HCS Space Navy (HCSSN)
The 1st Shark frigate has entered service with the HCS Space Navy following shorter than expected proving tests. It is rumoured the Shark was put into service early because of a shortage of patrol assets. The Kalahati Tuul fleet has crumbled faster than hoped and that, added to Shark delays, means the HCSSN now is short of patrol assets and has transferred ships from combat fleets to fill the gaps.
The 20 oldest Cosmos cruisers are due to enter a MLU and work has begun on the first 4. The HCSSN did want to delay this (as the ships are in the patrol pool) but the ships were considered not able to perform any more patrols without refurbishment. The MLU takes the ships up to SR standard and also gives them 10 more years of life.
The Nybble UCAV has been delayed to 2110 because of budgetary reasons. This is the HCS counterpart to the DDS/Dino Ferret.
HCS Army (HCS)
The last 35 T-88+ MBTs in the HCS have been withdrawn following a ceremony on Austini 55. The HCS is standardising on the T-89/T-55 mix for it's tank fleet and older / less standard types are quickly being withdrawn. The T-88++ is now next in the HCS sights but as there are still over 3000 in service they will probably be around for awhile.
HCS Air Force (HCSAF)
The AH-50M programme has begun, it is a mix of rebuilt older ships and new build. The anti-tank helicopter will be greatly improved with a number of airframe changes to reduce RCS and improve aerodynamic efficiency. Sensors have also been upgraded with improved datalinking. The rotors will also be replaced with a more efficient new type.
The Next Generation Combat Aircraft (NGCA) will be the big fighter programme of the 2120s onwards, it is likely now an advanced development of the F-45 will be used. At the moment though development of the second-generation F-45C/K continues apace with the first flight planned for next year.
HCS Navy (HCSN)
A new submarine launched cruise missile is to be developed for the next generation of SSKs and SSNs being built for the HCSN in the next decade. SS-NS-X will replace the SS-NS-3 which is a legacy missile from the old Navy. The SS-NS-3 will be used on SS Tinfish following it's update next year and the new Seawolf SSKs due in 2111. An updated version is being developed, SS-NS-3A, to allow mid-course updates and improve the range as a stop-gap.
The go-ahead has been given for the HCSN to develop a fleet of SSBNs and SLBMs by the end of the next decade. The huge 15 billion zark programme is intended to give the HCS the ability to strike back against an invader even if their ground bases have been destroyed. The vast price tag has raised some eyebrows.
