Royal Navy Type 31 build plans remain unclear as name game gets a head start

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• Singapore launches fourth and final Type 218SG submarine

  The era of southeast Asian submarine modernisation has been in full swing fuelled by growing tensions in the South China Sea.

• Keel laid for third Hellenic Navy frigate as harbour trials start for first

  On 24 March 2022, Greece and Naval Group have signed a contract for three defence and intervention (FDI) frigates. Two warships will be due for delivery in 2025 and the third expected the following year, with the deal including an option to add a fourth frigate to be ready in 2027.

• US senators raise Russian concerns over unprepared Coast Guard fleet

  US Congress senators have warned that the US Coast Guard’s fleet cannot protect Arctic waters against Russian naval capabilities.

• New deal to make AUKUS cooperation easier

  The AUKUS agreement will support Australia’s purchase of at least eight nuclear-powered submarines under pillar one. Other pillars of the agreement cover high technology such as cyber, unmanned systems, AI, EW, undersea capabilities and information sharing between the three countries.

• Kongsberg contracted for Dutch and Belgian frigate propellers and drive shafts

  In July 2023, Damen and Thales signed contracts to design, build and deliver four new anti-submarine warfare (ASW) frigates for Belgium and the Netherlands.

• Leonardo fires up small calibre naval gun development as Italy nears first Lionfish X-Gun handover

  Alongside progress on its Lionfish contracts, Leonardo emphasised its shift in focus from traditional larger calibre systems toward smaller calibre solutions, epitomised by the X-Gun’s inception in 2017.