Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged inAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleThe 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. In fullWhat will the Navy’s modern uncrewed vessels look like and what will replace the destroyers?Thank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in

Underwater drones will be included in bid to tackle Russian submarine activity in the Atlantic

The Royal Navy will instead procure at least six ‘common combat vessels’, which will act as command hubs for uncrewed systems, officials said.

LONDON: Britain will scrap plans to replace its aging destroyers and will instead procure at least six “Common Combat Vessels” to serve as control hubs for uncrewed systems, the…

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The new vessels will replace the Royal Navy's six current Type 45 destroyers

The new defence investment plan (Dip) means the Navy will plan uncrewed, drone-compatible vessels

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Details about the plan for a new, hybrid Navy have raised doubts. If the UK fails to procure enough drones, missiles and torpedoes, this will be a historic mistake