--- title: "Actionable Intel: Defense News Roundup For April 25th, 2021" description: "From China commissioning three major naval vessels at once to the loss of Indonesia's submarine, we roundup all of today's military news so you don't have to." date: "2021-04-25" modified: "2021-04-25" authors: - name: "Tyler Rogoway" job_title: "Editor-in-Chief" link: "https://www.twz.com/authors/tyler-rogoway" url: "https://www.twz.com/40323/actionable-intel-defense-news-roundup-for-april-25th-2021" categories: - "Around The Globe" - "Indo-Pacific" - "Iran" - "Littoral Combat Ships" - "Middle East" - "News & Features" - "Sea" tags: - "Actionable Intel" - "indonesia" - "Iran" - "LCS" - "LRASM" - "News Roundup" - "Roundup" - "Submarine" --- # Actionable Intel: Defense News Roundup For April 25th, 2021 ![]() *www.twz.com* It's been a long time since we have done one of these roundups of all the news that is important enough for us to mention, and some extra fun content, as well, but I feel like today warranted it. So here are the key happenings from around the globe and the net in terms of defense and the military that you need to know about. ### Terrible news about the lost Indonesian sub KRI *Nanggala* has been found and its complement of 54 souls has been lost. We [reported on Friday]() that air was running out as more international assets poured into the region to help in the search. Sadly, their efforts couldn't save the crew. At 838 meters, well below crush depth for the submarine and beyond the reach of submarine rescue systems, a recovery effort wouldn't have been possible anyway, from what we understand. https://twitter.com/\_/status/1386310719373783041 https://twitter.com/\_/status/1386275422678130690 ### Chinese Navy super commissioning ceremony The People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) had a three-way commissioning ceremony that also highlighted some of its most advanced capabilities. The [Type 094]() nuclear ballistic missile submarine *Cangzheng*, the [Type 055 destroyer]() *Dalian*, and the Type 075 LHD *Hainan* were all brought into service at [Sanya Naval Base]() on the 72nd Anniversary of the PLAN. The ceremony was also a testimony to how [much seapower Beijing]() has been able to spit out as of late. Truly astonishing production numbers, including its most advanced types. https://twitter.com/\_/status/1386165348110462977 https://twitter.com/\_/status/1385986068907020291 Bonus pics of the Type 075 LHD loaded up out at sea: ![message-editor%2F1619374082486-ezywlbbxiaasl-v.jpeg]() **Chinese State Media** ![message-editor%2F1619374099786-ezywla\_xmaak0od.jpeg]() **Chinese State Media** ![message-editor%2F1619374107403-ezywlbbxoau2lpt.jpeg]() **Chinese State Media** ### Iranian tanker struck by a drone off Syria It looks like the [low-intensity conflict between]() Israel and Iran [that is targeting shipping]() continues to heat up. https://twitter.com/\_/status/1385970860452945922 ### Iran unveils its newest drone creation Tehran continues to invest heavily in long-range suicide drones. As to what level of cooperative capability they have at this time is debatable, but you don't need swarming abilities to oversaturate a highly defended target. Regardless, it's just a matter of time. https://twitter.com/\_/status/1386227250694066179 Bonus tweet/related: https://twitter.com/\_/status/1384921308086128645 ### New look at Iran's missile-packing catamaran under construction https://twitter.com/\_/status/1386361225299185672 https://twitter.com/\_/status/1382193336153473029 ### A very unique and steampunk-ish angle on the Harrier https://twitter.com/\_/status/1386004502684176388 ### Here's the crapper on the Dragon capsule Hey, when you gotta go, you gotta go! https://twitter.com/\_/status/1386372527862083587 ### Black Hawk takes a dip It looks like this Black Hawk pilot got a bit overzealous when storming the drop zone. Scary stuff! https://twitter.com/\_/status/1385157367390777344 ### More from UxS IBP 21 A long-range unmanned surface vessel (LRUSV) operates alongside Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Stockdale (DDG 106) in the Pacific Ocean during U.S. Pacific Fleet’s Unmanned Systems Integrated Battle Problem (UxS IBP) 21. ![message-editor%2F1619375413269-6614679.jpg]() **U.S. Navy photo by Chief Petty Officer Benjamin Forman** ### LRASM expansion Lockheed's [stealthy and wickedly smart]() anti-ship missile is now officially heading for land launch and the P-8 Poseidon. Both announcements are big news. LRASM is the most capable known anti-ship missile in America's arsenal. Being able to push them forward on the P-8, [which we knew was on]() the Navy's wish list, brings another level of relevancy to the multi-mission jets, especially during a high-end conflict. Being able to deploy it in a [coast defense role]() would make approaching within hundreds of miles of allied shores where it could be deployed a very risky proposition for the enemy. For instance, [operating forward from islands]() in the Pacific, this system could be a critical defensive capability. Both announcements also open the door to new LRASM orders to America's closest allies, especially P-8 operators in higher-risk areas of the globe. https://twitter.com/\_/status/1385560600542158857 https://twitter.com/\_/status/1385560560369012736 ### Littorally striking The LCS program is [beyond controversial](), but this shot of the *Independence*-class USS *Coronado* looks like it is out of a science fiction movie. It is one of four LCSs slated for very early retirement. ![message-editor%2F1619375023554-6614610.jpg]() **U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Shannon Renfroe** You're up to date! *Contact the author: Tyler@thedrive.com* ## Author Tyler’s passion is the study of military technology, strategy, as well as foreign policy, and he has fostered a dominant voice on those topics in the defense and national security space. Tyler was the creator of the hugely popular defense site *Foxtrot Alpha* before developing *TWZ*, which he continues to lead as the Editor-In-Chief to this day. ### Author social links [Twitter]()