What HII’s UK expansion could mean for Royal Navy’s uncrewed future
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.
Greece has formalised its interest in purchasing two French frigates during a visit by the Greek defence minister to Paris this week.
'We discussed... the purchase of two frigates by the Greek Navy. We signed a letter of intent between the two countries to move the procedure forward,' Defence Minister Nikos Panagiotopoulos said after the visit on 10 October.
'There is still a long way to go before the two sides work out the specific technical characteristics that meet our navy's requirements,' the minister added.
Panagiotopoulos did not give further details, but reports on 11 October said the frigates will be the new Belharra model.
The minister said he had also raised the issue of technical support for its French-made Mirage fighter jets in talks with his counterpart Florence Parly.
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.
The UK, the US and Australia have all been working on “extra-large” uncrewed underwater vehicles, but China’s reported development of a significantly larger capability demonstrates the country’s rapid advancement in underwater warfare.
The first Arctic Security Cutter will be built by Rauma Marine Constructions to be deployed in the US Arctic waters.
The effort to provide the US Navy with Trump-class battleships might face financial, production and doctrinal obstacles.
The USN is conducting a market search seeking additional sources capable of supplying 516 units of Over the Horizon – Weapons System Encanistered Missiles.
Canada’s inclusion on the EU’s Security Action for Europe initiative is set to enhance the country’s defence procurement strategy with important implications for some of its naval programmes, while Poland and Romania have also secured significant SAFE funding.