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.
RFA Mounts Bay. (Photo: MoD/ Crown Copyright)
The UK RN has no timeline for a £50 million ($68.46 million) project to convert a Royal Fleet Auxiliary Bay-class support ship to better support Littoral Strike operations.
Earlier this month at DSEI, the Navy Lookout website cited industry sources who suggested the programme had been paused.
Plans to convert a Bay-class support ship for littoral strike missions were first announced in March in the Defence Command Paper.
Asked about the status of the programme, an RN spokesperson told Shephard: 'As stated in the Integrated Review earlier this year, there is an intent to convert a Bay-class support ship for Littoral Strike
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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.