On December 19, 2025, in an ambitious attempt to address fleet gaps, the US Navy unveiled plans for a new class of smaller, agile combatant ships known as FF(X) frigates - Navy Secretary John Phelan highlighted this initiative through a video statement, emphasizing its role as a critical element of their future fleet. Huntington Ingalls Industries' Legend-class National Security Cutter provides inspiration for this design which will take to service with both US Coast Guard and Huntington Ingalls Industries' Legend class National Security Cutter providing its design inspiration as part of its builder's design principles for manufacturing this design initiative.
US Navy FF(X) Frigate: Speed and Scale to Support Future Fleet Operations
The FF(X) class seeks to deliver versatile mission capability at reduced costs and schedule risks, to address longstanding shipbuilding delays as documented by a March 2025 Government Accountability Office report. That analysis found unrealistic cost expectations as well as up to three-year delays at US shipyards, leading to acquisition Director Phelan to develop a lead shipyard strategy, followed by competitive follow-on production. With its first hull scheduled for delivery by 2028, these agile vessels may enable guided-missile destroyers to focus on high-end threats while these agile vessels handle bluewater operations while expanding surface combatant inventory levels to one third required levels - something Admiral Caudle highlighted as imperatively needed by increasing surface combatant inventory levels urgently needed expansion efforts.
This approach mirrors that of the upgradable Arleigh Burke-class destroyer program, enabling adaptations to meet emerging threats and technologies. President Trump and Secretary of War Mattis both support this initiative as part of the Golden Fleet initiative, providing strong political backing for naval recapitalization amid production shortfalls.
Indonesia Launches KRI Balaputradewa: Southeast Asias Largest Surface Combatant
Indonesia marked an historic naval achievement on December 18th 2025 with the unveiling of KRI Balaputradewa (332), Southeast Asias largest surface combatant ever built by state-owned PT PAL and designed as multi-role vessel capable of anti-surface, air and submarine warfare to strengthen Indonesias archipelagic defense strategy.
Indonesias launch marks its commitment to independent warship production, reflecting current international naval acquisition trends. Equipped with advanced sensors and missile systems, KRI Balaputradewa will enhance patrolling and deterrence capabilities across vital sea lanes; while its delivery by PT PAL signifies expanding indigenous capabilities in an important regional.
Northrop Grumman Awarded Key Naval Contract Modification
Northrop Grumman Systems Corp. in San Diego, California received a $25,303,971 cost-plus-fixed-fee and cost-only contract modification award to support ongoing naval systems work, supporting critical defense technologies; though specifics remain confidential. These contracts demonstrate sustained investment into US naval sustainment and innovation during this period.