UK to Replace Destroyer and Frigate Plans with Hybrid Drone-Capable Warships
The UK is set to replace plans for Type 83 destroyers and Type 32 frigates with at least six hybrid common combat vessels designed to deploy aerial and underwater drones, reflecting a shift toward autonomous warfare. The new ships are expected to enter service in the early 2030s.
According to the Financial Times, the UK will abandon previous plans for Type 83 destroyers and Type 32 frigates in favor of at least six new hybrid common combat vessels. These ships are engineered to carry and deploy both aerial and underwater drones, marking a significant pivot toward autonomous warfare capabilities.
The new warships are anticipated to enter service in the early 2030s. This change underscores the UK's strategic focus on unmanned systems and flexible, multi-role platforms rather than traditional destroyer and frigate designs.
Source: First Squawk