Naval Technology lists ten of the most popular tweets on naval tech in August 2020 based on data from GlobalData’s Influencer Platform. The top tweets were chosen from influencers as tracked by GlobalData’s Influencer Platform, which is based on a scientific process that works on pre-defined parameters. Influencers are selected after a deep analysis of the influencer’s relevance, network strength, engagement, and leading discussions on new and emerging trends.

Top tweets on naval tech in August 2020

1. U.S. Navy’s tweet on commissioning of littoral combat ship

U.S. Navy, the official account of the US Navy, tweeted about the commissioning of USS St. Louis (LCS 19), the Freedom-class littoral combat ship. The USS St. Louis is the seventh St. Louis combat ship commissioned by the US Navy and the 22nd LCS to join the navy.

The new combat ship is equipped with capabilities to intercept diesel submarines and other surface craft threats. Combined with the MH-60R maritime helicopter, the ship will enable the navy to handle multiple missions including counter-narcotic missions.

Username: U.S.Navy

Twitter handle: @USNavy

Retweets: 140

Likes: 611

2. H I Sutton’s tweet on narco submarines

H I Sutton, a defence and aerospace reporter, shared an article about the discovery of a super-sized narco submarine in Colombia. Measuring 100ft in length and 10ft in width, the low-profile vessel (LPV) was headed for the US. The submarine is capable of carrying six to eight tonnes of narcotics, the article added.

This type of vessel has emerged as the latest challenge for the US Southern Command’s (SOUTHCOM) Enhanced Counter-Narcotics Operations. SOUTHCOM has faced a slew of smaller sized narco submarines, which have been transporting cocaine for more than a decade. These submarines are designed to evade detection making it difficult for SOUTHCOM to intercept them.

Username: H I Sutton

Twitter handle: @CovertShores

Retweets: 76

Likes: 165

3. Sir Humphrey’s tweet on UK Royal Airforce’s ASW aircraft

Sir Humphrey, a defense analyst, tweeted about P-8 Poseidon, the UK Royal Air Force’s patrol aircraft flying from Kinloss Barracks to support Border Force Operations in the English Channel. The maritime patrol aircraft is part of UK Ministry of Defence’s continuing package to assist the Home Office, the UK government department for counter-terrorism and drugs policy.

The anti-submarine warfare (ASW) aircraft showcased its ability to conduct maritime surface patrol and proved that it can be useful to perform search and rescue operations in real time, the influencer added.

Username: Sir Humphrey

Twitter handle: @pinstripedline

Retweets: 9

Likes: 89

4. Tyler Rogoway’s tweet on advantages of AI pilot over human pilot

Tyler Rogoway, editor at thewarzone.com, a website providing latest information on defence, shared an article on how an AI pilot developed by Heron Systems defeated a human Air Force F-16 pilot in a virtual dogfight also known as basic fighter manoeuvres.

The AI pilot was able to rapidly fine-tune a tracking solution and use the simulated gun, while a human pilot needs intense concentration for tracking and shooting. It was also capable of maintaining consistent energy and carry out high-performance turns, while a human pilot has to focus on breathing to ensure that he does not blackout.

Lastly, an AI pilot does not have any psychological constraints, unlike the human pilot, the article added.

Username: Tyler Rogoway

Twitter handle: @Aviation_Intel

Retweets: 13

Likes: 79

5. Royal Australian Navy’s tweet on the upgraded HMAS Arunta

Royal Australian Navy, the official account of the Royal Australian Navy, shared an article about HMAS Arunta successfully completing the firing of surface-to-air missiles at the Rim of the Pacific Exercise (RIMPAC) 2020 at the Pacific Missile Range Capacity in Hawaii.

HMAS Arunta is the first Anzac class frigate to be upgraded with the long-range phased-array radar suite under the Anzac Midlife Capability Assurance Program (AMCAP). The firing demonstrated the ship’s sensor efficiency to combat enemies. It also marked the first occasion where an AMCAP frigate was part of RIMPAC, which witnessed participation from ten countries and multiple vessels and aircraft.

Username: Royal Australian Navy

Twitter handle: @Australian_Navy

Retweets: 12

Likes: 67

6. Xavier Vavasseur’s tweet on Japan’s next generation frigate

Xavier Vavasseur, founder and chief editor of navalnews.com, a provider of news and events related to navy, tweeted about 30FFM, a future multi-mission frigate, being developed for Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force.

The frigate is part of the next generation of frigates being constructed at the Mitsubishi Heavy Industries shipyard in Japan. Vavasseur added that 30FFM is expected to be launched by fall of 2020.

Username: Xavier Vavasseur

Twitter handle: @xaviervav

Retweets: 36

Likes: 63

7. Chris Cavas’ tweet on Royal Canadian Navy’s Winnipeg FFH 338

Chris Cavas, a naval warfare reporter, tweeted about Royal Canadian Navy’s Winnipeg FFH 338, a Halifax-class frigate taking part at RIMPAC 2020.

Winnipeg practiced naval tactics and manoeuvres used for firing the Evolved Sea Sparrow Missiles (ESSMs) from vertical launchers aimed at air or surface targets. The RIMPAC 2020 is the biggest biennial maritime exercise worldwide, which was held off the Hawaiian coast.

Username: Chris Cavas

Twitter handle: @CavasShips

Retweets: 27

Likes: 58

8. Alessio Patalano’s tweet on Japan’s Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD)

Alessio Patalano, a naval history and Japanese military expert, shared an article about recommendations provided by a Missile Defense Study Team to former Japanese President Shinzo Abe on strengthening the country’s defence capabilities.

The two part report includes recommendations to strengthen the country’s integrated air and missile defence (IAMD) and enhancing collaboration with the US in a comprehensive manner. Under the IAMD recommendations, the report suggested the replacement of the Aegis Ashore deployment with low-orbit satellites and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

The report also details strategies to detect and track hypersonic weapons and intercept the missile-launching and associated abilities of enemies.

Username: Alessio Patalano

Twitter handle: @alessionaval

Retweets: 34

Likes: 53

9. Navy Chief of Information’s tweet on China’s claims about US Navy

Navy Chief of Information, the official account of US Navy’s Chief of Information, shared an article about Chinese military claiming that it drove out USS Mustin, the US Navy’s missile destroyer, from disputed islands in South China Sea to ease the rising maritime tensions.

The US refuted China’s narrative saying that the statement regarding the mission is false and added that its warship was not ‘expelled’ from any country’s territory. The U.S. Pacific Fleet spokesperson noted that the ship performed its operations as per international law, the article highlighted.

The spokesperson added that the exercise was aimed at upholding the rights and lawful uses of the sea by challenging the restrictions imposed by China, Taiwan and Vietnam, the article detailed.

Username: Navy Chief of Information

Twitter handle: @chinfo

Retweets: 15

Likes: 45

10. U.S. Naval Institute’s tweet on US Navy collaborating with NOAA

U.S. Naval Institute, an independent forum that offers national defense and security news, shared an article about the memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed between the US Navy and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to jointly work on unmanned maritime systems and policies that will control their operation.

The deal marked the culmination of the Commercial Engagement Through Ocean Technology Act of 2018, which is aimed at greater cooperation between the two stakeholders. The NOAA plans to test and evaluate unmanned systems under the MoU. It will also focus on developing autonomous technology, which will enable unmanned systems to avoid other vessels and follow international maritime rules.

Username: U.S. Naval Institute

Twitter handle: @NavalInstitute

Retweets: 12

Likes: 38