Latest news with #MRSS
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Turkey's STM targets Southeast Asian market with new ship design
ISTANBUL — Turkish defense firm STM unveiled its new Multi-Role Support Ship design at this year's Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition in Malaysia (LIMA 2025), underscoring Ankara's efforts to expand its naval footprint and defense partnerships in Southeast Asia. The MRSS is designed to perform a wide array of missions including amphibious operations, maritime logistics, humanitarian assistance, and search and rescue. The vessel is also equipped to operate as a hospital ship – reflecting Turkey's emphasis on developing platforms with broad utility across both combat and non-combat missions. The unveiling comes as STM deepens its involvement in the region. In 2023, the company began construction of three Ada-class corvettes for the Royal Malaysian Navy under the LMS Batch-2 program, with work taking place at Turkish shipyards. 'This is our first time showcasing the MRSS at LIMA,' STM General Manager Özgür Güleryüz said at the event. 'The platform is specifically designed to meet the operational requirements of the Royal Malaysian Navy. It offers versatile solutions for modern naval operations.' The 153-meter-long vessel has a beam of 24 meters and displaces approximately 9,700 tons. It is engineered for extended missions, with an endurance of 30 days and a cruising range exceeding 8,000 nautical miles at 14 knots. It can reach speeds above 18 knots. The MRSS can accommodate a core crew of 150 personnel along with up to 500 embarked troops. Its 800-square-meter tank deck allows for the transport of up to 14 main battle tanks and nine amphibious assault vehicles. The vessel can also operate two 15-ton helicopters from its flight deck and hangar, and deploy two 10-meter rigid-hulled inflatable boats (RHIBs) using A-type davits. It carries 630 tons of fuel and 215 tons of freshwater, ensuring logistical autonomy during long deployments. Armaments include a 76mm main gun, four 12.7mm remote-controlled stabilized weapon stations, and two chaff and infrared decoy launchers. The pitch aligns with Turkey's growing focus on Asian defense markets. In 2023, sales to Asian countries — excluding those in the Commonwealth of Independent States — accounted for 16% of Turkey's total defense and aerospace exports, valued at nearly $1 billion, according to government figures. The Turkish navy dispatched the Ada-class corvette TCG Büyükada to the exhibition. The vessel departed Foça Naval Base on April 19 and is scheduled to remain on deployment through mid-July, visiting multiple regional ports en route. According to a statement from the Turkish Ministry of National Defense, the mission aims to bolster defense ties with regional partners, enhance the Turkish Navy's international visibility, and promote the country's defense industry abroad.
New Straits Times
26-04-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Navy gears up for the future
The navy chief tells FUAD NIZAM about the urgent need to fast-track asset acquisitions and why 'quiet strength' remains key in defending national waters THE Royal Malaysian Navy's (RMN) modernisation plans must be expedited to enhance its maritime defence capabilities. Navy chief Admiral Datuk Dr Zulhelmy Ithnain said the acquisition of new vessels under the 15-to-5 Transformation Plan would serve as an "insurance" for national sovereignty. "At the very least, a strong defence will make any foreign power think twice before encroaching on Malaysian waters. "These assets will not only reinforce our deterrence capabilities, but boost RMN's combat strength," he said in an interview with the New Sunday Times. This push for modernisation is realised through RMN's 15-to-5 Transformation Plan, aimed at streamlining operations and boosting maritime defence by reducing the navy's fleet from 15 ship classes to five. The plan was realigned to focus on seven core classes to better meet operational needs and strategic goals. The updated fleet will comprise littoral combat ships, littoral mission ships (LMS), submarines, multi-role support ships (MRSS), corvettes (formerly patrol vessels), minehunters and hydrographic survey vessels. It will be implemented in phases under the 12th to 15th Malaysia Plans. "They are expected to be operational before 2035 and will be developed through collaborations with local and international shipyards," said Zulhelmy. He added that this approach would empower the national defence industry to be more self-sustainable and reduce dependence on foreign original equipment manufacturers. ACQUISITION OF STRATEGIC ASSETS Under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), Zulhelmy said, the navy was eyeing the acquisition of new assets, including three LMS Batch 3 vessels, two MRSS and four anti-submarine warfare (ASW) helicopters. The LMS B3, he said, was intended for maritime patrol and surveillance protecting national maritime borders. "RMN is reviewing the requirements and specifications of the LMS B3 and comparing offers from potential shipyards. The proposed design is expected to meet the operational demands of Malaysia's littoral zones." RMN is awaiting its LMS B2, which is expected to be completed and launched by mid-2026, before being handed over by the end of 2027. The LMS B2's design is derived from the Ada-class corvette, which is a patrol and ASW vessel equipped with advanced anti-aircraft missiles. It has a displacement of approximately 2,500 tonnes, a length of 99.56m, a keel of 14.42m and a draft of 3.94m. It has a maximum speed of over 26 knots with a cruising range of 4,000km at 14 knots and can accommodate 111 crew members with a maximum endurance of 14 days. It also has a helipad and a hangar for ASW helicopters and unmanned aerial vehicles. Meanwhile, in terms of strategic sealift aspect, Zulhelmy said the MRSS acquisition was critical in supporting joint operations across all three military branches. An MRSS is a versatile naval vessel designed to perform a range of support and logistical roles, particularly in amphibious operations, humanitarian missions and disaster relief efforts. He said with the MRSS, the navy would be able to support strategic sealift and troop transport needs, as well as logistics between Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah and Sarawak. "Other MRSS functions include amphibious operations, force projection, aviation operations, area defence, including protection of sovereign islands, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions," he said. RMN has two multi-purpose command and support ships in KD Sri Indera Sakti and KD Mahawangsa. They serve as logistical and operational support platforms, providing services such as command and control, troop transport and supply replenishment. They are also equipped with large operations rooms, vehicle holds and diver compression chambers. BOOSTING SUB-SURFACE WARFARE FROM THE AIR Zulhelmy described the procurement of four ASW helicopters under the 13MP as critical to strengthening RMN's undersea and surface warfare capabilities. "These helicopters will not only replace ageing assets, but also provide us with anti-submarine capabilities we never had before. "They will be equipped with dipping sonar sensors, allowing us to detect, track and engage submarines directly from the air." He added that as more submarines entered the region, the helicopters represented a strategic investment to preserve regional maritime balance and secure Malaysia's territorial waters. Presently, RMN has the Westland Super Lynx 100 in its ASW arsenal. The Super Lynx 100 is equipped for ASW missions with torpedoes and features advanced sensors and radar systems for tracking enemy submarines and surface vessels. GUNBOAT DIPLOMACY Zulhelmy said "gunboat diplomacy" and the principle of "speak softly and carry a big stick" remained relevant as RMN accelerated efforts to enhance its maritime defence capabilities. "As the country firmly upholds its policy of neutrality and does not side with any major powers, it remains committed to building balanced and robust diplomatic ties. "What is beyond our control is the foreign policy of other countries. What matters more is strengthening and enhancing the capabilities of the armed forces, and this must be taken seriously so that we are prepared for any eventuality."
Yahoo
22-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Service to aid youth's mental health to expand across Ohio
DUBLIN, Ohio (WCMH) — Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine announced the expansion of an initiative helping youth and young adults deal with distress. On Monday, the governor announced that Mobile Response and Stabilization Services, or MRSS, will soon be available statewide. The MRSS teams are deployed to help people 20 and younger who are experiencing mental, emotional, or behavioral crises. Out of the 88 counties in Ohio, more than 50 currently have access to MRSS teams. That's about to change, meaning even more people will get support during a crisis. Intel developments explained for Ohio: Diving into new CEO's changes 'The expansion of MRSS is another way our state is investing in the mental health and well-being of our children, making sure we're giving every young Ohioan the opportunity to reach their full God-given potential,' DeWine said. By mid-summer, MRSS will be available to every Ohioan under 21 in the middle of a crisis. During a crisis, anyone can call 988 and a response team will come within 60 minutes to de-escalate the situation. This comes at no cost to the young person's family. 'MRSS provides exactly the kind of help and support a child in crisis needs,' DeWine said. 'It also reduces strain on other emergency services that may not even be appropriate in this kind of situation.' Teams include social workers, peer support, and other trained professionals who work with the young person and their family. Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services Director LeeAnne Cornyn said, 'Working directly with the family to kind of model those de-escalation techniques and make sure that we're engaging that young person in that family in a holistic safety plan so that they know exactly where to go, who to go to, when to go.' The announcement took place at Hopewell Elementary School in Dublin, where earlier this year, a teacher called 988 and got an MRSS team to the school when a student was having a behavioral crisis. Ohio once again ranks at No. 2 in 'Horrible Hundred' report for puppy mill violations Hopewell principal Susann Wittig said the student and their family are receiving ongoing care. 'Today, I'm happy to share that our student is thriving,' Wittig said. 'They are learning, growing and fully engaged in the classroom each day. Their family also reported that they've seen tremendous growth.' Cornyn said it's up to the young person and whoever is with them to decide whether the situation is a crisis. She said people can request a response team or a 988 operator will dispatch a team depending on the situation. 'We have truly set the bar very high, but that is because our children deserve it,' Cornyn said. Ohio is being split into 18 regions to make sure a MRSS team is able to respond within an hour. DeWine said the service will be statewide by July 1. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
11-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
What did and didn't get done from DeWine's 2024 State of the State address
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine will deliver his annual, and second to last, State of the State address on Wednesday. NBC 4 looked back at last year's address to see what promises were kept, and what calls to action were unfulfilled. DeWine's focus during his two terms as governor has been protecting kids and ensuring that they live up to 'their God-given potential.' Part of that, DeWine said, means ensuring that kids know how to read. That is why he has supported expanding the state's Dolly Parton Imagination library. Last year, he said 60% of children zero to five years old are enrolled, with 402,000 children receiving a free book in the mail each month. Eleven months later, 62% of Ohio children are enrolled and 412,000 books were mailed as of January 2025. 'Kids have only one chance to grow up, so we must have a great sense of urgency as every moment we waste is a moment that they lose,' DeWine said. DeWine also wants to invest in Ohio's youth as they grow up, too. 'Today I'm asking the legislature to make a very simple fix in our statute to insert career planning into an existing graduation plan requirements so that every Ohio student leaves school on a career pathway,' DeWine said. Since then, post-graduation plan requirements are in place, and a toolkit is available for districts across the state to use. Plus, DeWine was looking for more regulation when it comes to cell phone use in K-12 schools. 'Our children today are more isolated, more anxious, more depressed and more suicidal,' DeWine said. DeWine said he 'fully support[ed]' a ban of cell phone use in schools. Ultimately, the legislature passed a bill that required every public school to adopt a policy about cell phone use during school hours, rather than fully banning the use. Mental health has also been a focus of the governor's these past six years. DeWine said when he took office, only 13 Ohio counties had mobile response stabilization services (MRSS). Those services help get quick mental health care to Ohioans up to the age 21. At the time of his State of the State last year, that number was up to 38. 'And I intend to take this model to all 88 Ohio counties, so no matter where you live, if your child is in mental health crisis, that child will be able to get immediate care,' DeWine said. Eleven months later, 55 counties offer MRSS. While DeWine was able to see through some of his goals, most of his calls-to-action to Ohio lawmakers did not end up getting done. For example, social media parental consent laws for Ohioans younger than 16 years. 'Let's not be deterred,' DeWine said. 'While it would be best if the federal government set a national standard, they they've not acted, and we cannot and should not wait.' Ohio lawmakers did pass a bill to require that children under 16 to get consent from their parents or guardian before signing up for social media. It was ultimately unable to go into effect after being brought to court. 'Let's take the lessons we are learning from court rulings across the country and let's develop a plan for Ohio that can be a blueprint for putting parents, not social media companies, back in charge of the digital lives of their children,' DeWine said. Nothing has been done to create a new law that would grant Ohio parents that control. Plus, DeWine wanted the legislature to send two measures to his desk, both different, but lifesaving in his eyes. One would create a primary offense seat belt law, to allow law enforcement to pull someone over simply for not being buckled. 'We know it works,' DeWine said. 'It's a vote that will save lives.' While a bill was introduced to do just that, it did not receive a single vote. DeWine also asked for legislation to ban flavored vaping and flavored cigarettes across the state. 'It will save lives,' DeWine said. 'We need to protect our kids.' But getting that done would be an uphill battle, because earlier that year, Ohio lawmakers overrode a veto by DeWine, which would have allowed cities to ban flavored products if they choose. DeWine has been calling on lawmakers to ban Delta 8 THC for more than a year. It is a low-level THC, sometimes called 'diet weed,' which can be sold to minors and currently is not regulated at all. 'It can cause hallucinations, vomiting, tremors, anxiety, dizziness, confusion and even loss of consciousness,' DeWine said. 'Just in the cases that were reported to the Ohio Poison Control Center, there were 100 Delta 8 poisonings last year, and all those 40 were involving children aged five or younger.' Despite DeWine pleading the legislature to take action here, the effort stalled for the past year, but there is bipartisan support to get something done in this area, and legislation that has been introduced to do so. DeWine also called for more laws related to Ohio's recreational marijuana program 'We must respect the will of Ohio voters. Absolutely. Absolutely,' DeWine said. 'However, I doubt if very many people who voted yes on issue two want their kids breathing in marijuana smoke by walking in a public park.' Efforts to bring more rules to the recreational marijuana program have also failed to make it to the governor's desk these past 11 months. Now, there are two new competing bills to ban public smoking, among other things, being considered by lawmakers right now All statements in this story are taken from DeWine's 2024 State of the State. This year's State of the State is on Wednesday at noon. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
