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.
Babcock is proposing its Arrowhead 140 design as a base for the future Type 32 frigate. (Photo: Babcock)
The future Type 32 frigate for the UK RN will have a focus on autonomous offboard capabilities, the UK MoD has confirmed to Shephard.
An early concept phase for the programme is now underway and will focus on refining the operational requirement for the ships.
During a 2 November Parliamentary Defence Committee hearing, the former First Sea Lord (soon to be Chief of the Defence Staff) ADM Sir Tony Radakin said the future frigate would be a general-purpose ship.
An RN spokesperson told Shephard: 'The Type 32 programme will increase the size of the fleet and, with a
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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.