Frigates

Partnership forms over Norwegian frigates plan

Partnership forms over Norwegian frigates plan

thyssenkrupp Marine Systems in Germany and Ulstein Verft in Norway have agreed to work together on the Royal Norwegian Navy’s next frigate programme. Norway’s 2024 Fleet Plan outlines the acquisition of five or potentially six frigates to replace the Royal Norwegian Navy’s Fridtjof Nansen-class frigates. Potential candidates include the British Type 26, German F127, American […]

“Significant milestone” for homebuilt Indian Navy vessels

“Significant milestone” for homebuilt Indian Navy vessels

The commissioning this week of three frontline naval vessels by the Indian Navy marks a “significant milestone in India’s shipbuilding and design capabilities”, according to analytics firm GlobalData. January 15 saw the entries of INS Surat (163m), the fourth and final unit of the Visakhapatnam class of stealth guided-missile destroyers; INS Nilgiri (149m), the lead […]

Norway seeks partners for new frigates

Norway seeks partners for new frigates

The Norwegian Ministry of Defence has announced its intention to invite the French, German, British and US governments to begin discussions regarding a potential strategic partnership for new frigates to replace the Royal Norwegian Navy’s Fridtjof Nansen class.  “The new frigates represent the largest acquisition planned for the Norwegian Armed Forces in the coming years,” […]

US Navy seeks second yard for Constellation-class frigates

US Navy seeks second yard for Constellation-class frigates

The US Navy is considering recruiting a second yard to help build its new class of guided missile frigates as the programme falls further and further behind schedule. In November, amid mounting concern over the delays and cost, the US Department of Defense issued a request for information (RfI) for a second yard to build […]

Unstable design has stalled construction and compromised schedule for US Navy’s next-generation frigate

Unstable design has stalled construction and compromised schedule for US Navy’s next-generation frigate

The US Navy embarked on construction of its latest frigate design before the design was finalised, a decision that is creating ongoing problems. Design of the US Navy’s FFG 62 Constellation-class multi-mission frigate – a programme it embarked on because of failures in its Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) programme – has slowed and construction has […]

UK yards gearing up for shipbuilding boom

UK yards gearing up for shipbuilding boom

The UK shipbuilding industry has been experiencing a resurgence lately. This is driven by ambitious developments at iconic shipyards such as Harland & Wolff and the cutting-edge innovations spearheaded by BAE Systems. These key players are reshaping the industry and contributing to the nation’s maritime prowess in an era of global challenges and opportunities.  Nestled […]

First Type 31, HMS Venturer, taking shape

First Type 31, HMS Venturer, taking shape

The hull of the UK Royal Navy’s first Type 31 frigates, HMS Venturer, is taking shape at Babcock. After less than 18 months since the vessel’s keel was laid, Venturer is beginning to resemble a warship as the giant units and blocks which make up the vessel are slotted into place by Babcock at their […]