The decision forms part of the government’s long-awaited Defence Investment Plan, which prioritizes drone-enabled warfare and frontline capabilities over traditional large surface combatants. The Royal Navy’s six Type 45 destroyers are scheduled to retire by the end of 2038.

The new Common Combat Vessels (CCVs) will serve as command hubs for autonomous systems operating in the air, on the sea surface and underwater. The vessels are expected to enter service from the early 2030s and will operate alongside crewed frigates and other planned autonomous platforms.

“These Common Combat Vessels will provide our dedicated sailors with hybrid ships that are designed and built for the increasing threats we face,” Defence Secretary Dan Jarvis said in a statement.

“Developed with exceptional British innovators, the new ships will be British-built, supporting jobs across the nation and giving the Royal Navy a capability built for modern warfare,” he added.

The move reflects a broader reassessment of Britain’s defence priorities as military planners increasingly emphasize autonomous technologies, networked operations and rapidly deployable capabilities in response to evolving security threats.

Earlier this month, former Defence Minister John Healey resigned following disagreements over the Defence Investment Plan, arguing that the government had not committed sufficient resources to maintain Britain’s military readiness.

Since taking office, Jarvis has redirected the investment strategy toward near-term procurement priorities, including advanced strike drones and high-speed vessels for Royal Marine commandos.

Housing Secretary Steve Reed said the Defence Investment Plan would be published within days.

“We have to be ready for any future war and what that will be like, not whatever the last war was like,” Reed told Sky News.