Two more Panthers have been added to the existing order which will give an eventual fleet of 19 ships. Of the 2 extra ships 1 is to be funded by the Starbotians and will form the 3rd ship in their detachment (though also available for general DDS use).
These 2 ships plus #16 and 17 of the existing order will be of an improved specification. Panther 35B will include DAC, pylons for MRM, a modified internal layout to allow increased missile stowage and other changes over and above the PEC09 update which is being carried out on the first 15 ships (Panther 35A2). It is expected that the first 15 ships will be bought up to 35B standard at a later date.
