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UK Chooses Six Drone-Command Combat Ships, Drops Type 83

6/29/2026

Summary

Britain Buys Vessels

Britain will buy six Combat Vessels to replace its Type 45 destroyers, abandoning the Type 83 class.
Defence Secretary Dan Jarvis says the vessels will be ships that command surface and under-sea drones.
First ships are due in the early 2030s, costing at least £14.5 billion, below the £28 billion needed.
Shadow Defence Secretary James Cartlidge called the changes too little, too late while Andrew Bowie warned of damage to Clyde and Rosyth shipyards.

Summary

Britain Plans Vessels

The Defence Investment Plan will be published before the NATO summit on 7 July, signalling Britain’s maritime intent.
It calls for six Common Combat Vessels to counter Russian activity in the North Atlantic and High North and to protect subsea cables and pipelines.
Analysts say the plan will shape debate on whether Britain’s defence spending meets the heightened security demands of the Ukraine war.

Summary

Britain Funds Ships

The UK allocated over £500 million for new amphibious transport ships for the Future Commando Force.
Defence Secretary Dan Jarvis integrated the ships with high-speed insertion craft and uncrewed systems.
The Royal Navy has lacked a landing platform dock since HMS Albion and HMS Bulwark left service in 2025.
The Netherlands will acquire six transport vessels to replace Rotterdam-class LPDs and Holland-class patrol ships, with deliveries from 2032 after Project CATHERINA was abandoned in 2024.

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Britain Buys Vessels

Britain will buy six Combat Vessels to replace its Type 45 destroyers, abandoning the Type 83 class.
Defence Secretary Dan Jarvis says the vessels will be ships that command surface and under-sea drones.
First ships are due in the early 2030s, costing at least £14.5 billion, below the £28 billion needed.
Shadow Defence Secretary James Cartlidge called the changes too little, too late while Andrew Bowie warned of damage to Clyde and Rosyth shipyards.

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