UK’s Type 83 destroyer program ready to level up after entering concept phase

The Royal Navy’s Type 83 destroyer program is gearing up for its next stage, after officially entering the concept phase.

The information was revealed as part of a written response from Maria Eagle, Minister of State for Defense, to a parliamentary question from Graeme Downie.

“To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when he plans to announce the next stages of the Type 83 Destroyer programme,” Downie stated.

“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,” Eagle responded.

Earlier on, Eagle unveiled that Britain’s new destroyers entered into the concept phase. FADS will replace the UK’s present Maritime Air Defence Capability vested in the Type 45 destroyer program.

The existing Type 45 or Daring-class destroyers are primarily designed for anti-aircraft and anti-missile warfare, and they are among the most advanced warships ever built, according to the Royal Navy. There are a total of six vessels in the class. The first ship in the class, HMS Daring, was commissioned in July 2009.

The new destroyers are expected to play a critical role in enhancing the UK’s air defense capabilities, particularly in countering evolving threats to the nation’s maritime borders.

The decision could have profound implications for the UK’s shipbuilding industry, which has already faced challenges in recent years.

Eagle highlighted that the Type 83 destroyer project will “secure work until at least the mid-2040s, depending on the number of platforms built”. An analysis of supply chain involvement and social value will be conducted.

So far, a few details have been disclosed about the vessels; however, the project was backed by some of the largest shipbuilding companies, such as BAE Systems. In October 2021, the shipbuilder started the delivery of the FMSP.