise is designed to test the ability to coordinate operations, maintain and deploy forces at sea, in the air, online, and on land. The US Navy said the exercise will also incorporate new weapons, including the AIM-174B missile, to enhance long-range defense capabilities.

Commissioned in late 1989, the USS Abraham Lincoln was the first Nimitz-class aircraft carrier to be designed with an improved torpedo protection system in the hull, increasing its ability to withstand underwater damage. Photo: USS Abraham Lincoln

USS Abraham Lincoln participated in the exercise as the centerpiece of Carrier Strike Group 3, along with three Arleigh Burke-class destroyers: USS O’Kane, USS Michael Murphy and USS Frank E. Petersen Jr. The ship’s Air Wing 9 operates 4th and 5th generation aircraft.

Commissioned in 1989, the USS Abraham Lincoln has served for more than three decades in various campaigns. During the 2013-2017 period, the ship underwent an overhaul and nuclear refueling, extending its life by 25 years. In 2019, the ship undertook a 295-day round-the-world voyage through the Atlantic, Middle East, and Indo-Pacific, becoming the longest deployment by a US aircraft carrier in the post-Cold War era.

This Nimitz-class aircraft carrier has a displacement of over 100,000 tons, is 333m long, 76.8m wide, and uses two nuclear reactors with a speed of over 55km/h. The deck is 1.8ha wide, and can carry 60-70 aircraft, up to 90 of them, including F/A-18E/F, F-35C, EA-18G, E-2D and MH-60 helicopters. Thanks to its nuclear engine, the ship has an almost unlimited range between refueling cycles lasting 20-25 years.

* Morocco tests EXTRA guided missile

The Royal Moroccan Armed Forces have tested an Israeli-made EXTRA guided missile in the eastern region, MWN reported, citing sources. Although there has been no official confirmation from Rabat, the information reflects Morocco’s efforts to enhance its long-range precision strike capabilities amid regional security uncertainties.

According to sources, EXTRA was launched from a PULS launcher manufactured by Elbit Systems, and hit its target at a distance of 150km with high accuracy. If confirmed, this would be an important milestone in the modernization of Morocco’s armed forces. 

The EXTRA guided missile tested by the Moroccan Army has a caliber of 306mm, carries a 120kg warhead, and is capable of hitting targets at a maximum distance of 150km. This is one of the ammunition types in the weapon catalog compatible with the PULS launcher system, which can also fire the Predator Hawk missile with an extended range of up to 300km. This combined capability gives Morocco flexibility in operations.

The acquisition of PULS and EXTRA is part of a defense contract worth around $150 million signed by Rabat with Elbit Systems and expected to be implemented over a three-year period. The deal marks a significant shift in Morocco’s artillery doctrine, from a reliance on traditional unguided rockets to long-range precision strike weapons.

* Why did India choose Type 214 submarine instead of S-80?

According to the Times of India, the Indian government has officially selected the German Type 214 submarine for the next phase of the Project 75 submarine building program, after a long delay.

The decision allows India’s Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) to initiate negotiations with ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems for the construction of six AIP submarines worth over $8.4 billion. The decision also means that the Spanish S-80 has been taken off the list.

With a displacement of about 1,800 tons, the Type 214 submarine uses a fuel cell-based AIP system, allowing it to stay submerged for up to three weeks. Photo: Thyssenkrupp

Project 75 is a key modernization program for India’s submarine force. The first phase has put into service six French-designed Scorpène-class submarines, with the last one delivered in 2023. The next phase, called Project 75(I), aims to receive six more modern submarines with longer ranges and stronger attack capabilities. The selection of Germany’s Type 214 marks an ambitious step forward for India, focusing not only on adding forces but also emphasizing technology transfer, industrial cooperation and gradually moving towards self-sufficiency in submarine design and production under the “Make in India” policy.

The Type 214 is an export version of the Type 212 submarine, notable for its long-distance capabilities and high reliability. With a displacement of about 1,800 tons, the submarine uses a fuel cell-based AIP system, allowing it to stay submerged for up to 3 weeks.

Weapons include heavy torpedoes, anti-ship missiles, along with modern sensor and combat management systems. The ship has a crew of more than 30 sailors, is optimized for stealth and performance, and is difficult to detect in disputed maritime environments. Compared to Spain’s S-80, the Type 214 is significantly smaller. The S-80 has a displacement of about 3,000 tons (nearly double that of the Type 214), has a longer range, uses a biofuel-based AIP system, and can stay submerged for longer. However, this model has encountered many problems during development and is slow in its ability to fully deploy. Meanwhile, the Type 214 has proven its reliability in operation in the navies of Greece, South Korea, and Türkiye. This is considered a less risky option for India.