Plans to replace ageing destroyers scrapped to make way for drones in ‘hybrid Navy’

Britain has abandoned plans for a new Type 83 destroyer to replace its aging warships, opting instead for a fleet of advanced “joint warships” (CCVs) as part of a major shift in its defense investment strategy.

The Royal Navy will procure at least six of these CCVs, which will act as key hubs for crewless systems, with delivery expected in the 2030s.

The pivot, which prioritizes drones and military modernisation, comes ahead of Sir Keir Starmer unveiling the UK’s future armed forces plan, potentially as soon as July 20. The Defense Department says the new ships are designed to work alongside existing Type 26 and Type 31 frigates to expand the Navy’s reach and firepower without a “proportionate increase” in crew or cost.

Underwater drones and sensor platforms are also planned to undergo intensive integration, due to ministries’ warnings about increased Russian submarine activities near critical submarine cables in the Atlantic. Previous proposals for the Type 83 guided missile warship, intended to replace the current fleet of six Type 45 destroyers, will no longer be included in the defense investment plan (Dip).

The Dip itself was originally planned last year but was postponed due to government wrangling over military funding. Former defense secretary John Healey resigned in protest over the issue. His successor, Dan Jarvis, is understood to have secured an additional £14.5bn of cover for the scheme, an increase on the £13.5bn offered to Mr Healey, but still falls short of the £28bn officials had previously said was required.

Speaking to broadcasters on Sunday morning, Housing Secretary Steve Reed said Britain needed to prepare for potential future conflicts rather than “whatever the last war might be” and that the Dip was “days away”.

Outgoing Prime Minister Sir Keir will continue the publication of the document during the transition period before his successor, likely to be Andy Burnham, takes office following his resignation.

But the Sunday Times reported that the former Greater Manchester mayor, who has the power to receive Government briefings from the Civil Service as he prepares to take power, has seen the plan and signed it.

Opposition critics have described the proposed £1bn increase as a “drop in the ocean”, while a former chief of defense staff said Mr Burnham may need to find more money this Parliamentary process.

The next leader must act “almost like a wartime prime minister” in the face of global threats, Admiral Sir Tony Radakin said on the BBC’s program with Laura Kuenssberg on Sunday.

Following his victory in the Makerfield by-election earlier this month, Mr Burnham said: “A Makerfield test at the heart of British politics will ensure that the places Westminster has neglected will now get justice.”

But Sir Tony told the programme: “As well as the Makerfield test, I would also say this is the Moscow test.”

If there isn’t “enough money” in the Dip, he said, “the new prime minister may need to find it within the course of Parliament.”

Defense Minister Mr Jarvis said: “Our Royal Navy is a formidable force operating to protect our nation and our allies in the Atlantic and beyond.

“These joint warships will provide our dedicated sailors with hybrid ships designed and built for the increasing threats we face.

“Developed with outstanding British innovators, the new ships will be British-built, supporting jobs across the country and giving the Royal Navy a capability built for modern warfare.”

The plans come as First Naval Admiral General Sir Gwyn Jenkins is leading efforts to transition to a new “hybrid Navy” consisting of both traditionally crewed ships and submarines, as well as autonomous vehicles and artificial intelligence.

The program will also “connect” three new Atlantic programs – Atlantic Bastion, Atlantic Shield and Atlantic Strike – designed to counter Russian activities in the North Atlantic and High North, officials said.

Elsewhere, Britain’s commandos will be promised £500 million as part of changes to the Dip where Mr Jarvis is trying to put his stamp on the long-awaited plan.

What will be added instead?

High-speed boats and attack drones will be allocated to elite forces, focusing on the High North, which includes the Arctic Circle and nearby areas, in the face of increased Russian activity in the region.

Some of the funding will be spent on new high-speed commando insertion ships (specialized ships used to covertly transport troops from the rapid response force) that officials say could be used for operations including the capture of Russian stay-behind fleet ships.

It comes after Royal Marine commandos helped intercept the tanker Smyrtos in the Channel early on Sunday in the first UK-led operation to seize a sanctioned ship earlier this month.