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.
The first City-class Type 26 vessel, HMS Glasgow, is under construction at BAE Systems’ Govan shipyard. (Photo: MoD/ Crown Copyright)
UK Defence Secretary Ben Wallace has announced the creation of a new National Shipbuilding Office that will promote the UK’s national shipbuilding enterprise.
RAdm Rex Cox, who formerly worked as a defence policy advisor to the Treasury and most recently served as Head of Capability Planning in the Finance and Military Capability directorate of the MoD, will head up the new body.
Announcing the development at the start of International Shipping Week in London, UK Secretary of State for Defence Ben Wallace said: ‘The creation of the National Shipbuilding Office and the appointment of Rear Admiral Rex Cox marks a further demonstration of
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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.