The Financial Times reports that the Royal Navy plans to order at least six new hybrid combat vessels under a fresh defence investment programme. These ships, known as Common Combat Vessels, will replace earlier Type 83 destroyer and Type 32 frigate projects and are expected to enter service in the early 2030s.
The vessels will serve as command and control hubs for both air and underwater unmanned systems, signalling a shift toward autonomous warfare and unmanned platforms within the navy.
The new defence strategy is projected to add more than £14.5 billion in additional funding, with increased investment in drones and other automated systems across the armed forces.