The UK’s Ministry of Defence has confirmed that the concept phase for the upcoming Type 83 destroyer has officially commenced. This update was shared by Minister of State for Defence Maria Eagle in response to inquiries during a recent parliamentary session. The Type 83 destroyer is poised to serve as a central element of the Future Air Dominance System (FADS) program, a strategic initiative aimed at advancing the UK’s maritime air defense capabilities.
Minister Eagle highlighted that the Type 83 is intended to replace the existing Maritime Air Defence Capability currently offered by the Type 45 destroyer program. This transition is expected to occur during the mid-2030s, as the Type 83 destroyer begins to phase out the six Type 45 vessels currently in service.
To ensure the program’s success, the Ministry of Defence initiated a request for information regarding the FADS project in late 2024. This request aimed to gather insights on the capabilities and offerings provided by industry players relevant to the FADS. The Ministry plans to engage further with industry stakeholders in 2025 to refine the requirements of the project, indicating a collaborative approach to developing this next-generation destroyer.
The Type 83 destroyer, which was first unveiled in 2021, remains shrouded in some uncertainty regarding its design and capabilities. However, an unofficial concept image presented at a naval conference has indicated that it may match the size of the Chinese Type 055 destroyer, with an estimated displacement of around 12,000 tons. Potential features under consideration for the Type 83 include Mk 41 vertical launch systems, advanced directed-energy weapons, and next-generation radar systems, all of which could enhance its operational effectiveness.
As for the Future Air Dominance System, this ambitious initiative is designed to provide a multi-domain integrated air and missile defense solution. FADS will address evolving air and space threats, including hypersonic missiles, anti-ship ballistic missiles, and the increasing risk of saturation attacks by cruise missiles. Moreover, it will retain strike capabilities against a variety of targets, including air, land, and maritime nodes.
The FADS program adopts a systems of systems approach, aiming to integrate various sensors, effectors, surface vessels, aircraft, and uncrewed autonomous systems into a cohesive defense network. With its focus on facilitating air defense for carrier strike groups and littoral strike groups, the Type 83 destroyer will play a critical role in maintaining the Royal Navy’s operational capability in the face of modern and emerging threats.
