Ministers are describing the first production stages of a new high-tech Navy frigate as a ‘major milestone’ that will sustain more than UK 2,500 jobs.
Steel has been cut on the HMS Formidable – the third of the Royal Navy’s new Type 31 warships – at a ceremony in Rosyth shipyard.
The HMS Formidable is the third of five warships being built in Rosyth, with the construction also set to create an additional 400 apprenticeship roles, and safeguard over 2,5000 jobs in Scotland and across the wider supply chain.
The frigates purpose will be to support future maritime operations, including interception and disruption of those using the sea for unlawful purposes, intelligence gathering, defence engagement and humanitarian support.
They will also be able to shoot down missiles and enemy air targets using a Sea Ceptor missile system.
“Today’s significant milestone is backing the government’s mission to grow the economy by supporting thousands of jobs in Scotland and across the UK."
Royal Navy bosses say the programme will be a key element in their production line, which will ‘sustain and develop’ the British shipbuilding industry.
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The ships will have a top speed of over 26 knots – equivalent to nearly 50 kilometres an hour – and will carry a 100-strong crew. They will replace the five Type 23 general-purpose frigates, which have carried out a wide variety of operations, from securing the UK’s maritime trade routes East of the Suez Canal to safeguarding British interests in the South Atlantic.
With the new warships being built by Babcock, Poland’s Navy has also selected one of their designs – the Arrowhead 140 - which was based on the type 31 frigates.
The design has also been sold to Indonesia for their own frigate production.
Royal Navy's Senior Responsible Owner for the Type 31 programme, Commodore Stephen Roberts, said: “This is a momentous occasion for all involved and we are proud to have marked this significant milestone in this way.
“When complete, this remarkable fleet of general-purpose frigates will deliver an impressive capability for the Royal Navy and play a huge role in the continued security and prosperity of our nation.”
Babcock’s Chief Executive, Officer David Lockwood, added: “Today, we are proud to mark yet another milestone in this important defence programme for the Royal Navy. These frigates will play a significant role in protecting the UK and supporting international partnered defence operations.
“This programme is a real demonstration of UK sovereign shipbuilding capability and is delivering positive economic impact within Scotland and in communities across the UK. It is a privilege for our teams across Babcock to be delivering these platforms for the nation.”
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