UK’s Type 31 frigates to get major capability boost under £65 million CIP contract

April 11, 2025, by Fatima Bahtić

Defense company Babcock has been awarded a £65 million, five-ship contract to deliver the capability insertion period (CIP) for the Royal Navy’s Type 31 frigates.

As disclosed, the CIP is expected to add capabilities that will support the ships throughout their lives. Specifically, the contract includes the insertion, testing, and enhancement of a number of upgrades that will enhance the Type 31’s military capability.

“This new contract provides additional military capability for the vessels beyond the initial design and build contract,” Paul Watson, Arrowhead Managing Director, Babcock, said.

“The detailed knowledge that we have of these ships, combined with our forward-thinking design, will enable an efficient installation and through-life support of the systems and equipment.”

“We are pleased to have awarded Babcock the CIP contract for the Type 31 fleet. This contract will deliver capability upgrades that go beyond the vessel build specification, delivering Type 31 frigates to the Royal Navy that will ensure the UK remains at the forefront of global security,” Steven Perry, Type 31 Project Manager at DE&S, stated.

Babcock received the design and construction contract in November 2019 for the Type 31 frigates. The vessels are based on the firm’s Arrowhead 140. The company will build five warships, with the first three being in various stages of construction. In February this year, Babcock revealed that it has progressed with the construction of the first two ships, HMS Venturer and HMS Active, and the float-off is expected to take place in the upcoming fiscal year 2026.