The DDS are looking into using the mid-sized Friendship freighter platform for a CVE escort carrier. This would supplement the Missileer fleet and be available to provide UCV and minor vessel support in smaller fleet detachment. The commercial builder Consolidated Spacecraft who have built the Friendship class and will build the follow on River class have been asked to produce a design study into a CVE based on an improved Friendship/River.
The design study will be available for evaluation by early next year and if the DDS are happy with it the new CVE class could enter construction by the Summer of 2109.
