A decade-long programme of upgrade work on the UK Royal Navy’s ageing Type 23 frigates is nearing completion, with one ship left to complete the process. At the end of February 2024, the UK Royal Navy frigate HMS St Albans returned to sea after what the Royal Navy described as a “massive revamp” at Devonport […]
In February 2024, the Australian Government announced an increase in the number of warships in the Royal Australian Navy to what will be its largest fleet since the end of World War II. But it is not only investing in more ships: it is also investing in naval shipbuilding and in new technology, in the […]
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 […]
Damen Naval and its partner NVL Group have commenced construction of the German Navy’s first F126 frigate. A steel cutting ceremony for the first F126 frigate took place on 5 December 2023 at NVL Group’s Peene-Werft shipyard in Wolgast. Parliamentary State Secretary at the Federal Ministry of Defence of Germany Siemtje Möller said, “With the […]
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 […]
The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) has issued a notice regarding a request for information (RfI) for operational and training ammunition for 57mm and 40mm guns on the forthcoming Type 31 frigate. The notice serves to alert the market of an early engagement opportunity to respond to a RfI relating to Type 57mm and 40mm […]
UK-based Babcock has celebrated a number of major milestones in the Miecznik frigate programme in Poland. Following a strategic co-operation agreement signed in 2022, the UK-based company finalised a design licence agreement with the PGZ-Miecznik consortium which allows them to build three frigates for the Polish Navy. The deal is the second export licence for […]
The Netherlands and Belgium are embarking on the construction of a new class of frigates primarily intended for anti-submarine warfare and other roles. The Netherlands Ministry of Defence – through the Materiel and IT Command (Commando Materieel en IT – COMMIT) – has awarded the Naval Division of Damen Shipyards Group a contract for the […]
In August 2023, PT PAL Indonesia held a keel-laying ceremony for the first ‘Red and White Frigate’ for the Indonesian Navy. The frigates are based on Babcock’s ‘Arrowhead 140’ design which itself is based on the Royal Danish Navy’s Iver Huitfeldt class. The frigates are 140m in length with a displacement of 5,996tonnes. The vessels […]
The French and Italian navies are to upgrade their Horizon-class frigates to counter the threat posed by new-generation missiles and drones. In late July 2023, the Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR) signed a contract with Naviris and Eurosam for the mid-life upgrade (MLU) of the Horizon-class frigates operated by the French and Italian navies. […]
The US Navy has outlined plans for the upgrade of two of the oldest surface combatants still serving in the Middle East region. Acting on behalf of the Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) International Fleet Support Program (PMS 326), the Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division (NUWC) Keyport has canvassed industry interest in the modernisation of […]
Type 26 to get fully automated ammunition system for Mk45 gun as Type 23 is upgraded with enhanced torpedo launch systems Royal Navy surface combatants including the Type 26 frigate and Type 23 frigates are to be the recipients of new weapons handling technology. BAE Systems Inc has received a US$219 million contract to equip […]