UK announces national shipbuilding strategy
George Osborne, Chancellor of the Exchequer for the UK, announced a new national shipbuilding strategy on 30 January ahead of a future order for the new Type 26 global combat ship.
Osborne asked to look at the potential for building a new complex warship in two-year intervals. The strategy will help the navy receive world-class ships and builds further on the government's commitment to the navy and defence.
At present, the navy is adding new and modern equipment, submarines and ships. It is building two aircraft carriers and will receive the new Type 26 frigate. It has already deployed to advanced Astute Class nuclear submarines, and five more will be delivered over ten years.
Osborne also announced infrastructure development of almost £100 million for the dock facilities at Portsmouth Naval Base to support the arrival of Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft carriers. This development will include new power supply and distribution, berthing and jetty improvements and significant dredging at the harbour approach.
More from Defence Notes
-
![New Zealand boosts defence spend to US$6.6 billion and vows increased closeness with Australia]()
New Zealand boosts defence spend to US$6.6 billion and vows increased closeness with Australia
This budget will be spent over the next four years and nearly doubles the country’s defence spending as part of GDP to 2%.
-
![UK Chancellor commits £2 billion to make the country a “defence industrial superpower”]()
UK Chancellor commits £2 billion to make the country a “defence industrial superpower”
Rachel Reeves announced port upgrades, protected budgets for innovation and investment in novel technologies.
-
![Avalon 2025: Australian defence budget meets the low expectations of show attendees]()
Avalon 2025: Australian defence budget meets the low expectations of show attendees
The Australian Budget was marked by tax cuts and a looming general election which led to little hope that there would be a substantial defence boost even with a big bill for nuclear submarines due.
-
![Launch of Gilat Defense targets DoD market]()
Launch of Gilat Defense targets DoD market
The communications company Gilat launched its new Gilat Defense division at the Satellite 2025 expo, with future solutions aimed at US military customers.
-
![Collins MAPS Gen II to equip US DoD watercraft]()
Collins MAPS Gen II to equip US DoD watercraft
US services have already conducted multiple tests with military maritime systems fitted with the system.
-
![OCCAR expects substantial boost in programme numbers “in the coming months”]()
OCCAR expects substantial boost in programme numbers “in the coming months”
Europe’s Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR) “has to establish itself…as a centre of excellence for cooperative Defence Equipment Programmes” in the face of growing threats and the need for rearmament, according to the organisation’s chairman.
