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.
The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) has resumed proceedings with its Type 31e project after the programme was put on hold last month.
An MoD spokesperson confirmed to Shephard that while the programme has not officially restarted a prior information notice has been issued to industry to provide the market with the ministry's intent to start the competition, again.
From the week commencing 20 August, the MoD plans to enter discussions with industry to ensure that it does not 'lose any momentum' with the programme.
'We’ll announce our plans for the new competition when we’ve completed the market engagement,' the spokesperson
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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.