During the past year, North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) militaries carried out core missions defending freedom of the seas and guarding alliance waterways, while supporting Ukraine and working with partners on shared maritime priorities. Dutch, Norwegian, and Portuguese submarines helped patrol the North Atlantic, a Spanish frigate tracked Russian hypersonic missile launches in the Mediterranean, and NATO navies in the Nordic and Baltic regions provided protection for critical undersea infrastructure. European warships from many NATO navies were on the front line in the Red Sea, alongside the U.S. Navy, defending shipping against Houthi attacks. British, Danish, French, German, Greek, and Italian destroyers and frigates engaged incoming Houthi drones, cruise missiles, and, in some cases, even ballistic missiles. The Red Sea activities provided triumphs, but also uncovered significant shortcomings, as some allied navies and warships fared better than others. These lessons, forged in the heat of battle, are already being integrated into future training and development of weapons, sensors, and naval platforms.
missiles during combat operations last year in the Red Sea. EU/Operation Aspides
Beginning in 2025, the new U.S. presidential administration’s willingness to question NATO commitments is sending shockwaves through the organization and across the globe. Allies are endeavoring to fill the perceived leadership vacuum and urgently rebuild Europe’s defense industrial capacity for the threats ahead.
Belgium and the Netherlands
A new class of seven 6,000-ton Belgian-Dutch antisubmarine warfare frigates will begin construction this year. The first of four will be delivered to the Netherlands in 2029 and the first of three to Belgium in 2030. Belgium, the Netherlands, and France are collaborating on advanced mine countermeasure (MCM) mother ships that will host MCM drones and unmanned systems. Belgium and the Netherlands will each receive six of the 2,800-ton MCM vessels between 2025 and 2030.
In March 2025, the Netherlands test launched a Tomahawk land-attack missile from the frigate De Ruyter. Tomahawk missiles will be added to the four De Zeven Provinciën–class frigates between 2025 and 2029.
The Netherlands ordered two innovative support ships for deployment side-by-side with air-defense frigates to counter drones and missile swarms. The minimally manned 550-ton ships will be delivered in 2026–27 and will be armed with Israeli Harop loitering munitions and Barak extended-range surface-to-air missiles (SAMs) that can be fired from the support ships but then controlled by nearby air-defense frigates. Support ship payloads will be modular so systems can be swapped out depending on mission requirements.
The Dutch Navy is planning to replace four Holland-class offshore patrol vessels (OPVs) and two large amphibious assault ships with six multipurpose LPX amphibious transport ships. The first LPX is planned for 2032, with all six expected for delivery by 2038.
The 22,000-ton Dutch combat support ship Den Helder conducted sea trials in 2024 and is expected in service this year. In September 2024, the Netherlands signed a contract to replace its Walrus-class diesel submarines with four French-built 3,300-ton Orka-class submarines. The first two Orkas are expected in service by around 2035, with two additional units planned soon thereafter.
Bulgaria
Bulgaria’s second 2,300-ton missile corvette was launched in December 2024 for delivery in 2026 under the Multipurpose Modular Patrol Vessel program. The first ship, the Hrabri, is expected for delivery by the end of 2025. These helicopter-carrying warships will be armed with RBS-15 Mk 3 antiship missiles, VL Mica SAMs, and torpedo tubes for antisubmarine warfare (ASW).
Canada
Construction is underway on the first of 15 Canadian-built 8,000-ton River-class guided-missile destroyers (DDGs), for delivery between the early 2030s and 2050. The River DDGs will feature cooperative engagement capability sensor netting and incorporate SPY-7 active electronically scanned array radar, advanced sonars, a Mk 41 vertical launching system (VLS), and Naval Strike Missiles (NSM). The first of two 21,500-ton Protecteur-class joint support ships is expected for delivery this year. A second one will be delivered in 2027.
Canada ordered two heavy polar icebreakers for delivery by 2032. They will be named the Arpatuuq and Imnaryuaq. Six Harry DeWolf–class 6,600-ton Arctic and offshore patrol vessels have been built for the Canadian Navy, and two more will be delivered to the Coast Guard in 2026 and 2027. Up to 16 8,500-ton multipurpose Canadian coast guard vessels, capable of Polar Class 4 icebreaking, are planned to begin entering service in 2030. The first six were ordered in 2024, and additional units will be delivered through the 2040s. A new 5,000-ton offshore oceanographic science ship was launched last year and is expected for delivery in 2025.
Fourteen P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft are on order for delivery between 2026 and 2028. An option for two more may be exercised in the future. Canada hopes to acquire a new fleet of up to 12 diesel-electric submarines capable of under-ice operations to replace the current fleet of Victoria-class boats in the post-2035 time frame.
Denmark
Denmark is expanding efforts to protect its Arctic interests. Three new patrol ships with enhanced Arctic capabilities were ordered in January 2025. The missile-armed ships could be ready for service as early as 2029 and will have helicopter and drone support capabilities. In early 2025, Denmark selected the Norwegian NSM to replace its Harpoon antiship missiles. In March 2024, the Danish air-defense frigate Iver Huitfeldt shot down four Houthi drones during combat operations in the Red Sea, but the frigate suffered malfunctions and was forced to withdraw from the region. In January 2025, Denmark detailed plans to upgrade its two Absalon-class flexible-support frigates with towed array sonars to enhance ASW capabilities. Denmark also is expanding its procurement of naval mines, and planning for new frigates, patrol craft, and potentially, submarines.
Finland
Finland, which builds more than 60 percent of the world’s icebreaker fleet and designs around 80 percent of them, joined Canada and the United States in an agreement to collaborate on icebreaker expertise and construction. Four 4,300-ton Pohjanmaa-class missile corvettes are planned for delivery between 2027 and 2029. They will carry Israeli Gabriel V antiship missiles, a Mk 41 VLS for SAMs, torpedo tubes for ASW, a helicopter/unmanned aerial vehicle hangar, and a landing deck.
France
The first French defense and intervention frigate, the Amiral Ronarc’h, known locally as the Frégate de Défense et d’Intervention (or FDI), will be delivered in 2025. Five of the 4,500-ton multimission ships are planned by 2032, and three additional FDIs may be ordered in the future.
Four 31,000-ton underway replenishment ships are being built for delivery by 2033. The first entered service in November 2024. France plans to order six lengthened variants of the Dutch-Belgian MCM mother ships for delivery by 2035. A total of six 1,300-ton Félix Éboué–class OPVs are planned by 2026 under the Patrouilleurs Outre-mer (POM) program. In 2024, the second POM was delivered and the third began trials. Seven 2,400-ton patrol ships—with an option for three more—were ordered for delivery between 2027 and the early 2030s. The sonar-equipped ships reportedly will protect and escort French submarines in and out of port.
France’s second 5,200-ton (submerged) Suffren-class nuclear-powered attack submarine (SSN) entered service in April 2024, and a third was delivered in November. Three additional SSNs are planned by 2029. Construction is underway on the first of four nuclear-powered ballistic-missile submarines (SSBNs) under the SNLE-3G program. The SSBNs are expected to begin entering service by the late 2030s to replace the current generation Le Triomphant class. In 2031, construction of a new 75,000-ton nuclear-powered aircraft carrier (CVN) is set to begin. The carrier is planned for service in the late 2030s. France is more than doubling Rafale fighter jet production and has ordered additional carrier-capable Rafales for its Navy. Three carrier-based E-2D Advanced Hawkeye airborne early-warning aircraft will begin arriving in 2027.
Germany
Germany, Europe’s biggest economy, has amended its constitution to permit massive increases in defense spending. The country is boosting submarine production and increasing capacity to meet domestic and foreign orders. In December, Germany tripled its order for Type 212CD (Common Design) submarines and now plans to purchase six of the advanced air-independent propulsion (AIP) boats for delivery between 2032 and 2037. Additional submarines may be ordered in the future. Six 10,500-ton Type 126 Niedersachsen-class multipurpose frigates are on order. The cruiser-sized ships will be delivered between 2028 and 2034. A new air-defense frigate, the Type 127, is currently in the design phase, with up to six planned for service from the mid-2030s.
Five K-130 batch-2 Braunschweig-class corvettes are on order and expected to begin entering service this year. Two 20,000-ton Type 707 replenishment tankers are planned, with the first expected for delivery this year. Construction began in November on the first of three 427-foot Type 424 intelligence-collection ships, expected to be handed over in 2029. Deliveries of 31 ship-based NH90 Sea Tiger naval helicopters are beginning later this year, along with the first of eight P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft.
Greece
Greece ordered three 4,500-ton Kimon-class frigates, based on the French FDI, and is expected to order a fourth. The Kimons are more heavily armed than their French counterparts and are expected for delivery by 2026. Future naval plans call for upgrades to four MEKO 200 Hydra-class frigates and procurement of up to four new corvettes, nine new missile-armed fast-attack craft, and potentially four diesel submarines. Delivery of ten MH-60R Seahawk naval helicopters is expected to be completed in 2025.
Italy
The Trieste, Italy’s 37,500-ton, 800-foot amphibious assault ship, was commissioned in December 2024 and is the largest Italian combat ship built since World War II. The Trieste features a floodable well deck for landing craft and a flight deck for helicopters and vertical/short take-off and landing aircraft. Italy’s embarked F-35Bs were declared operational in August 2024 on board the Italian aircraft carrier Cavour. Ten additional F-35Bs were recently ordered, bringing to 40 the number planned for service with the Italian Air Force and Navy. Italy also plans to acquire three 16,500-ton amphibious landing ships under the LXD program, with deliveries set to begin in the late 2020s and early 2030s.
Italy has ordered four Type 212NFS (Near Future Submarines) for delivery between 2027 and the early 2030s. The subs incorporate a modified bow design and lithium battery systems in place of the more traditional lead-acid type.
Italy’s ninth and tenth Carlo Bergamini–class 6,700-ton frigates are due for delivery by the end of this year under the Franco-Italian FREMM program. Two more FREMMs, the 11th and 12th ships, were ordered in July 2024 for delivery in 2029 and 2030. They feature an evolved design and are dubbed “FREMM EVO.”
Seven modular multipurpose Paolo Thaon di Revel–class PPA (Pattugliatore Polivalente d’Altura) patrol ships are planned by 2026. At least two additional units, built to a more advanced design, are planned. Six 2,400-ton PPX OPVs are planned, and deliveries are expected to begin in 2027. Italy’s second 27,000-ton Vulcano-class replenishment ship was launched in May 2024 and is expected to be delivered later this year.
Lithuania
Lithuania plans to acquire a new class of 289-foot patrol ships under Project Perkuna (Thunder). The locally built helicopter-carrying craft is expected to provide critical infrastructure protection, patrol, and maritime security along with mine warfare capabilities. The Navy has ordered a new harbor tug from the Netherlands for delivery this year, to aid allied ships and assist potential reinforcement operations at Lithuanian ports.
Norway
Norway is cooperating closely with Germany on Type 212CD submarines. Four have been ordered for Norway, and two additional units are planned. The first 2,500-ton (submerged) Type 212CD will deliver in 2029, and the remaining submarines will arrive by the mid-2030s. Norway is examining future frigate platforms and plans to fund five or six ASW frigates in the future for deliveries beginning in 2029. Six MH-60R Seahawk shipboard naval helicopters are set to arrive for service between 2025 and 2029. Norway’s Coast Guard plans to acquire 10 large offshore and 18 medium inshore ships with modular sensors and armament to replace several aging vessels.
Poland
Poland has ordered three 7,000-ton Miecznik-class frigates, built locally and based on the British Type 31 design. The first ship, the Wicher, was laid down in early 2024. Deliveries are expected to begin in 2029 and run through 2032. Two additional frigates may be purchased in the future.
Six 850-ton Kormoran II-class MCM ships are planned by 2027. The fourth and fifth ships were launched in June 2024 and March 2025. Poland intends to acquire up to four diesel-electric submarines and has begun analysis of foreign submarine designs prior to selection. A contract for a 6,500-ton undersea infrastructure protection and submarine rescue support ship was signed in December 2024. Plans call for construction to begin in late 2025 with delivery by 2029.
Portugal
Construction is underway on Portugal’s 7,000-ton multipurpose support ship, the D. João II, planned for delivery in 2026. The ship features a large flight deck and other elements to accommodate unmanned surface, air, and underwater systems and support diving operations, oceanographic research, or humanitarian missions. Upgrades to the Vasco da Gama MEKO 200–class frigates are expected to complete in 2027. Six additional 1,600-ton Viana do Castelo–class patrol ships have been ordered, with delivery expected between 2027 and 2030. In December 2024, Portugal ordered two 11,000-ton replenishment ships from Turkey. Construction is set to begin in 2025, with deliveries planned by 2028. In 2024, while on a NATO deployment to the north Atlantic, the submarine Arpão became the first Portuguese boat to navigate under the Arctic ice.
Spain
Spain’s Bonifaz-class F-110 multimission frigate program calls for at least five 6,100-ton Aegis SPY-7–equipped ships to deliver between 2028 and 2032. Two antisubmarine variants of the 2,900-ton Meteoro-class OPVs will be delivered in 2028, and two coastal hydrographic research ships are planned as well. Spain is building a new 5,000-ton submarine rescue, diving, and salvage support ship for delivery in 2026.
Trials recently began on the second of four planned Isaac Peral–class S-80+ submarines. Delivery of the 3,000-ton submarine is expected to take place in 2026. The two remaining S-80+ submarines are planned for delivery in 2028 and 2029.
Spain will receive seven NH90 naval helicopters by 2028 and eight MH-60R ASW helicopters by 2027. Sixteen C-295 maritime patrol and ASW aircraft are on order for delivery between 2027 and 2031.
Sweden
Sweden’s third and final Gotland-class submarine to be modernized, the Halland, was relaunched in February 2025. Her upgrades will lay the groundwork for Sweden’s next-generation Blekinge-class (Type A-26) submarines, two of which are planned for delivery in 2027 and 2028.
Four new Luleå-class air-defense ships are under development for service in the early 2030s. They will supplement five stealthy Visby-class patrol ships, which are being upgraded with the Sea Ceptor SAM system beginning this year.
Sweden has ordered eight small artillery craft for delivery in 2027–28. They will carry 120-mm mortars to provide indirect precision fire support for port defense and protection of coastal zones against hostile landings.
Turkey
Turkey’s second and third Istanbul-class frigates were launched in early 2025, and eight of the 3,000-ton domestically built ships are planned for service. Construction also began on the first TF-2000 destroyer, an 8,300-ton DDG fitted with advanced domestically developed sensors and weapons. Two 2,300-ton Hisar-class OPVs will be delivered by the end of this year, and eight new 262-foot landing craft are being built. Atmaca antiship missiles are beginning to replace Harpoon missiles as Turkish combatants undergo upgrades and modernization. In March 2025, a submarine variant of the Atmaca was successfully test fired from a Turkish submarine. The Piri Reis, Turkey’s first domestically produced Type 214TN Reis-class AIP submarine, was commissioned in August 2024. All six Type-214TNs will arrive by 2029. Construction began early this year on the first of a new class of 2,700-ton AIP submarines being built under the National Submarine (MILDEN) program.
In January 2025, the first steel was cut on Turkey’s MUGEM National Aircraft Carrier program. MUGEM calls for construction of a full-sized 60,000-ton aviation ship with a short take-off but arrested recovery system for up to 50 manned and unmanned aircraft.
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom’s four 17,000-ton Dreadnought-class SSBNs are planned for service from the early 2030s. In March 2025, the keel was laid for the first sub. Five of seven Astute-class SSNs are now in service, and the sixth, the Agamemnon, was launched in October 2024. Her commissioning is planned for 2025. The seventh and final SSN, to be named Achilles, is expected for service in 2026.
Eight 7,000-ton Type 26 City-class ASW frigates are planned by the mid-2030s. The first ship, to be named the Glasgow, is expected for service in 2028. Five 5,700-ton Type-31 Inspiration-class general-purpose frigates are planned by the early 2030s. They will operate with a crew of around 115 sailors and feature the largest flight deck of any British frigate or destroyer. The first Type 31 will be named the Venturer and is expected by 2027. Construction is set to begin this year on a new class of three 40,000-ton fleet solid support ships to replenish carrier groups with ammunition and other supplies. The ships are based on a Spanish design and will enter service in the early 2030s.
By the early 2025, the United Kingdom had taken delivery of 37 F-35B short take-off and vertical landing strike fighters operated by the Royal Navy and Air Force. At least 74 F-35Bs are eventually planned for British service.
