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.
HMS Prince of Wales gears up for NATO operations
HMS Prince of Wales bridge island with the NATO badge next to its pennant number. (Photo: HMS Prince of Wales/ Crown Copyright via Twitter)
The aircraft carrier takes on a key NATO responsibility at a time of increased tensions between the alliance and Russia.
The UK's second Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carrier, HMS Prince of Wales, on 11 January formally took on the role of command ship for the maritime aspect of NATO's Response Force ahead of a busy year of NATO operations.
The RN assumed command of the NATO Response Force on 1 January, taking over from the French Navy.
As the command ship, Prince of Wales will lead an international task group and operate in the Arctic, Baltic, and Mediterranean regions.
Commander UK Strike Force, led by RAdm Mike Utley will direct the multi-national force.
Prince of Wales will depart
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
You may also like
More from Naval Warfare
-
![How far will the US Navy’s FF(X) design deviate from the Legend-class?]()
-
![How China’s naval advancements are pushing the US Navy to innovate]()
How China’s naval advancements are pushing the US Navy to innovate
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.
-
![US Coast Guard to invest nearly $11 billion in new capabilities by October]()
US Coast Guard to invest nearly $11 billion in new capabilities by October
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.
-
![UK and France signal shift to autonomous helicopters to boost naval power]()
UK and France signal shift to autonomous helicopters to boost naval power
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.
-
![US Coast Guard’s small response boat demonstrators to be delivered in three months]()
US Coast Guard’s small response boat demonstrators to be delivered in three months
The platforms will be tested in multiple missions to define performance requirements for a coming acquisition programme.
-
![What HII’s UK expansion could mean for Royal Navy’s uncrewed future]()
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.
