Latest news with #LCS
Gulf Insider
3 days ago
- General
- Gulf Insider
USS Canberra Arrives in Bahrain, Boosts U.S. Mine Warfare
Modern Vessel to Replace Aging Minehunters in Middle East The littoral combat ship USS Canberra has arrived at the U.S. naval base in Bahrain, ushering in a new chapter for U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT) as it prepares to phase out its aging fleet of mine countermeasure ships in the region. The vessel is the first of four advanced ships set to permanently operate out of Bahrain, replacing the decades-old Avenger- class ships. Upgrading Fleet Capabilities The USS Canberra is part of a broader U.S. Navy strategy to modernize its presence in the Middle East. The Avenger-class ships, built in the late 1980s and early 1990s, feature fiberglass-covered wooden hulls-a design once considered ideal for minimizing magnetic signatures during mine-clearing missions. However, maintenance costs and operational limitations have made these vessels increasingly obsolete. In contrast, the Independence-class Canberra boasts cutting-edge technology, including unmanned maritime sensors and improved minehunting capabilities that allow it to detect and neutralize threats at greater distances. It also supports a top speed of about 46 mph (40 knots), far outpacing the Avenger-class ships' 16 mph. A First for the Region The Canberra is the first Independence-class littoral combat ship (LCS) to deploy to the region. Its arrival was marked by a welcoming ceremony on Monday attended by Bahraini defense officials, U.S. Ambassador to Bahrain Steven Bondy, and NAVCENT commander Vice Adm. George Wikoff. Unlike its single-hulled Freedom-class counterpart, the Independence-class is a trimaran, offering a larger flight deck, room for two helicopters or multiple drones, and increased operational flexibility. According to the ship's manufacturer, Austal USA, these design features enhance the vessel's ability to operate in shallow coastal waters-an essential trait for mine countermeasure missions in the Gulf. Command Perspective Cmdr. Bill Golden, commander of the Canberra's blue crew, previously served aboard a mine countermeasures ship stationed in Bahrain. Reflecting on the shift in capability, he remarked, 'To see the differences between that platform and what Canberra offers is incredible.'The Canberra began its maiden deployment from San Diego in March and is currently conducting routine operations as part of its scheduled mission. It is expected to be joined by three additional LCS vessels over the coming months, further cementing Bahrain's role as a key hub in U.S. naval strategy. LCS Program Continues Expansion Since the launch of the Littoral Combat Ship program in 2002, the U.S. Navy has taken delivery of 35 LCS vessels. Two more-USS Cleveland (Freedom variant) and USS Pierre (Independence variant)—are currently under construction and are expected to be commissioned later this year. The deployment of the Canberra marks a significant milestone in the U.S. Navy's transition toward faster, more versatile, and technologically advanced warships- reaffirming its commitment to maintaining security and stability across the region's vital waterways. Also read: Bahrain To Roll Out Diverse Scholarship Opportunities For Top Students Following June 2 Exam Results
Daily Tribune
3 days ago
- Science
- Daily Tribune
USS Canberra Arrives in Bahrain, Marking New Era in U.S. Navy Mine Warfare Operations
Modern Vessel to Replace Aging Minehunters in Middle East The littoral combat ship USS Canberra has arrived at the U.S. naval base in Bahrain, ushering in a new chapter for U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT) as it prepares to phase out its aging fleet of mine countermeasure ships in the region. The vessel is the first of four advanced ships set to permanently operate out of Bahrain, replacing the decades-old Avenger-class ships. Upgrading Fleet Capabilities The USS Canberra is part of a broader U.S. Navy strategy to modernize its presence in the Middle East. The Avenger-class ships, built in the late 1980s and early 1990s, feature fiberglass-covered wooden hulls—a design once considered ideal for minimizing magnetic signatures during mine-clearing missions. However, maintenance costs and operational limitations have made these vessels increasingly obsolete. In contrast, the Independence-class Canberra boasts cutting-edge technology, including unmanned maritime sensors and improved minehunting capabilities that allow it to detect and neutralize threats at greater distances. It also supports a top speed of about 46 mph (40 knots), far outpacing the Avenger-class ships' 16 mph. A First for the Region The Canberra is the first Independence-class littoral combat ship (LCS) to deploy to the region. Its arrival was marked by a welcoming ceremony on Monday attended by Bahraini defense officials, U.S. Ambassador to Bahrain Steven Bondy, and NAVCENT commander Vice Adm. George Wikoff. Unlike its single-hulled Freedom-class counterpart, the Independence-class is a trimaran, offering a larger flight deck, room for two helicopters or multiple drones, and increased operational flexibility. According to the ship's manufacturer, Austal USA, these design features enhance the vessel's ability to operate in shallow coastal waters—an essential trait for mine countermeasure missions in the Gulf. Command Perspective Cmdr. Bill Golden, commander of the Canberra's blue crew, previously served aboard a mine countermeasures ship stationed in Bahrain. Reflecting on the shift in capability, he remarked, 'To see the differences between that platform and what Canberra offers is incredible.' The Canberra began its maiden deployment from San Diego in March and is currently conducting routine operations as part of its scheduled mission. It is expected to be joined by three additional LCS vessels over the coming months, further cementing Bahrain's role as a key hub in U.S. naval strategy. LCS Program Continues Expansion Since the launch of the Littoral Combat Ship program in 2002, the U.S. Navy has taken delivery of 35 LCS vessels. Two more—USS Cleveland (Freedom variant) and USS Pierre (Independence variant)—are currently under construction and are expected to be commissioned later this year. The deployment of the Canberra marks a significant milestone in the U.S. Navy's transition toward faster, more versatile, and technologically advanced warships—reaffirming its commitment to maintaining security and stability across the region's vital waterways.
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Brompton Funds Declare Distributions
TORONTO, May 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- (TSX: DGS, GDV, LBS, LCS, PWI, SBC) – Brompton Funds announces distributions payable on June 13, 2025 to class A shareholders of record at the close of business on May 30, 2025 for each of the following funds: Ticker Amount Per Share Dividend Growth Split Corp. ('DGS') DGS $ 0.10 Global Dividend Growth Split Corp. ('GDV') GDV $ 0.10 Life & Banc Split Corp. ('LBS') LBS $ 0.10 Brompton Lifeco Split Corp. ('LCS') LCS $ 0.075 Sustainable Power & Infrastructure Split Corp. ('PWI') PWI $ 0.085 Brompton Split Banc Corp. ('SBC') SBC $ 0.10 Brompton Funds announces distributions payable on June 13, 2025 to preferred shareholders of record at the close of business on May 30, 2025 for the following fund: Ticker Amount Per Share Dividend Growth Split Corp. $ 0.16875 The funds noted above offer distribution reinvestment plans ('DRIP') for class A shareholders which provide class A shareholders with the ability to automatically reinvest distributions, commission free, and realize the benefits of compound growth. Class A shareholders can enroll in a DRIP program by contacting their investment advisor. About Brompton FundsFounded in 2000, Brompton is an experienced investment fund manager with income and growth focused investment solutions including exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and other Toronto Stock Exchange ('TSX') traded investment funds. For further information, please contact your investment advisor, call Brompton's investor relations line at 416-642-6000 (toll-free at 1-866-642-6001), email info@ or visit our website at You will usually pay brokerage fees to your dealer if you purchase or sell units or shares of the investment funds on the TSX or other alternative Canadian trading system (an 'exchange'). If the units or shares are purchased or sold on an exchange, investors may pay more than the current net asset value when buying units of the investment fund and may receive less than the current net asset value when selling them. There are ongoing fees and expenses associated with owning units or shares of an investment fund. An investment fund must prepare disclosure documents that contain key information about the fund. You can find more detailed information about a fund in the public filings available at Investment funds are not guaranteed, their values change frequently and past performance may not be repeated. Certain statements contained in this document constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking information may relate to matters disclosed in this document and to other matters identified in public filings relating to the funds, to the future outlook of the funds and anticipated events or results and may include statements regarding the future financial performance of the funds. In some cases, forward-looking information can be identified by terms such as 'may', 'will', 'should', 'expect', 'plan', 'anticipate', 'believe', 'intend', 'estimate', 'predict', 'potential', 'continue' or other similar expressions concerning matters that are not historical facts. Actual results may vary from such forward-looking information. Investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof and we assume no obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances.
Hindustan Times
17-05-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
What are India's import restrictions on Bangladeshi goods?
India on Saturday decided to allow entry of ready-made garments from Bangladesh only through Kolkata and Nhava Sheva sea ports and barred imports of a range of consumer items through land transit posts in the northeast -- a move that is set to significantly hit Dhaka's trade with New Delhi. Besides ready-made garments (RMG), plastics, wooden furniture, carbonated drinks, processed food items, fruit flavoured drinks, cotton and cotton yard waste will not be allowed to enter India through land customs stations and check posts in Meghalaya, Assam, Tripura and Mizoram, and Phulbari and Changrabandha in West Bengal, according to a government notification. The new restrictions for Bangladeshi consumer goods are coming over five weeks after New Delhi ended a nearly five-year-old arrangement for trans-shipment of Bangladeshi export cargo to third countries via Indian airports and ports. The new restrictions have been imposed with immediate effect. India's fresh restrictions on limiting access to Bangladeshi exports appear to be in response to Dhaka denying certain value-added items from the Northeast to enter that country through the land transit points. The friction in trade ties between the two countries came amid increasing strain in the overall relations after deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina fled Dhaka in August last year in the face of a massive anti-government protest. The ready-made garments and certain other Bangladeshi items will now only be allowed access through Kolkata and Nhava-Sheva sea ports. The notification on restrictions on Bangladeshi imports has been issued by Director General of Foreign Trade. Bangladesh is a major global exporter of readymade garments, and the value of its exports in the sector was estimated at USD 38 billion in 2023. Its annual RMG exports to India is estimated at around USD 700 million and 93 per cent of the RMG shipments enter India through land ports. There are 11 land transit points in northeast for trade between India and Bangladesh. Out of them, three are in Assam, two in Meghalaya and six in Tripura. India had previously permitted export of Bangladesh goods through all land trading points and seaports without undue restrictions. However, Bangladesh continued to impose port restrictions on Indian exports at Land Customs Stations (LCS) and Integrated Check Posts (ICP) bordering northeastern region, people familiar with the matter said. India had taken up the issue with Dhaka but there was no positive response. Further, yarn exports from India across land-ports have been stopped by Bangladesh with effect from April 13. The people cited above said Indian exports are subjected to rigorous inspection on entry, and Indian rice exports are not allowed through Hili and Benapole ICPs since April 15, in addition to existing restrictions. Industrial growth in the northeastern states suffered due to imposition of "unreasonably high" and "economically unviable" transit charges levied by Bangladesh, the people cited above said. Bangladesh's approach resulted in denying access to the northeast from Indian hinterland. Due to land-port restrictions by Bangladesh, the northeastern states are suffering from lack of access to Bangladesh market to sell locally manufactured goods, restricting the market access to primary agricultural goods only, the people said. Bangladesh, on the other hand, has free access to the entire northeast market, creating an unhealthy dependency and stymieing growth of manufacturing sector in the north-eastern states, they said. In order to promote 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' and support local manufacture in the Northeastern states, it is understood that India has decided to impose port restrictions across all LCSs and ICPs in Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram, they added. There has been a sharp downturn in India-Bangladesh relations after deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina fled Dhaka and took shelter in India in August last year in the face of a massive anti-government protest. The relations nosedived dramatically after the interim government headed by Muhammad Yunus failed to contain attacks on minorities, especially Hindus, in that country.
Hindustan Times
17-05-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
India restricts entry of several Banglashi goods through NE land route
India on Saturday decided to allow entry of ready-made garments from Bangladesh only through Kolkata and Nhava Sheva sea ports and barred imports of a range of consumer items through land transit posts in the northeast -- a move that is set to significantly hit Dhaka's trade with New Delhi. Besides ready-made garments (RMG), plastics, wooden furniture, carbonated drinks, processed food items, fruit flavoured drinks, cotton and cotton yard waste will not be allowed to enter India through land customs stations and check posts in Meghalaya, Assam, Tripura and Mizoram, and Phulbari and Changrabandha in West Bengal, according to a government notification. The new restrictions for Bangladeshi consumer goods are coming over five weeks after New Delhi ended a nearly five-year-old arrangement for trans-shipment of Bangladeshi export cargo to third countries via Indian airports and ports. The new restrictions have been imposed with immediate effect. India's fresh restrictions on limiting access to Bangladeshi exports appear to be in response to Dhaka denying certain value-added items from the Northeast to enter that country through the land transit points. The friction in trade ties between the two countries came amid increasing strain in the overall relations after deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina fled Dhaka in August last year in the face of a massive anti-government protest. The ready-made garments and certain other Bangladeshi items will now only be allowed access through Kolkata and Nhava-Sheva sea ports. The notification on restrictions on Bangladeshi imports has been issued by Director General of Foreign Trade. Bangladesh is a major global exporter of readymade garments, and the value of its exports in the sector was estimated at USD 38 billion in 2023. Its annual RMG exports to India is estimated at around USD 700 million and 93 per cent of the RMG shipments enter India through land ports. There are 11 land transit points in northeast for trade between India and Bangladesh. Out of them, three are in Assam, two in Meghalaya and six in Tripura. India had previously permitted export of Bangladesh goods through all land trading points and seaports without undue restrictions. However, Bangladesh continued to impose port restrictions on Indian exports at Land Customs Stations (LCS) and Integrated Check Posts (ICP) bordering northeastern region, people familiar with the matter said. India had taken up the issue with Dhaka but there was no positive response. Further, yarn exports from India across land-ports have been stopped by Bangladesh with effect from April 13. The people cited above said Indian exports are subjected to rigorous inspection on entry, and Indian rice exports are not allowed through Hili and Benapole ICPs since April 15, in addition to existing restrictions. Industrial growth in the northeastern states suffered due to imposition of "unreasonably high" and "economically unviable" transit charges levied by Bangladesh, the people cited above said. Bangladesh's approach resulted in denying access to the northeast from Indian hinterland. Due to land-port restrictions by Bangladesh, the northeastern states are suffering from lack of access to Bangladesh market to sell locally manufactured goods, restricting the market access to primary agricultural goods only, the people said. Bangladesh, on the other hand, has free access to the entire northeast market, creating an unhealthy dependency and stymieing growth of manufacturing sector in the north-eastern states, they said. In order to promote 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' and support local manufacture in the Northeastern states, it is understood that India has decided to impose port restrictions across all LCSs and ICPs in Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram, they added. There has been a sharp downturn in India-Bangladesh relations after deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina fled Dhaka and took shelter in India in August last year in the face of a massive anti-government protest. The relations nosedived dramatically after the interim government headed by Muhammad Yunus failed to contain attacks on minorities, especially Hindus, in that country.
