The global military landscape has been shaped by intense geopolitical rivalries, shifting alliances, and the accelerating pace of technological advancements. Naval power has emerged as a central element in these power struggles, with nations increasingly focused on enhancing their maritime capabilities and expanding their fleets.
In 2024, naval forces around the world have made significant strides in both fleet modernization and operational readiness. Trends show a shift toward more advanced and capable vessels, including aircraft carriers, nuclear-powered submarines, and multi-role surface ships. The rise of autonomous and unmanned systems, as well as hypersonic weapons, is reshaping naval operations.
Here are the top stories on Naval Today that captured the most attention and defined the year’s key moments.
HMS Venturer’s impressive bow unit was installed in February 2024 as progress on the ship’s structure continues, according to shipbuilding major Babcock International. The Type 31 frigates (Inspiration-class) will replace five general-purpose Type 23 frigates that have served the navy since the early 1990s. The Royal Navy has picked Babcock’s Arrowhead 140 proposal as the preferred design for its Type 31 frigates.
During the Sea Power Conference 2024 in London, UK Defense Secretary Grant Shapps revealed that two Royal Navy’s Type 23 frigates will be retired.
the vessels in question are Type 23 frigates HMS Argyll and HMS Westminster. HMS Argyll has been sold to BAE Systems and will be used within the UK’s shipbuilding sector, supporting apprentice training in line with the government’s agenda on skills and shipbuilding capacity. The vessel was launched in 1989, and it was the longest-serving Type 23 frigate. HMS Westminster, which was launched in February 1992, will also be decommissioned. The vessel was known throughout the Royal Navy as ‘the capital ship’.
Vard Marine, a Fincantieri company, has named Serco as a preferred supplier to Team Vigilance for the Canadian Navy’s next-generation offshore patrol vessel (OPV). Vard launched VIGILANCE, as their solution to replace the Royal Canadian Navy’s (RCN) Kingston-class maritime coastal defence vessels (MCDV) under Pillar Two of Canada’s National Shipbuilding Strategy.
In May 2024, UK shipbuilder Babcock International completed a number of key activities on the Royal Navy’s second Type 31 frigate. The keel for HMS Active, the second ship of the Type 31 frigate program, was laid in September last year. The construction of the vessel started in January 2023 with a traditional steel-cutting ceremony.
Dutch shipbuilder Damen and Swedish defence company Saab have agreed to export the advanced expeditionary C-71 submarines.
Saab and Damen have been working together since 2015 to build, modernize, and maintain the new expeditionary submarine for the Royal Netherlands Navy. The two companies have now also agreed to offer their advanced expeditionary submarines to Canada. The country is in the initial phase of a similar process to replace their diesel-electric submarines.
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