Thales is still shaping its proposal as part of the wider Babcock-led Arrowhead 140 offer for the UK’s Type 31e frigate programme, with a design review potentially taking place in a September/October 2019 timeframe likely the next major landmark in the long-running competition.
The delivery of the first vessel scheduled for 2023 as the first of the UK’s older Type 23 frigates leave service.
In a presentation to media at Thales’ Hengelo facility on 28 February, the company provided updates to 20 ongoing naval programmes it contributes to, among them the Type 31e.
The list of Thales equipment potentially
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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.
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.
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