UK's Royal Navy future shaped by new frigates and destroyers, Type 32 fate uncertain

James Cartlidge, State Minister in the British Ministry of Defence, disclosed the delivery timeline for the new ships in response to an enquiry by John Healey, the shadow defence secretary. Cartlidge noted that the new destroyers are currently in the concept phase but are deemed crucial for the UK's future air defence. The first Type 83 unit is anticipated to launch by the decade's close.

These new units will be integral to the Future Air Dominance System (FADS) program, focusing on aerial target engagement and missile defence. Plans for these destroyers were made public in 2019, followed by a concept presentation two years later. Initially, details about the program were scant, including the number of ships to be constructed, with the only information being that they would replace the existing Type 45 destroyers.

By next year, the Ministry of Defence highlighted the Type 83 destroyers' role in countering emerging threats, including hypersonic missiles, similar to the current Royal Navy destroyers. A preliminary visualization released last June offers a glimpse into their potential design.

However, the final design remains subject to change, emphasizing the destroyers' primary role as anti-aircraft units with two sets of vertical launch systems combining for 128 launch cells and a displacement between 10,000 and 13,000 tons.

Future design considerations will likely take into account recent military and geopolitical developments. Given the potential for reduced numbers of these advanced destroyers, due to the Ministry of Defence's tendency for budget cuts, the emphasis may shift towards multifunctional capabilities over specialized designs.

Without Type 32?

The Royal Navy is set to incorporate thirteen modern missile frigates, eight of Type 26 for anti-submarine warfare and five of Type 31 for general purposes, by the mid-2030s. This acquisition aims to form the core of the fleet, supporting the goal of maintaining at least nineteen active combat ships.

In 2020, Boris Johnson announced the intention to add a third category of missile frigates, the Type 32, to the fleet. Surprisingly, there was no prior indication of plans to purchase this new ship type, with Johnson revealing a target of five Type 32 frigates to increase the Navy's combat vessels to twenty-four.

Projected to be available by the decade's end, the Type 32 frigates would offer multi-role capabilities and act as platforms for unmanned systems, enhancing submarine and mine countermeasures operations.

The Ministry of Defence confirmed ongoing development for the Type 32's concept last September, highlighting its significance for the fleet and the shipbuilding industry. The aim remains to maximize the number of combat ships for the Royal Navy.

However, the Type 32 discussion faded from fleet future plans, shifting focus to current constructions and sidestepping the new frigate type. Concerns emerged among trade press and politicians over the absence of these units in modernization plans.

Alex Chalk, then State Secretary in the Ministry of Defence, assured that Type 32 plans were still active, with efforts focusing on cost-effectiveness. But a National Audit Office report last year indicated funding challenges for the Type 32 program, with a potential overrun impacting the Defence Ministry's budget by £17 billion. There's speculation that financial constraints might lead to the Type 32 being a modified version of the Type 31 frigates, adapted to original requirements but on a reduced scale.