The UK’s next-generation Type 83 destroyer has officially entered the concept phase.
Minister of State for Defence Maria Eagle revealed the update in response to a parliamentary question.
“The Type 83 Destroyer will be the core of the Future Air Dominance System (FADS) program, which has commenced its concept phase,” the minister replied.
“FADS will replace the UK’s present Maritime Air Defence Capability vested in the Type 45 Destroyer Programme.”
In late 2024, the UK Ministry of Defence issued a request for information for the FADS project.
It sought a clearer understanding of the industry’s current capabilities and offerings relevant to the project.
Additional industry engagements are planned in 2025 to further refine the project’s requirements.
Type 83 Destroyer
The Type 83 is a key component of the FADS program and is expected to start replacing the six Type 45s in the mid-2030s.
Unveiled in 2021, the warship’s features have not been defined yet.
However, an unofficial concept image shown at a naval conference suggests that the warship is likely to be the size of the Chinese Type 055 destroyer (around 12,000 tons).
Additional possible features include Mk 41 vertical launch systems, directed-energy weapons, and next-generation radar systems.
Future Air Dominance System
The FADS is a multi-domain maritime integrated air and missile defense against air and space threats, such as hypersonic missiles, anti-ship ballistic missiles, and saturation attacks by cruise missiles.
Additionally, it will retain strike capability against air, land, and maritime targets.
The FADS will follow a system of systems approach, combining disparate and disaggregated sensors and effectors, frigates, aircraft, and uncrewed autonomous systems.
It will provide air defense to carrier strike groups and littoral strike groups, a role currently performed by the Type 45.
