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PoliticsUK MoD to build at least six Common Combat Vessels for Royal Navy, replacing Type 45 destroyers
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The UK Ministry of Defence has announced plans to build at least six Common Combat Vessels (CCVs) for the Royal Navy under the Defence Investment Plan, replacing the current fleet of six Type 45 destroyers with delivery expected from the early 2030s. Unlike predecessors, the CCVs will act as control hubs for uncrewed systems, extending reach and firepower without proportional crew increases. The program replaces earlier Type 83 destroyer plans and supports the shift to a 'hybrid navy' mixing crewed and uncrewed capabilities. The CCVs will operate alongside Type 26 and Type 31 frigates, as well as new uncrewed platforms (Types 91-94). The investment aims to sustain UK shipbuilding skills, create tens of thousands of jobs, and anchor three Atlantic programs (Atlantic Bastion, Atlantic Shield, Atlantic Strike) to counter Russian activity and enhance NATO deterrence. The adaptable design also targets global export markets, following the Type 26 frigate's success with Australia, Canada, and Norway.
Source report
By: Naval News Staff
At least six new Common Combat Vessels 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.
UK MoD press release
The Common Combat Vessels (CCVs) 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 crewed frigates
- Five Type 31 crewed frigates
- Type 91 uncrewed missile platforms
- Type 92 uncrewed underwater sensing platforms
- Type 93 Extra-Large Uncrewed Underwater Vehicles
- Type 94 uncrewed sensor platforms
This represents a once-in-a-generation investment in new maritime capability.
The programme 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.
The programme will 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.
Tags: CCV, Royal Navy
Naval News Staff
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