US Navy’s MUSV programme could lay the USV procurement blueprint for NATO allies
The programme’s structure as a marketplace will allow multiple companies to compete for ongoing procurements; an approach which could be replicated across the Atlantic.
HS Toxotis is a fast patrol boat in service with the Hellenic Navy. (Photo: Hellenic Navy)
The Hellenic Navy has opened a tender for maintenance and sustainment of the two MTU 12V-331 engines that power the fast patrol boat HS Toxotis.
A two-year contract will be worth almost €217,000 ($246,600). Responses are due by 14 March.
Toxotis was originally built in the 1960s for the Royal Norwegian Navy as a Tjeld-class boat. It was sold to the Hellenic Navy in 1981.
The 24.5m-long boat displaces 72t, has a top speed of 21.5kt and is armed with one Bofors L70 40mm and a single Oerlikon 20mm cannon.
The programme’s structure as a marketplace will allow multiple companies to compete for ongoing procurements; an approach which could be replicated across the Atlantic.
Investment in nuclear submarines, autonomous systems and stronger defensive capabilities for existing vessels show a clear strategic shift in Royal Navy priorities.
With a revised Defence Investment Plan on the way ahead of the upcoming NATO Summit on 7-8 July, the UK government has begun to reveal more details of how its future naval fleet could look.
Lawmakers question the US Navy’s proposed $2 billion investment in the Trump-class battleship as concerns over cost, technology maturity and operational relevance fuel growing bipartisan scrutiny on Capitol Hill.
On 24 June 2026, the German Ministry of Defence announced it was cancelling the F126 frigate programme in favour of procuring eight MEKO A-200 DEU frigates.
The UK shipbuilder’s full-year results to the end of March revealed the impact of the £140 million charge linked to design changes and rework on the Royal Navy’s Type 31 frigate programme.