- The Royal Navy is set to acquire at least six new 'common combat vessels' (CCVs) as part of a new defence investment plan, aiming to modernise its military and prioritise drone technology.
- These CCVs will serve as crucial control hubs for uncrewed systems, designed to significantly expand the Navy’s operational reach and firepower without a proportional increase in crew numbers or associated costs.
- The decision means the abandonment of previous plans to develop the Type 83 destroyer, which was intended to replace the existing fleet of six Type 45 destroyers, with approximately £1 million already spent on its concept design.
- The current Type 45 destroyers, known as the Daring Class, are 152 metres long, specialise in anti-aircraft and anti-missile warfare, and have recently been deployed to combat drone threats, including HMS Diamond intercepting a drone in December 2023.
- Defence Secretary Dan Jarvis stated that the new British-built CCVs will provide sailors with "hybrid ships" tailored for modern warfare, supporting jobs across the nation and offering an adaptable design for potential global export.
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