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 second in class of the Gerald R Ford nuclear-powered aircraft carriers, USS John F. Kennedy (CVN 79), is likely to exceed its $11.4 billion cost estimate.
According to a Government Accountability Office (GAO) report, released on 6 June, the CVN 79 has ‘similar weaknesses’ in its business case as the first in class, USS Gerald R Ford (CVN 78).
The USS Gerald R Ford currently costs $2 billion more than estimated with the US Navy accepting the vessel over two years late and before it was completed, according to the GAO. The carrier will not be ready to deploy
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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.