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New naval shipbuilding plan due later this year
The British government plans to publish a Shipbuilding and Maritime Technology Action Plan later in 2026. The document will address long-term workforce, infrastructure, industrial capacity, and growth beyond current frigate, support-ship, and autonomous-vessel programs. It comes as Type 23 frigates retire and Type 26 and Type 31 replacements enter service, creating concern about sustaining escort numbers and continuous work at British yards. Ministers have cited investment in autonomous vessels, a Netherlands-linked amphibious fleet, future Common Combat Vessels, five Type 31s, and a combined British-Norwegian total of 13 Type 26s, but have not released individual retirement or entry dates.