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.
Despite contributing to 40% of the UK Ministry of Defence's (MoD) budget deficit its two nuclear submarine programmes, Astute and Dreadnought, are in safe hands with no plans for delay - quite the opposite.
The deficit currently stands at £7 billion ($8.9 billion) from 2018 to 2028.
During a Public Accounts Committee meeting held on 3 December MoD officials debated with Members of Parliament the deficit and the reality of delaying or deleting programmes unless a different financial settlement is met.
In order to reduce the deficit the MoD currently finds itself in Stephen Lovegrove, Permanent Secretary for the MoD,
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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.