What are the Royal Navy’s new common combat vessels and what do they do?

• The Royal Navy is set to acquire at least six new 'common combat vessels' (CCVs) as part of a new defence investment plan, aiming to modernise its military and prioritise drone technology.
• These CCVs will serve as crucial control hubs for uncrewed systems, designed to significantly expand the Navy’s operational reach and firepower without a proportional increase in crew numbers or associated costs.
• The decision means the abandonment of previous plans to develop the Type 83 destroyer, which was intended to replace the existing fleet of six Type 45 destroyers, with approximately £1 million already spent on its concept design.
• The current Type 45 destroyers, known as the Daring Class, are 152 metres long, specialise in anti-aircraft and anti-missile warfare, and have recently been deployed to combat drone threats, including HMS Diamond intercepting a drone in December 2023.
• Defence Secretary Dan Jarvis stated that the new British-built CCVs will provide sailors with "hybrid ships" tailored for modern warfare, supporting jobs across the nation and offering an adaptable design for potential global export.

IN FULL

What will the Navy’s modern uncrewed vessels look like and what will replace the destroyers?