Submarine leads as Naval Technology lists the top five terms tweeted on naval tech in May 2020, based on data from GlobalData’s Influencer Platform. The top tweeted terms are the trending industry discussions happening on Twitter by key individuals (influencers) as tracked by the platform.

1. Submarine – 830 mentions

New cruise missile submarine missions, submarine conquests, new trials, and the launch of new class of submarines, were some of the popular topics discussed in May 2020. According to an article shared by H I Sutton, an author and defense analyst, Swedish Navy submarines have a secret weapon. Famous for being stealthy, these submarines have the unique capability of not just carrying regular torpedoes, but special lightweight ones too. This secret has not been revealed for years that the subs can two at the same time from a single tube, the article noted.

Chris Cavas, a naval warfare journalist and commentator, tweeted on the nuclear attack submarine, USS Scorpion (SSN-589), having collapsed, sinking to a depth of more than 9,000 feet. About 99 Sailors remain on patrol, he added.

2. Defense – 431 mentions

Turbulent times for maritime defense and security, new submarine defense systems, and tough choices ahead for marines post the Covid-19 crisis were some of the popular topics discussed this month. According to an article shared by Chris Cavas, a naval warfare journalist and commentator, the first two Japanese V-22 Osprey tiltrotor military aircraft arrived in Japan aboard the US MSC-chartered vehicle carrier GREEN RIDGE. Japan’s ground self-defense force is purchasing 17 such Ospreys, he added.

The US Naval Institute, an independent forum providing naval news and scientific understanding of sea power, shared an article on the need for UK’s 2020 strategic defense and security review (SDSR) to produce a maritime strategy to meet the current needs. The SDSR addresses global maritime threats, changing nature of warfare, and provide key capabilities to tackle growing adversary capabilities, the article noted.

In other news, Navy Lookout, an independent online campaign promoting the Royal Navy, shared an article on the impact of the global coronavirus pandemic on the UK defense and security decision-making. Multiple small cuts, removing core capabilities, and dispensing aircraft carriers and Type 21 frigates would be some Treasury demands to save the £billions, the article noted.

3. Military – 393 mentions

Military moves, the deployment of military fighter aircraft, military moves, and military contracts, were popularly discussed topics during the month. According to an article shared by US AFRICOM, responsible for military relations with nations, Russia deployed military fighter aircraft to Libya. The move was carried out to support the Russian state-sponsored private military contraction (PMCs) operating on the ground in Libya, the article detailed.

The US Naval Institute, an independent forum providing naval news and scientific understanding of sea power, further shared an article detailing how the US nuclear-powered super carrier aircraft, USS Ronald Reagan, was underway as senior officials warned of increased Chinese military activity in the South China Sea. The US has stepped up operations in the region in April, the article noted.

4. Frigate – 360 mentions

Joint naval operations, the launch of new frigates, and counter-piracy operations, were widely discussed topics during the month of May. According to an article shared by Royal Navy, an independent online campaign to promote the Royal Navy and fight its decline, the HMS Kent frigate arrived in the icy Barents Sea to conduct operations alongside its US allies to promote security and stability. This is the first opportunity for many sailors serving the frigate to enter the Arctic Circle, marked by constant daylight amid freezing temperatures, the article noted.

Capt(N), a retired navy officer, further tweeted on the third frigate of project 22350 RFS ‘Admiral Golovko’, an Admiral Gorshkov Class launched on Severnaya Verf in Saint Petersburg in late May.

In other news, EU NAVFOR, a current counter-piracy military operation at sea, tweeted on Numancia and Bergamini frigates protecting the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) vessels on the sea, and also patrolling off the coast of Somali to protect Somali people from being robbed off their food and income.

5. Missile – 355 mentions

Routine operations aboard guided-missile destroyers, missile strikes, and countries upgrading their older warships with long-range supersonic missiles, were popularly discussed during the month. According to an article shared by US Navy, the official Twitter account of the US Navy, the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, the USSRussell (DDG 59), conducted operations with the Chilean Navy while deployed to the US seventh fleet.

H I Sutton, an author and defense analyst, meanwhile, shared an article on the Chinese Navy upgrading its naval capabilities, with new frigates, destroyers, cruises, and aircraft carriers. However, behind the program is a larger interest to upgrade its older warships with new weapons, the article noted. For instance, the first warship confirmed to be fitted with the YJ-12 supersonic anti-ship missile, and is dubbed a ‘Carrier Killer’ in some circles.

In other news, Navy Lookout, tweeted on the Wildcat military helicopter looking menacing by carrying as many as 10 Martlet missiles on both sides of its wings.

https://twitter.com/USNavy/status/1263507356199067649