On the shopping list

New weapons, autonomous systems and global availability - navies that want to be successful in the international arena are facing major challenges. The second part of "Turning Point at Sea" highlights the most important fields of action.

When looking at different types of ships, the focus is on aircraft and helicopter carriers, large amphibious landing ships, drone carriers and submarines. Their size is increasing noticeably. Cruisers with a massive arsenal of guided missiles make a comeback. Destroyers, frigates and corvettes are procured as standard, also with more tonnage and increased armament.
Frigates are the standard surface combatant for extended operations with complex tasks and weapons. The fleet lists currently show 575 units. Around 200 new frigates are expected by the end of the decade and as many as 370 by 2040. Their production costs are in the region of 500 million euros or more. Half of the new builds will be in the Asia-Pacific region, particularly in China with 50 ships. At the same time, there is a debate in the USA as to whether powerful destroyers are more important than lightly armed frigates. The mix of artillery, air and missile defence, cruise missiles and anti-submarine weapons can be better accommodated on a destroyer.