CNE 2026
Navantia UK – Shaping the Future of Naval Defence
Designed for the hybrid navy
The future Royal Navy will operate mixed task groups in which crewed vessels work alongside optimally crewed and uncrewed platforms across the surface, sub-surface and air domains. Navantia’s SMARTships architecture provides the digital backbone for these operations, reducing crew burden, improving situational awareness and enabling rapid integration of autonomous capabilities..
From R&D to the production floor
Navantia’s Shipyard 5.0 model integrates robotics, automated panel lines, AI-driven scheduling and real-time quality monitoring to improve build efficiency, reduce defects and accelerate delivery. Its Integrated Platform Management Systems (IPMS) and Integrated Ship Systems (ISS) technologies enable smarter, more capable and autonomous-ready vessels for the Royal Navy’s future hybrid fleet.
Reducing the cost of ownership
A ship’s most expensive years are the ones after it leaves the yard. Navantia’s Digital Twin capability will change that equation by connecting design, production and in-service operations through a single, continuously updated data model.
During build, the Digital Twin enables faster design cycles, earlier identification of integration issues and a reduction in the rework that inflates cost on conventional programmes. In service, it provides the real-time performance data, predictive maintenance and reduced unplanned downtime that determine whether a platform is available when the fleet needs it.
As the UK moves toward a more data-driven approach to fleet management, this capability sits at the centre of the availability and value-for-money equation.
Delivering FSS, transforming UK yards
The Fleet Solid Support programme is where our approach meets reality, and the evidence is on the ground. Critical Design Review was completed in October 2025, followed by first steel cut at Appledore in December. The Belfast fabrication hall extension opened in February 2026, with a new automated panel line due in July. With supply chain contracts in place and workforce growth underway, the programme remains on track, on time and on budget.
Investment and capability
Navantia UK is investing more than £157 million across an integrated four-yard network to deliver complex naval programmes at scale.
Investment in Belfast has already exceeded £98 million, upgrading infrastructure, advanced manufacturing and workforce capability in line with Shipyard 5.0. Appledore provides specialist build capability for vessels up to 125 metres and supports autonomous and uncrewed integration. Methil delivers deep-water access and heavy fabrication capability and has successfully delivered, ahead of schedule, the Fleet Solid Support transport barge, Navantia UK Seahorse. Arnish is expanding capacity through a £5 million programme supported by Highlands and Islands Enterprise and the Scottish Government.
Together, this four-yard network gives Navantia UK the capability to deliver platforms ranging from 20 to 500 metres, combining advanced digital engineering, modern manufacturing and long-term sovereign industrial capability across the UK
Engage with Navantia UK
Navantia UK is delivering sovereign naval capability through an integrated UK industrial base, combining four shipyards, proven naval platforms and advanced digital shipbuilding. Our programmes are underpinned by long-term investment and structured collaboration with British suppliers across manufacture and through-life support.
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