UK’s Fleet Solid Support ship programme deemed on track despite steel supply concerns
Shipbuilders are saying the programme is going ahead on time as the government estimates 7.7 million tonnes of steel are needed for 2026 infrastructure projects.
The MEKO 200 is a multi-role frigate designed for export markets. (Photo: thyssenkrupp Marine Systems)
ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems has been shortlisted to prepare a concept design and feasibility study for the Polish Navy.
This has occurred as part of Project Miecznik, which aims to acquire multi-mission frigates for the Navy.
Part of the offer is to provide to Poland the Meko A-300 PL, the most up-to-date variant of the Meko technology frigate family.
If selected, ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems will form an enduring technology partnership with Polish Industry for the building, integration and lifecycle support of the Meko A-300 PL frigates entirely in Poland.
Three frigates are intended to be procured as part of Project Miecznik, but the initial focus is on acquiring a single frigate
Shephard Defence Insight reports that the total cost of the three frigates is estimated to be between $1.8 billion to $2.3 billion.
The programme has been hindered in its progress with fears that austerity measures caused by COVID-19 would force it to be cancelled.
Later, in March 2021, an important deadline was missed, as the intention was that the contract to build the frigates would be signed by the end of the first half of 2021.
However, confidence remains high that the timeline of the programme will not be significantly delayed.
Shipbuilders are saying the programme is going ahead on time as the government estimates 7.7 million tonnes of steel are needed for 2026 infrastructure projects.
In an exclusive interview with Shephard, Raytheon’s VP of Shipboard Missiles disclosed what improvements the company plans to offer for the Sea Sparrow NSV.
Delays in the construction of the Polar Security Cutter – the future substitute for the Polar Star – are likely to prolong the ageing icebreaker’s service time even more, putting the USCG in a risky position.
The adaptable design of Babcock’s Arrowhead 140 frigate, already selected by the UK Royal Navy and Poland, has led to more orders from Indonesia while other countries continue to weigh it up.
The presence of the USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group in the Persian Gulf means additional naval and aerial capabilities, which provides the US with multiple attacking options.
The US Navy’s acceleration of its laser weapon development initiatives reflects a decisive shift towards ultimately having a “laser on every ship” across tomorrow’s surface fleet.