- The Royal Navy will procure at least six
Common Combat Vessels, as part of the system that will
replace the current Type 45 destroyers.
- This Common Combat Vessel will be the Royal Navy's first
'Hybrid' warship, coordinating uncrewed systems in the air, on
the surface and under the sea to deliver more resilient air
defence.
- The programme will sustain jobs and skills across UK
shipyards, with the ship's adaptable design
opening further opportunities for British industry and export
partners.
At least six new warships will be built for the Royal
Navy under the Defence Investment Plan, delivering the
UK's most advanced maritime air defence capability and keeping
British shipyards working for decades to come.
The Common Combat Vessel will replace the current fleet of six
Type 45 destroyers, with delivery expected from the early
2030s. Unlike its predecessors, the new warship will
act as a control hub for uncrewed systems - extending
the Navy's reach, resilience and firepower without a
proportional increase in crew or cost.
Due to be outlined in the forthcoming Defence Investment Plan,
these new ships will replace earlier plans for a Type 83
destroyer. Rather than concentrating capability in a small number
of large, expensive ships, the Royal Navy's shift to a
hybrid navy will mix crewed and uncrewed capabilities
and be more suited to the pace and nature of modern
warfare. The funding announced in the DIP allows the
National Armaments Director Group to commence the design work
that will underpin the fundamental shift in how to deliver Air
Defence at and from the sea.
When in service, these CCVs will work alongside
eight Type 26 and five Type 31 crewed frigates, as
well as Type 91 uncrewed missile platforms, Type 92 uncrewed
underwater sensing platforms, Type 93 Extra-Large Uncrewed
Underwater Vehicles and Type 94 uncrewed sensor
platforms, representing a once in a generation
investment in new maritime capability.
It will also sustain and grow the UK's shipbuilding
sector, providing new work for British
shipyards and maintaining vital skills.
It demonstrates defence as an engine for growth
and programmes funded through the Defence Investment Plan
are expected to back tens of thousands of new UK
jobs.
Defence Secretary MBE MP said:
"Our Royal Navy is a formidable force, operating to protect our
nation and our allies in the Atlantic and beyond. These Common
Combat Vessels will provide our dedicated sailors with hybrid
ships that are designed and built for the increasing threats we
face.
"Developed with exceptional British innovators, the new ships
will be British-built, supporting jobs across the nation and
giving the Royal Navy a capability built for modern warfare."
The programme will also anchor three new Atlantic
programmes - Atlantic Bastion, Atlantic Shield and
Atlantic Strike - designed to counter Russian activity
in the North Atlantic and High North, protect critical underwater
infrastructure, and enhance NATO deterrence.
The CCV's adaptable design creates opportunities
across the UK defence industry and positions the platform
for global export potential. The Type 26
frigate, already selected by Australia, Canada, and
Norway, demonstrates strong international appetite for
British-built warships.
