The UK Ministry of Defence has announced this week that the development program for the Royal Navy’s new Type 83 destroyers has entered its Concept Phase, marking a significant step for the class that will serve as the backbone of the Future Air Dominance System (FADS). The new vessels are expected to replace the current Type 45 destroyers, with Initial Operational Capability (IOC) projected for the late 2030s.
In response to parliamentary inquiries about the program’s status, UK Minister for Defence Procurement Maria Eagle stated: “The Type 83 Destroyer will be the core of the Future Air Dominance System (FADS) program, which has now entered its Concept Phase. The FADS will replace the UK’s current Maritime Air Defence capability, currently provided by the Type 45 Destroyer program.”
Since the program is still in its Concept Phase, few concrete details are available regarding the future Type 83 destroyers. However, initial plans suggest that the ships will be larger and more capable than their predecessors. With a primary focus on air defense missions, they are expected to feature advanced capabilities to counter a wide range of missile threats, including hypersonic weapons, while also retaining strike potential against maritime and land-based targets.
According to British media reports, the new destroyers may have dimensions comparable to China’s Type 055 destroyers or the U.S. Navy’s Zumwalt-class. However, these claims are based on unofficial conceptual designs, making their accuracy uncertain. At a minimum, the new platform is speculated to include Mk 41 vertical launch systems (VLS), directed-energy weapons, and next-generation radar systems. There has also been speculation about the potential integration of future railgun technology.
To gather industry input for the program, the UK Ministry of Defence held a Market Engagement Event (MEE) last December, with plans for similar future events. According to reports from Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S), the event provided a deeper understanding of the current industrial capabilities needed to advance the Type 83 program, enabling adjustments to the Royal Navy’s requirements.
Images used for illustrative purposes.
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