Defence investment plan, which was originally due in the autumn, criticised by Tories and Lib Dems
Sharon Graham, the leader of the UK’s second biggest union, Unite, is to face a challenge as general secretary over claims the union is not doing enough to challenge the rise of Reform UK, Matthew Taylor reports.
The Ministry of Defence has already given some details of what’s in the defence investment plan (Dip), even though the full details won’t be released until later.
Royal Navy
The Royal Navy is transforming into a Hybrid Navy, combining autonomous vessels and AI with warships and aircraft, including:
The Common Combat Vessel will replace the current fleet of six Type 45 destroyers, with delivery expected from the early 2030s. Unlike its predecessors, the new warship will act as a control hub for uncrewed systems – extending the Navy’s reach, resilience and firepower without a proportional increase in crew or cost.
Due to be outlined in the forthcoming Defence Investment Plan, these new ships will replace earlier plans for a Type 83 destroyer. Rather than concentrating capability in a small number of large, expensive ships, the Royal Navy’s shift to a hybrid navy will mix crewed and uncrewed capabilities and be more suited to the pace and nature of modern warfare.
