Earlier there was speculation the DDS was considering an unmanned version of the Panther, cut down in size, called the Panther-UCV or Stoat. The DDS have said they are looking into remote operation for the Panther but would use existing ships which would have the option of being operated remotely if there were shortages of crews instead of building UCVs as this brings greater operational flexibility. Its thought the Model B Panther will have remote-control equipment (and this would later be added to the earlier Panthers).
The cut-down Panther design has not been abandoned however, the Stoat design is being considered for the next DDS frigate (now officially known as FFX-2110) in competition with an Isometric-4 design.
