How far will the US Navy’s FF(X) design deviate from the Legend-class?
The new frigate class’s focus on modularity, speed to build and enhanced armament align with the priorities of the US Navy’s Golden Fleet.
Long overdue, the Australian government is finally ready to sign an overarching strategic partnering agreement (SPA) with Naval Group for construction of 12 new submarines, but this document will still not be inked until February 2019.
Defence Minister Christopher Pyne said: ‘I congratulate everyone involved in achieving this significant milestone. The SPA will be signed in early 2019 and will govern the delivery of the Future Submarines over the decades to come.’
Negotiations concluded at a National Security Committee meeting in Melbourne on 10 December.
When defence ministers are forced to congratulate parties for simply approaching the point of
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The new frigate class’s focus on modularity, speed to build and enhanced armament align with the priorities of the US Navy’s Golden Fleet.
The US Navy is set to invest $30 billion in artificial intelligence, cyber, space and autonomy research and development efforts in FY2026 as the force rethinks how it fights in light of China’s naval rise.
The US Coast Guard is expected to acquire new aircraft, helicopters, vessels and ISR sensors this fiscal year using resources from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
Recent developments in France and the UK highlight how autonomous helicopters are becoming central to naval force design as navies seek to integrate crewed and uncrewed systems at sea.
The platforms will be tested in multiple missions to define performance requirements for a coming acquisition programme.
As HII prepares to deliver its latest AI-enabled uncrewed surface vessel later this year, its major UK facility expansion aligns with the UK Royal Navy’s plans for a hybrid fleet.