The Ministry of Defence has confirmed that further announcements regarding the Type 83 destroyer programme will follow the completion of the ongoing Strategic Defence Review.
Maria Eagle, Minister of State for Defence, responded to a parliamentary question from Graeme Downie MP, stating that “the next stage of the Type 83 Destroyer programme, which is one element of the Future Air Dominance System (FADS) programme, will be announced following the completion of the Strategic Defence Review.”
The Type 83 will replace the Royal Navy’s current Type 45 destroyers and form the backbone of the UK’s future maritime air and missile defence capability. It is part of the broader FADS programme, designed to ensure the UK maintains an advanced air defence capability into the 2040s and beyond.
Earlier updates confirmed that the programme had officially entered its concept phase, with Eagle previously stating, “The Type 83 Destroyer will be the core of the Future Air Dominance System (FADS) programme, which has commenced its concept phase. FADS will replace the UK’s present Maritime Air Defence Capability vested in the Type 45 Destroyer Programme.”
What We Know About the Type 83 Destroyer
While still in the early concept phase, the Type 83 is expected to be a significantly larger and more capable platform than its predecessor, equipped to counter advanced missile threats, including hypersonic weapons.
A previous MoD update described the FADS programme, including Type 83, as:
“A transformative multi-domain programme that will provide Integrated Air and Missile Defence against the toughest of threats in the air domain, and strike against the hardest of targets in air, land, and maritime domains.”
Industry engagement has already begun, with the MoD holding a Market Engagement Event (MEE) in December 2024 to gather input from defence contractors on the project’s direction.
According to the MoD’s Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S) team, the engagement was designed to:
“Gain a greater understanding of the marketplace capabilities, capacity, and skills regarding the potential requirement(s); understand where industry sees challenges and opportunities in relation to the potential requirement(s).”
A further session may be held in early 2025 as the Royal Navy refines its requirements.
A Successor to the Type 45 Destroyer
The Type 45 destroyers, which currently serve as the Royal Navy’s primary air defence warships, will be phased out in favour of the Type 83s.
A concept image that surfaced in 2023, though unofficial, hinted at a vessel larger than the Type 45, potentially closer in size to the US Navy’s Zumwalt-class destroyers or China’s Type 055 destroyers. While exact specifications remain unclear, it is widely expected that the Type 83 will feature:
- Advanced radar and sensor systems, potentially including next-generation phased array radars.
- Integrated Air and Missile Defence (IAMD) capability, optimised to defend against ballistic and hypersonic missile threats.
- A significant missile payload, likely utilising Mk 41 vertical launch systems (VLS) to house a combination of air defence, land attack, and anti-ship missiles.
- A future-proofed power generation system, capable of supporting directed energy weapons (lasers) and railgun technology.
When Will the Type 83 Enter Service?
The first Type 83 destroyer is expected to enter service in the latter half of the 2030s, with a potential Initial Operating Capability (IOC) in the late 2030s or early 2040s.
Given the extended timelines involved in ship design and procurement, it remains uncertain how many Type 83 destroyers will be built or whether the Royal Navy will receive a one-for-one replacement of its six Type 45s.
The government has previously indicated that the Strategic Defence Review will determine the final force structure, with decisions on fleet size and capabilities expected later this decade.
With the concept phase now officially underway, the next major milestone for the Type 83 programme will be the selection of key design partners and initial capability requirements, leading to a main procurement contract.
As the UK’s largest and most advanced future surface combatant, the Type 83 will define the Royal Navy’s air defence capabilities for the second half of the 21st century.
Ships seem to spend years in the Concept phase these days. I think the T32 programme is offcially still there. An announcement that Type 83 will only spend six months in Concept would a real MOD achievement: probably a bigger achievement than actually succeding. You have to try before you can succeed.
It’s not a new thing. The Arleigh Burkes where in what we’d call the concept stage for about six years.
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If the T26 build is being accelerated could this then allow for the T83 being brought forward by a few years? Late 2030s early 2040s seems so far away. And any Norwegian T26 and any additional RN orders may then need to be farmed out more to other UK yards to squeeze it all in if BAE is the sole AAW Destroyer manufacturer. Any possibility then of an interim purchase of an enhanced AAW T31/A140 build to complement the T45s as the even the Polish A140s look pretty useful?
FADS has just gone into concept. In the unlikely event it only stays there one year, that means we could start a competition next year for preliminary designs, which will take us to the start of 2027. Detail design will take 3 years, probably more unless mind-changing admirals can be excluded completely, with just a few brave Navy souls seconded as full-time advisors to the competition winner (aka BAES). Cash limiting the cost up front for the first batch could also speed up the design. I’m told design can be done a lot faster these days, but I don’t believe it will be. Nevertheless, that’s early 2030. Another year to scout out some money because until the design is accepted the budget won’t be allocated (also, possibly a new government in 2029). So maybe April 2031 for contract. Then nine years from contract to operation. 2041.
There are places where that could be speeded up a bit, but I don’t think accelerating the Type 26s would reduce a prediction of late 2030 or early 40s.
*2040 not 2041. Typo.
No chance of interim AAW
“The Type 45 destroyers, which currently serve as the Royal Navy’s primary air defence warships, will be phased out in favour of the Type 83s”.
I would say from the sense of urgency that has now started to permeate outwards that the two classes will serve side by side. T45s are big hulls that have loads of life left in them as well have having the capacity to be upgraded.
“A concept image that surfaced in 2023, though unofficial, hinted at a vessel larger than the Type 45, potentially closer in size to the US Navy’s Zumwalt-class destroyers or China’s Type 055 destroyers. While exact specifications remain unclear, it is widely expected that the Type 83 will feature:”
Let’s hope that size is the only thing it shares with the Zumwalt. I’m unconvinced by the Chinese 055s as they have such a huge crew that there cannot be full systems integration.
“Advanced radar and sensor systems, potentially including next-generation phased array radars.”
Nothing is really known about this – as I have said before it should be a hybrid system with a high mast rotating radar looking for skimmers and a lower planar radar system that can look up probably combined with a medium resolution volume search radar. Much better off using three signficnalty different and optimised radars for each of the functions and then digitally combining the outputs.
“A significant missile payload, likely utilising Mk 41 vertical launch systems (VLS) to house a combination of air defence, land attack, and anti-ship missiles.”
I doubt LM are on speed dial for Mk41 given the Tangerine Toddlers outbursts. I would be surprised if we are not looking at an indigenous program that enables us to control weapons integration and software as well as avoiding the French control of SYLVER. If you had asked the question three months ago I would have said Mk41 was the favoured solution without question. Those assumptions have been rocked.
“A future-proofed power generation system, capable of supporting directed energy weapons (lasers) and railgun technology.”
T45 already has two 21MW GTs [plus the uprated DGs] so there is loads of power on board for DE radar and whatever else anyone might fancy.
I agree the RN actually has two mutually exclusive needs with the T83
1) Mass.. the reduction to 6 AAW was a massive mistake, exquisite capability cannot replace mass as: A) the laws of time and space mean it 1 hull can only be In one place, two hulls can be in two places..that means you can either extend your AAW screen by sending one ship further down the threat axis or protect two groups or places at once. B) if you have 2 hulls and one is mission killed or just breaks you still have 50% of your capabilities.. loss that one exquisite ship you loss it all.
This means in reality the RN needs to be able to deploy around 4 AAW platforms at any one time.. 2 for the CBG, 1 for the amphibious/littoral group and one for key choke points.. so that is a mass of 10-12 AAW platforms.
2) exquisite capability to defend the carrier CBG. The RN needs at least one do everything to the maximum capability platform to support the CBG.. so full ABM capability, hypersonic capacity, large scale high end attack with cruise missiles. In reality the Italians have set the standard for what this is.. the weight and power generation needs of the new generation radars linked with around 100 AAW missiles gives you a 13,000 to 14,000 ton hull. But the RN cannot afford to build 10-12 of those.
So I think the solution is obviously keep the T45s running into the late 40s early 50s and build 4 13,000 ton essentially all singing all dancing cruise/heavy destroyers to support the carriers. Then in the 2040s start building a direct T45 replacement ( a mid capacity AAW destroyer in the 7000 to 8000 ton range) and build 6-8 of those.
Precisely.
A full fat and half fat combined capability.
The snag is the missing two T45s.
As ideally you deploy a T83 and a T45 [or two] with a CSG.
The T31 is a nice big hull that could presumably be adapted to be a kind of second-tier AAW platform. The danger is the beancounters deciding it is good enough to do the job and cancelling the T83.
The SDR could fix that ‘snag’ by ordering 2 or 3 more Arrowhead hulls kitted out as AAW destroyers, maybe even with ASW machinery rafting. NS200, Mk41, Camm-ER and MR. An AB at Aldi middle isle prices. If we also bought a few Kongsberg Vanguards as MCM motherships / OPVs the RN would look a lot more balanced and capable fleet without breaking the bank.
The RN is only just getting by with 6 T45’s.
With SSBN, only one 1 available to deploy out of 4, taking into account the age of the vessels which need more maintenance and refits. 6 T83’s needs to be minimum?
Makes you wonder if the SDR, given its focus on air defence, will see the CAMM-MR project expanded to give a more rounded, more capable medium range SAM. Making it two stage would be a good start.
George and co other than overseas announcements you may as well put your feet up and put the Kettle on ! Other than progress on existing projects you could save some time and just have a standard Cut and paste Headline for all major future announcements regarding UK Defence.
“Minister confirms zero public announcement of any progress on xxxxxxxxxx (insert item) till after SDR”
Sorry if this is a bit tongue in cheek but it’s down to my Gallovidian sense of humour. I just can’t fathom why there is such a lack of urgency, if they are not very careful they’ll make their announcements and find what ever they want to buy involves being at the back of a lengthening queue.
Oh and absolutely loved the T26 bit yesterday, can we have something on the T31 pretty please (up to date progress photos would be nice) 🙄
OK, no decisions are being made on anything it seems until the SDR reports.
So surely someone knows when that is likely to report..? All it would take is three or four little words, e.g. in late spring..! We need to know that something is actually happening and their is a plan of sorts, that we are not just drifting along while the so called grown ups argue with each other. Otherwise how can anyone be accountable.
Cheers CR
I read suggestions that it is finished and sitting on Starmer’s desk. Maybe it still contains dependent political options/ uncertainties : Reeves finance statement; Trump’s Ukraine deal, Norwegian order for T26, Turkish order for Typhoon, Chagos?
Utterly depressing how long these things take, it has been years since it was first announced the T45 would be replaced. I wonder if the team only meet for an afternoon once a month.
Future proof power generation; Mmmm I wonder if that is the reason the MoD/RN is looking at nuclear power generation in surface ships. A Rolls Royce micro reactor seems to be containerised transportable and able to plug into a local network. A micro reactor can generate upto 10MW of power so it should be enough for laser/rail gun possibly even E-MAL.
T45 has 2 x 21MW of GT so I’m not sure what a micro reactor adds other than a lot of cost.
Unless you are suggesting cruising on the micro reactor and boosting on the GTs?
That might be an interesting propulsion method for ASW T31B2. Nuclear electric, 4x 10MW with batteries for intermediary backup and hotel. Not sure if it would need a nuclear engineer onboard though. I’m told they are in short supply. The UK Space Agency is funding the micro-reactor programme and RR have said it expects to get them ready for 2029. Perfect timing for T31B2.
That would turn T31B2 into a £1Bn ship
You are probably right, but I live hope that those microreactors won’t be as costly as some fear. US companies are floating costs in the several tens of millions as one off builds. If we decided to buy twenty of them for T31B2s, that could kickstart factory production and significantly lower unit costs, with a lot of export potential. If costs could be brought down to £10m a pop, although that’s probably far more than diesel, it would be worth it. I wonder how much fuel costs are for frigates for 10 years. (Yes, I’m conveniently ignoring disposal costs in my optimism, but that’s worked for nuclear power for the last half century. Then there’s upgrading of the frigate dry docks to meet regulatory standards, and new training regimes required for only 5 ships…)
As I write this, I can feel all my optimism draining away. 😢
In reality the Italians have set the standard for how big these are going to need to be and that’s massive.. 13,000 -14,000 tons if you want and exquisite platform and for the CBG the RN will want/need that exquisite platform.
But they also need mass… in reality the RN need to be able to deploy around 4 AAW platforms at anyone time ( 2 for CBG, 1 for a littoral group and 1 for choke point defence), so that’s 10-12 ships.. clearly the RN is not going to be able to afford 10-12 exquisite 13,000 AAW ships.. so (as supportive pointed out and I agree ) I bet they build about 4 T83s also keep the 6 T45s running into the very late 40s and early 50s then build a set of more modest T45 replacements at 7000 to 8000 tons in the mid 2040s.
Personally, I’d like to think we could work with the Italians and Japanese on these ships, rather like Tempest. Japan has ambitions for a super sized homeland defender, Italy has it’s own version, UK should really be looking at both to see the direction it’s all going.
I’m not convinced that you need to go much bigger than the existing T45, its roomy, we’ve ironed out the bugs and if you ditch the flight deck and hanger you have a lot of room for VLS. Leveraging an existing design with as much commonality as possible enables the mass you need.
Which would you prefer 4 exquisite Cruisers or 12 pure AAW Destroyers with 100 plus missiles and 57mm gun
Except we want the flight deck and hangar because these ships cannot afford to only do one thing
No I’m really sorry but you have to take a look at what is going on in the rest of the world …. T45 Is just not big enough or roomy enough in comparison to what China, US, Japan and Italy have concluded.
The RN has always been one step ahead…. To ignore what is happening all over the globe is tantamount to Treason in my book.
Take a look, see what China’s Type 55 actually has in it’s spec…. Tell us what you think about our response that is intended for at least the next 30 years ?
If the T83 is going to actually be more of a missile cruiser, then 6 for a like by like replacement is a good deal for the RN. In reality these ships should always be part of a battlegroup. More type 26s and 31s are what the RN desperately needs.
I think a balance between cost and capabilities is needed. While a 10,000 tonne Cruiser sound’s ideal the Royal Navy won’t be getting 6 of them.
SDR is likely on Uncle Kiers desk now…But it makes such awful reading that he sitting on it and playing wait and see…A reset of global defence aspiration and capability for the UK will be painful all round but it has to be faced.The new regime in Washington has to have major impact also.Type 83s will eventually cost £1.3/1.4 bn a time?..So RN wont get 6 or even 4 ,perhaps 3… and not until late 2030s maybe…Type 32 will probably still be in development by then..The Type 31s will be worked to death like the T23s before them and the T26s tied up in the Atlantic against Russia or diverted to Scandinavia..Present and future for the RN ..3 WORDS..NOT ENOUGH HULLS!!
Yes, the SDR probably makes unpalatable reading. Aspiration for San Antonio or Canberra style MRSS are likely fiction. We will get commercial conversion littoral ships like MV Ocean trader if we are lucky. T83 will be kicked into the long grass while the T31 hull could be developed and exploited into sound if not spectacular variant platforms. Reminds me of British Rail HS125…..you can get a lot out of performance out of diesel technology quite cheaply if you set your mind to it. Quantity has a quality all of its own.