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.
One of the key themes throughout the AFCEA West 2020 conference in San Diego on 1-3 March was the expanded vision of integrated sea service capabilities. That integration is being codified through a new Tri-Service Maritime Strategy, which should be released in a few months.
The process was outlined by ADM Michael Gilday, US Chief of Naval Operations (CNO). He said that the USN decided to conduct an ‘integrated’ rather than a ‘coordinated’ force structure assessment, in concert with the USMC.
‘The navy had not done one since 2016 and that was the baseline for the [National Defense Authorization Act],
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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.