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 US State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale of MK 45 naval guns to India.
India has requested up to 13 MK 45 5 inch/62 caliber (MOD 4) naval guns and related equipment for an estimated cost of $1.02 billion.
The request also includes 3,500 D349 projectiles and 5”/54 MK 92 MOD 1 ammunition; along with spare parts, personnel training and equipment training, and other related logistics support.
The MK-45 gun system will give the Indian Navy the ability to conduct anti-surface warfare and anti-air defence missions while enhancing interoperability with US and other allied forces.
If the sale goes ahead the principal contractor will be BAE Systems Land and Armaments.
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.