This year, 2024, marks the 75th anniversary of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. Today, alliance military budgets are again increasing, along with procurement and planning. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine was the impetus behind this rejuvenation. Recent Iranian-backed Houthi missile and drone attacks on allied warships and shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden also are serving as a stark reminder that high-intensity naval warfare has not been relegated to the history books. NATO navies are taking note, and preparing for a more dangerous future.
Belgium and the Netherlands
Belgium and the Netherlands each have ordered two new 6,400-ton antisubmarine warfare frigates. All four warships will be operational by 2032, with deliveries set to begin to the Netherlands in 2029 and to Belgium in 2030. The 12-ship Belgian-Dutch mine countermeasures (MCM) program is underway, and the first two vessels were launched in 2023. Belgium and the Netherlands will each receive six of the 2,800-ton mine hunters, along with dozens of MCM drones. Deliveries are expected to commence this year and will continue through 2030.
The Netherlands is acquiring four new air-defense frigates for arrival between 2034 and 2041. Existing De Zeven Provinciën–class frigates will receive sensor and weapon upgrades between 2025 and 2029, including U.S. Tomahawk cruise missiles, which will be test launched from the frigate De Ruyter later this year. Six multimission transport ships are under development and planned for Dutch service between 2037 and 2038. They will replace the amphibious ships Rotterdam and Johan de Witt, along with Holland-class offshore patrol vessels (OPVs), which are undergoing a midlife refits, which will begin in 2025.
In October 2023, the Netherlands retired the first of its four Walrus-class diesel submarines. At least two of the remaining three submarines will be upgraded in the next few years with Tomahawk missiles. Replacement of the Walrus class will occur between 2033 and 2037, when a new class of French-designed submarines will be delivered.
Bulgaria
Bulgaria’s Multipurpose Modular Patrol Vessel program calls for construction of two 2,300-ton corvettes based on Germany’s OPV-90 design. The first was launched in August 2023, and they are expected for delivery in 2025 and 2026, respectively. Each will carry one helicopter, RBS-15 Mk 3 antiship missiles, and VL Mica surface-to-air missiles.
Canada
Canada plans to build 15 7,800-ton Aegis-equipped frigates with SPY-7 radars for delivery beginning in the early 2030s. The frigates are based on the British Type 26, and construction is set to begin this year. Eight 6,600-ton Harry DeWolf--–class Arctic and offshore patrol vessels (AOPVs) will be delivered by the late 2020s; six for the navy and two for the coast guard. In 2023, the fourth AOPV was delivered, the fifth was launched, and the sixth laid down. The second of two Protecteur-class joint support ships was laid down in November 2023, and delivery of the first is expected in 2025. Both will be operational by 2028. Canada’s coast guard plans to build two large polar icebreakers and up to 16 multipurpose vessels for service beginning in the 2030s. Canada’s four Victoria-class diesel-powered submarines are being refitted to ensure future serviceability, although Canada hopes to eventually replace them with up to 12 new submarines. In November, plans were announced to purchase up to 16 P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft. Deliveries are set to begin in 2026 to replace existing CP-140 Auroras.
Estonia
Estonia’s truck-mounted Blue Spear coastal defense missiles achieved initial operational capability in early 2024. These Israeli antiship missiles have a range of more than 150 nautical miles. In 2023, the Police and Border Protection agency transferred four of its patrol ships to the navy.
Finland
Finland officially joined the NATO alliance on 4 April 2023. The first of four 4,300-ton Pohjanmaa-class multipurpose corvettes was laid down in October 2023, and all will deliver by 2029. Seventeen 13.9-ton Jurmo-class fast-landing craft were ordered in mid-2023 to complement several dozen already in service. Last December, construction commenced on the first of two 322-foot Turva-class patrol and environmental response ships for the Border Guard. Delivery is planned for 2025 and 2026.
France
France’s first Barracuda-class nuclear-powered attack submarine (SSN), the Suffren, completed an initial deployment last year, and the second submarine, the Duguay-Trouin, was handed over in July. All six SSNs will be delivered by 2030. Construction on a new class of nuclear-powered ballistic-missile submarines (SSBN) has begun, to replace the four Le Triomphant–class SSBNs beginning around 2035. A new submarine-launched ballistic missile, the M51.3, was successfully test fired in November 2023 and is expected to join the fleet in 2025.
France’s eighth and final Aquitaine-class frigate, the Lorraine, was commissioned in November under the Frégate Européenne Multi-Mission (FREMM) program. Five 4,500-ton frigates are being built under the Frégate de Défense et d’Intervention (FDI) program. Namesake Amiral Ronarc’h will enter service this year, followed by the Amiral Louzeau in 2027 and Amiral Castex in 2030. Two more FDIs are planned by 2035. In July, the Auguste Bénébig, first of six 1,300-ton overseas patrol ships, entered service under the Patrouilleurs Outre-Mer (POM) program. All six POMs will be delivered by 2026.
In early 2024, a third La Fayette–class frigate completed refit, gaining new ASW capabilities. In July 2023, the Jacques Chevallier, first of three 30,000-ton oilers, was delivered. Two more are expected in 2025 and 2027. France signed on to the Dutch-Belgian mine-countermeasures program in August 2023 and plans to acquire six modified MCM ships. Ten 2,000-ton OPVs are planned by 2035. Seven were ordered in November, and deliveries are expected to begin in 2026.
France plans to build a new 75,000-ton nuclear-powered aircraft carrier for delivery in the late 2030s. Additional carrier-based Rafale M naval fighters are on order, and three E-2D Hawkeye airborne early-warning aircraft will be delivered by 2027. Twelve Falcon 2000 Albatros maritime patrol aircraft are planned. At least seven have been ordered, with deliveries to begin in 2025.
Germany
Germany began construction in December on the first of six 10,000-ton F-126 multimission frigates for delivery between 2028 and the early 2030s. Five Batch II Braunschweig-class corvettes are being built under the K-130 program for service beginning in 2025, joining five Batch I sisters commissioned from 2008 to 2013. The first of Germany’s two 20,000-ton Type 707 replenishment ships was laid down in August and is scheduled for delivery in 2025. Three 433-foot Type 424 intelligence-collection ships were ordered in 2023 for delivery between 2029 and 2031.
Two German Type 212CD (common design) submarines are planned for delivery in 2032 and 2034. In November 2023, Germany increased its order of P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft from five to eight. The first five P-8s will be delivered by 2025. The new NH90 Sea Tiger naval helicopter conducted its first flight this past fall. Thirty-one NH90s were ordered for delivery between 2025 and 2030.
Greece
Greece received four retired 110-foot Island-class cutters from the U.S. Coast Guard in 2023. In May, a 345-foot multipurpose support ship was donated to the Hellenic Navy by a private shipowner. Renamed the Perseus, she is being converted to support naval missions. Three 4,500-ton multipurpose frigates, based on the French Amiral Ronarc’h class, are planned for delivery by 2026. The lead ship, the Kimon, was launched last October. Greece’s first three MH-60R Seahawk helicopters were delivered in early 2024 and four additional Seahawks are set to arrive in 2025.
Italy
Italy’s ninth and tenth Carlo Bergamini–class frigates are under construction and scheduled for delivery in 2025 under the FREMM program. A total of seven modular 6,000-ton OPVs are planned under the Pattugliatori Polivalenti d’Altura (PPA) program. This past year, the third PPA, the Raimondo Montecuccoli, was delivered and the sixth ship was launched. Italy finalized a contract last summer to design and build at least three smaller 2,400-ton OPVs. A trio of 16,500-ton amphibious assault ships is planned for service between 2028 and 2031. The 33,000-ton amphibious assault ship Trieste conducted sea trials late into 2023 and is expected to join the fleet in 2024. The Trieste can carry a mix of helicopters and F-35B short takeoff and vertical landing (STOVL) strike fighters, 30 of which are entering Italian service. The aircraft carrier Giuseppe Garibaldi is expected to be retired in October 2024. Three AIP-capable Type 212NFS (near future submarines) are planned for service between 2028 and 2031. They will incorporate lithium-ion batteries, and a fourth boat may be ordered in the future.
Latvia
Latvia has ordered Naval Strike Missiles for coastal defense to be delivered in 2027. Modernization of the former Dutch Alkmaar-class MCM ships is expected to be completed by 2025.
Norway
Norway has ordered four Type 212CD AIP submarines in a cooperative effort with Germany, for delivery beginning in 2029. Norwegian industry is investing heavily to meet defense production goals, notably for the ubiquitous Naval Strike Missile. In 2023, the coast guard received two new 10,400-ton Jan Mayen–class OPVs for service in the High North. A third OPV is expected in 2024. Six MH-60R helicopters were ordered last year for shipboard ASW.
Poland
Poland’s three 7,000-ton Miecznik-class multimission frigates are expected to enter service between 2029 and 2031. Construction on the class began this past August. All six Kormoran II–class MCM ships are expected by 2027, and the fourth unit is now under construction. Two intelligence-collection ships are on order for service by 2028. The first was laid down in July 2023 and the second in January 2024. Four AW101 Merlin submarine-hunting helicopters are expected to be operational this year. Hundreds of additional Naval Strike Missiles and new mobile coastal-defense launchers were ordered in 2023, with deliveries scheduled between 2026 and 2032.
Portugal
Portugal ordered a 7,000-ton support ship, to be named the D. João II, for delivery in late 2026. The ship will feature a large flight deck, stern ramp, and hangar capacity to accommodate helicopters and unmanned surface, subsurface, and aerial vehicles. Portugal is ordering six enhanced Viana do Castelo–class OPVs, which are expected for delivery between 2027 and 2030. In early 2024, Germany transferred the first of six P-3C Orion maritime patrol aircraft to Portugal. The remaining aircraft will arrive by 2027.
Romania
Romania canceled plans to acquire French Gowind corvettes in August. The military will take delivery of mobile coastal-defense batteries equipped with Naval Strike Missiles between late 2024 and 2028. Two H215M naval helicopters were ordered in early 2024 for service in 2026. Two retired Sandown-class MCM vessels are being transferred from the United Kingdom this year.
Spain
The first of Spain’s five F-110 Bonifaz-class frigates was laid down in August, and construction began on a second frigate in December. The 6,100-ton frigates will incorporate SPY-7 radar and enter service between 2028 and 2032. They will carry a vertical launch system (VLS) and Naval Strike Missiles, which will also be retrofitted on existing F-100 Álvaro de Bazán–class frigates during mid-life upgrades.
Spain commissioned the first of four S-80 Plus submarines, the Isaac Peral, on 30 November 2023. The remaining three submarines will be delivered between 2024 and 2028. Spain ordered a 5,000-ton submarine rescue, diving, and salvage support ship to be named the Poseidon and delivered in 2026.
In 2023, eight MH-60R helicopters were ordered for delivery by 2027 and 16 C295 maritime patrol and ASW aircraft were ordered for delivery between 2027 and 2031. In November, the first of seven H135 shipboard helicopters was delivered. All should arrive by 2025.
Sweden
Sweden became NATO’s newest member on 7 March 2024 and has extensive submarine modernization plans. Construction is underway on the first of two 2,000-ton Blekinge-class submarines, which will be delivered in 2027. A sister boat, to be named Skåne, will arrive in 2028. Two Gotland-class submarines completed extensive modernization and a third will be upgraded in the future. In November, the 3,000-ton intelligence-collection ship Artemis was delivered to replace the 40-year-old Orion.
Turkey
Turkey’s 27,000-ton amphibious assault ship, the Anadolu, was commissioned in April 2023. The flagship, based on Spain’s Juan Carlos I design, was intended to carry F-35B fighters but was reimagined as a carrier for unmanned drones following Turkey’s removal from the F-35 program. The Anadolu can transport more than 1,000 troops and accommodate a mix of more than 20 helicopters and unmanned aircraft. An 850- to 950-foot aircraft carrier, displacing roughly 60,000 tons, is planned for the future.
Turkey’s first domestically produced frigate, the 2,400-ton Istanbul, entered service in January 2024. Construction on three more is underway. The 26,000-ton replenishment and support ship Derya and the 349-foot logistics auxiliary Arif Ekmekçi were both commissioned in January 2024. The first two 2,300-ton Hisar-class OPVs, the Akhisar and Koçhisar, were launched in August 2023. The Piri Reis, Turkey’s first AIP-equipped Type 214TN submarine, conducted sea trials in 2023 and is expected in service during 2024. A second boat of the class was launched in May 2023, and all six should be delivered by the end of the decade. Turkey’s eight Type 209/1400 submarines are scheduled to complete their midlife upgrades by around 2030.
United Kingdom
In the United Kingdom, construction is underway on four of the eight 6,900-ton Type 26 ASW frigates, planned for delivery by the mid-2030s. The first ship, the Glasgow, is expected for service in late 2028. Five 5,700-ton Type 31 patrol frigates are planned by 2028. The first, to be named the Venturer, should be delivered next year. Type 45 Daring-class guided-missile destroyers are receiving propulsion fixes, as well as extensive air-defense enhancements, to be completed by 2032. Naval Strike Missiles are now operational with the fleet and being added to the Type 45 and Type 23 Duke-class frigates.
The sixth and seventh Astute-class SSNs, the Agamemnon and Agincourt, will enter service in 2025 and 2026. Construction has begun on the third of four 17,000-ton Dreadnaught-class nuclear-powered ballistic-missile submarines (SSBNs) to replace the Vanguard SSBNs from the early 2030s.
Plans to deploy the 65,000-ton aircraft carrier Queen Elizabeth on a NATO exercise were called off earlier this year because of propeller shaft problems. Her sister ship Prince of Wales was sent as a replacement. A total of 138 F-35B STOVL fighters are eventually planned for British service. Thirty-four of these were delivered by early 2024, and 13 additional aircraft are expected by 2025.
Construction is expected to begin on three 39,000-ton fleet solid support auxiliaries next year, and the first ship is scheduled to enter service in 2031. The 6,000-ton special mission ships Stirling Castle and Proteus entered service in 2023 to assist with surveys and MCM and help protect underwater infrastructure such as pipelines and telecommunications cables.