The United Kingdom will build at least six new Common Combat Vessels (CCVs) for the Royal Navy under its forthcoming Defence Investment Plan, replacing the current fleet of Type 45 destroyers with a new generation of hybrid warships designed for modern naval warfare.
According to the UK Ministry of Defence, the Common Combat Vessel will become the Royal Navy’s first hybrid warship, combining crewed operations with the ability to command uncrewed systems operating in the air, on the surface, and underwater. The new ships are expected to enter service from the early 2030s.
The CCV program replaces previous plans for a Type 83 destroyer. Instead of relying on a small number of large and expensive vessels, the Royal Navy plans to adopt a more distributed force structure that integrates crewed and autonomous platforms to enhance air defence, operational resilience, and firepower while reducing personnel requirements.
Once operational, the Common Combat Vessels will operate alongside the Royal Navy’s eight Type 26 frigates, five Type 31 frigates, and a family of uncrewed platforms, including the Type 91 missile platform, Type 92 underwater sensing platform, Type 93 Extra-Large Uncrewed Underwater Vehicle, and Type 94 uncrewed sensor platform.
The Ministry of Defence said the program represents a once-in-a-generation investment in Britain’s maritime capabilities and will also provide long-term support for the UK’s shipbuilding industry by sustaining jobs and preserving critical industrial skills across British shipyards.
UK Defence Secretary Dan Jarvis said the new vessels would provide Royal Navy personnel with ships specifically designed to address evolving security threats.
“Our Royal Navy is a formidable force, operating to protect our nation and our allies in the Atlantic and beyond. These Common Combat Vessels will provide our dedicated sailors with hybrid ships that are designed and built for the increasing threats we face,” Jarvis said.
The Defence Investment Plan will also fund initial design work for the new class of warships, laying the foundation for what the Ministry describes as a fundamental transformation in maritime air defence.
Beyond fleet modernization, the Common Combat Vessel program will support three new Atlantic-focused initiatives—Atlantic Bastion, Atlantic Shield, and Atlantic Strike—aimed at countering Russian activity in the North Atlantic and High North, protecting critical underwater infrastructure, and strengthening NATO’s deterrence posture.
The UK government also highlighted the export potential of the platform, pointing to the international success of the Type 26 frigate, which has already been selected by Australia, Canada, and Norway.