Navy will build hybrid warships instead of replacing ageing destroyers

Navy will build hybrid warships instead of replacing ageing destroyersImage source, PA MediaPublished1 minute agoPlans to build a new destroyer to replace ageing warships will be scrapped in favour of at least six new modern "hybrid" vessels equipped to deploy drones in the UK's upcoming defence plan.The Ministry of Defence (MoD) said the new vessels would be more suited to the "pace and nature of modern warfare", and a better investment than a "small number of large expensive ships".Defence Secretary Dan Jarvis said the new equipment would be "designed and built for the increasing threats we face".Outgoing Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has committed to publishing the long-delayed defence investment plan (DIP) before the Nato summit in Turkey on 7 July after months of talks over how to fund it.The MoD had been exploring options to replace the Type 45, the Navy's ageing fleet of destroyers, with the Type 83, a concept vessel which was at an early design phase. Instead, investment will go towards six new Common Combat Vessels, which the department said would be capable of "coordinating uncrewed systems in the air, on the surface and under the sea to deliver more resilient air defence".It said the change in approach would extend "the Navy's reach, resilience and firepower without a proportional increase in crew or cost".The government did not specify how much funding had been set aside in the DIP for development of the new vessels. It said they would be part of operations "to counter Russian activity in the North Atlantic and High North, protect critical underwater infrastructure, and enhance Nato deterrence".Along with support vessels, the department said the naval programme would be "a once in a generation investment in new maritime capability", and provide work for British shipyards.Fraught budget negotiations between the MoD, Treasury and departments across government t...