UK Scraps Plans To Replace Destroyers With Focus On Drone Warships

LONDON, June 28 (Reuters) – 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 Ministry of Defence said on Sunday.

The Royal Navy’s six Type 45 destroyers are due to be retired by the end of 2038, and original plans envisioned them being replaced by a next-generation Type 83 class.

However, under the long-awaited Defence Investment Plan, the warships will now be replaced by hybrid Common Combat Vessels (CCV), reflecting a broader shift towards drone warfare and frontline capabilities.

Read