The Ministry of Defence has allocated funding to examine whether Type 45 destroyers will require extended service beyond their planned out-of-service date of 2035-38. The decision follows the abandonment of the Type 83 replacement programme, with the alternative Hybrid Navy concept of Common Combat Vessels and uncrewed platforms remaining immature. A parliamentary answer dated 27 August confirms that the Defence Investment Plan includes funding for a study into the transition between Type 45 and the Hybrid Navy Maritime Air Defence system. The study will not commit to retaining the destroyers, but will examine whether an extension is necessary. A decision…
