The UK Government has announced that a minimum of six new warships will be built for the Royal Navy as part of the Defence Investment Plan.
Set to provide what has been stated will be the UK’s ‘most advanced maritime air defence capability’; the Common Combat Vessel will replace the current fleet of six Type 45 destroyers once they are delivered from the early 2030s.
The new warship will act as a control hub for uncrewed systems, extending the Navy’s overall reach.
All new ships will replace earlier plans for a Type 83 destroyer, with the Royal Navy’s shift to a hybrid navy set to result in mixed crewed and uncrewed capabilities, as well as more activities more suited to both the pace and nature of modern warfare.
Funding announced in the DIP allows the National Armaments Director Group to commence the design work that will underpin the fundamental shift in how to deliver Air Defence at and from the sea.
Once in service, the CCVs will work alongside eight Type 26 and five Type 31 crewed frigates, as well as Type 91 uncrewed missile platforms, Type 92 uncrewed underwater sensing platforms, Type 93 Extra-Large Uncrewed Underwater Vehicles and Type 94 uncrewed sensor platforms, representing a major investment in new maritime capability.
Defence Secretary Dan Jarvis MBE MP said:Our Royal Navy is a formidable force, operating to protect our nation and our allies in the Atlantic and beyond. These Common Combat Vessels will provide our dedicated sailors with hybrid ships that are designed and built for the increasing threats we face.
Developed with exceptional British innovators, the new ships will be British-built, supporting jobs across the nation and giving the Royal Navy a capability built for modern warfare.
