Might the mysterious Type 32 ‘frigate’ really be the UK’s MCM replacement?
In a speech high on financial promises but less so in platform specifics, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson sought to boost the country’s military capability with a significant funding boost, placing the maritime and cyber domains at the forefront of defence.
During a 19 November statement to the House of Commons, Johnson revealed that a new ‘frigate’ will be developed, dubbed the Type 32, and said that this was further indication of the UK’s efforts to revitalise naval shipbuilding in the country.
No further details were released about the mysterious class, leaving defence observers puzzled.
However, it can be revealed
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Naval Warfare
-
Canada’s submarine availability under pressure as Chicoutimi is unlikely to return to front-line duties
HMCS Victoria and HMCS Windsor could return from their current deep maintenance, but unconfirmed operational timelines leave questions over patrol capacity before the first CPSP arrives.
-
Patrol vessel demand and partnerships anchor North Africa’s naval market
Fincantieri and Naval Group are positioning for long-term work in Egypt and Morocco as demand for local industrial partnerships grows.
-
UK MoD faces ‘serious’ ASW gap as Defence Committee outlines Arctic requirements
Anti-submarine warfare, uncrewed vessels and seabed monitoring top the demand list in the Defence Committee’s High North roadmap for the 2030s.
-
Autonomy gives Turkey a chance to outflank established naval shipbuilders
Turkish shipbuilders have sold ships from Asia to Europe, but autonomy and swarm technology could give them a fairer fight against Western European rivals.