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 US Navy is set to christen its newest Zumwalt-class guided missile destroyer, the future USS Lyndon B Johnson (DDG 1002), at General Dynamics-Bath Iron Works shipyard in Bath, Maine, on 27 April.
Zumwalt-class vessels are 610ft long and have a beam of 80.7ft with a displacement of almost 16,000t. The vessels can archive a maximum speed of 30kt.
Zumwalt-class destroyers feature an advanced electric propulsion system, wave-piercing tumblehome hull, stealth design and are equipped with advanced weaponry. These ships will be capable of performing a range of deterrence, power projection, sea control and C2 missions while allowing the navy to evolve with new systems and missions.
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.