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Britain Launches Biggest Royal Navy Rebuild Since WWII as Russian Threat Grows
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The Royal Navy is undergoing its most extensive rebuild since the Second World War, First Sea Lord General Sir Gwyn Jenkins stated on November 10.
He reported that 13 frigates are already under construction and major submarine, amphibious, support, and autonomous programs are planned.
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“We are embarking on the most extensive recapitalisation of the Royal Navy since the Second World War,” Jenkins told the International Sea Power Conference in Norway, according to the UK Ministry of Defence.
The current shipbuilding program represents around 280,000 tons of new steel, rising to approximately 450,000 tons once planned programs are included, Jenkins noted.
Thirteen new frigates are already being built, including Type 26 vessels that Britain will operate alongside Norway. They are expected to be followed by six Common Combat Vessels designed to command uncrewed systems.
The Royal Navy is also renewing its submarine fleet. The program includes four Dreadnought-class ballistic missile submarines, completion of the Astute-class program, and preparations under AUKUS for up to 12 next-generation attack submarines.
Four new amphibious ships are planned to expand the reach of Royal Marines Commandos, while four Fleet Solid Support ships will provide logistical support to the fleet, the UK Ministry of Defence noted.
Jenkins stated that the Royal Navy is being rebuilt around its core purpose of being able to “lead, fight and win,” with the service focused on readiness by the end of the decade. He noted that the UK defense secretary has instructed the military to be ready within 1,000 days.
The modernization also extends beyond conventional warships through the Royal Navy’s “Hybrid Navy” program, which combines crewed platforms with autonomous systems. Jenkins noted that the concept had moved from planning into operational use over the past year.
The Royal Navy recently commissioned its first Autonomous Squadron in Portsmouth, centered on Kraken uncrewed surface vessels. The squadron will initially conduct coastal defense, monitor maritime approaches, protect critical infrastructure, and respond to hostile activity.
Jenkins also announced that counter-drone interceptors will be integrated onto Kraken vessels in 2027, creating a lower-cost option for engaging airborne threats while preserving more advanced missiles for higher-priority targets.
“By integrating these interceptors on Kraken, we are learning lessons from Ukraine and demonstrating that a sledgehammer is no longer required to crack a nut,” Jenkins stated.
The Royal Navy is additionally preparing to test jet-powered Collaborative Combat Aircraft from an aircraft carrier. Jenkins announced plans to work with Northrop Grumman on its TALON demonstrator under Project VANQUISH, with a UK demonstration and carrier launch planned for 2027.
Jenkins framed the buildup as a response to a deteriorating security environment, warning that the risk of conflict is rising and that Russia will continue testing Western resolve.
“Russia will continue to test our resolve and look for weakness. But war is not inevitable—not if our enemies believe that we are serious,” he stated.
The Royal Navy’s expansion comes as Britain and its Northern European allies increase preparations to counter Russian submarine activity. In November, the UK-led Joint Expeditionary Force moved to strengthen coordination across the North Atlantic, Arctic, and Baltic Sea, with a focus on detecting Russian submarines and protecting critical undersea infrastructure.
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