Additional details about the timeline for the UK RN’s planned new Type 32 ‘frigate’ have further pointed to the vessel lining up to replace the country’s MCM capability that is currently provided by the Hunt- and Sandown-class platforms.
Providing evidence to the UK Defence Committee on 24 November, Secretary of State for Defence Ben Wallace said that the Type 32 programme was ‘obviously not in the next five years’, a comment which tallies broadly with the out-of-service dates for the Hunt and Sandown MCM vessels (MCMVs).
Shephard understands that one of the primary roles of the platform will
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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.
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.
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