Construction begins on Royal Navy’s fifth Type 26 frigate

November 29, 2024, by Fatima Bahtić

The first steel has been cut for the UK’s newest warship, the Type 26 frigate HMS Sheffield, at BAE Systems’ Govan shipyard in Glasgow.

HMS Sheffield is the fifth of eight Type 26 frigates being built in Scotland, marking another significant step forward in the City Class frigate program. They are designed for a service life of at least 25 years, serving into the 2060s. The steel-cutting ceremony took place on November 28.

The Type 26 frigates will replace the current Type 23 fleet and their role will be to protect the Royal Navy’s Continuous At Sea Deterrent and Carrier Strike Group.

These ships will also support international operations, including counter-piracy missions and humanitarian relief work.

All eight Type 26 frigates will be built on the Clyde. Of the other four Type 26 vessels already under construction, HMS Belfast and HMS Birmingham are being fabricated at Govan. HMS Glasgow and HMS Cardiff are undergoing outfit at Scotstoun where complex systems will be installed before test and commissioning takes place. HMS Glasgow, the first ship in class, is expected to enter service in 2028.

“This steel cutting ceremony marks another key moment for both our Royal Navy and British shipbuilding. This investment in our naval capability ensures we can continue to protect our nation’s interests while supporting British industry,” Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry, Maria Eagle, said.

“HMS Sheffield’s construction will benefit from a range of investments, which are transforming our digital and physical infrastructure and will consolidate a centre of excellence for UK shipbuilding in Glasgow,” Simon Lister, Managing Director, BAE Systems, Naval Ships, sated.

Construction of all of the City Class Type 26 frigates is expected to be completed by the mid-2030s.