Babcock has officially commenced construction on HMS Formidable, the third of five Type 31 Inspiration Class frigates being built for the Royal Navy.
The steel-cutting ceremony, held at Babcock’s Rosyth facility in Scotland, marks the start of the ship’s build programme.
The progress on the Type 31 programme has been notable, with this milestone arriving just 20 months after the steel cut for the second vessel, HMS Active. Babcock’s efforts underscore the swift pace at which the new class of frigates is taking shape, reinforcing the UK’s sovereign defence capabilities. The company’s Rosyth facility is also home to the nearly complete HMS Venturer, the first ship in the class, which now sits alongside HMS Active in the assembly hall.
The event gathered Babcock employees, including apprentices and recent graduates, as well as senior representatives from the UK Government and Royal Navy. Among the attendees were union leaders and guests from international industry partners, reflecting the broad support and collaboration behind the project.
David Lockwood, Babcock’s Chief Executive Officer, highlighted the significance of the milestone, stating:
“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.”
The ceremony also showcased the theme “Formidable Engineering,” emphasising the technical achievements of the build process. Attendees had the opportunity to tour the facility and participate in STEM-focused activities with local school children, further demonstrating Babcock’s commitment to developing future talent.
In line with its growth strategy, Babcock is set to create 1,000 new roles at Rosyth over the next four years, including 400 apprenticeships and 350 production support positions. Many of these roles will directly support the Type 31 programme, contributing to the local economy and fostering new skills within the UK workforce.
Minister for the Armed Forces, Luke Pollard, underlined the strategic importance of the programme, saying:
“This government is committed to making Britain secure at home and strong abroad. These frigates will be at the heart of the Royal Navy fleet, deterring aggression and supporting our military. 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.”
With construction now underway for HMS Formidable, Babcock’s Type 31 programme continues to advance, bringing a new generation of frigates.
Good steel work progress, but what about outfitting?
Quote from Navylookout on HMS Venture.
“HMS Venturer’s time in the build hall is being extended beyond the original schedule for the sake of efficiency – more equipment is being installed undercover before float-off. The application of Pusser’s grey paint is being delayed until the last moment rather than being applied multiple times purely for aesthetic reasons.”
Hmmm…if Babcock’s experiment re extended build hall duration to increase efficiency is proven successful, could same process be adopted by BAES for remaining T-26s? Certain there is a contravailing argument, but unable to discern it at the moment…🤔
No as the pre outfitting for the T26 is already carried out at the block build stage before the hull blocks are joined. The T31 wasn’t designed to be built that way, so it looks like they are just keeping her undercover to backfill components.
TBH I and some others have been scratching our heads about Babcocks build strategy for quite some time.
Strategy implies…well they have changed strategy – they have said that.
Thanks for the clarification. There is a degree of imprecision in the text if the article. Assumed that the next phase after build hall rollout was contractor sea trials, not another outfitting phase.
I think they’ll be doing dockside trials first and possibly some final ‘minor’ fitting out and fine tuning before heading out to sea, but yeh looks like they are hoping to move into the test and trials phase pretty quickly after they float her off. For example, they’ll turn the engines over while tied up alongside just to make sure they actual do work as a complete system 🙂 Basically the equivalent of tying an aeroplane down and running the engines up after a major service… Heard the engineers do that will the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Hawker Hurricane… Read more »
Anyone know the future number of frigates to be in service once all T26 and T23 are built? Is it still just 13?
Yes indeed – 13. I will be conducting black magic ceremonies every evening from here until the Budget and later SDSR to get more
👹Nice one !
A few more AAW vessels needed please!
I’ll see what I can arrange with the dark powers but no promises
They need to complete the T45s first…LOL. But yes a couple of enhanced T26 or AAW type T31s would be nice to have. Plus the personnel and the money to pay for it all.
Thirteen but I would love to see another 3/5 even if the T32 goes by the board. We need to get on.
Agree.. Just 3 more Type 31’s would be very handy. I think 22 Destroyers/Frigates would be in the right area of balance for the Royal Navy. Then much further down the line during the 2040’s start to replace the Type 45’s with 8 replacement Destroyers.
Yep, I think 22/24 is as many as we are ever going to get realistically. Maybe a little sooner on the T83’s. Need to keep things rolling.
T31.
Is anyone familiar with shipbuilding following the cadence of these T31 builds closely? Not that I’m optimistic that funding will ever be allocated but if the T32 programme was to become a funded reality and the class ended up being another batch of T31s (which wouldn’t disappoint me) then by what date would such a plan have to come together and a T31 follow-on order be placed in order to stop the production line from stalling, ensure continuity of workers’ employment etc? It would be really nice to see some extra vessels added to the T31 production line in a… Read more »
The T31 build has been extensively reported and commented on this site.
Formidable is the third boat and steel is being cut now, to avoid a gap the first steel on T32 will have to be cut about 6 years from now. If T32 is just an evolved T31 then they can probably get away with ordering them in 3 years from now. If it’s going to be something else and involve a competition then they need to start about 1 year from now or right after the SDSR 2025.
If the Type 31 batch 1 original plan was being followed, Babcock would want a Batch 2 contract signed in late 2026 or before for steel to be cut at the start of 2027 and a two ship overlap to be maintained. If the B1 plan is running late, as we all assume, the contracts can be signed later. As long as we are talking about more T31s with minimal changes, there’s plenty of time.
If we needed to agree and design a new Type 32 it’s already too late and there would be a gap.
An intention to build at “at least 5” of a Type 32 class was first announced by Prime Minister Boris Johnson on 19 November 2020, publicly at least it seems that almost no progress has been made in the 4 years since. Admiral Radakin and also the NAO have confirmed several times over the last 18 months that whilst the Type 32 project has not been cancelled, “it is unfunded”. Also, the basic decision as to “whether Type 32 [becomes a] Type 31 batch 2, or is it a completely different ship” is still to be made! Presumably everything is now on… Read more »
Common sense would say T32 is Type 31 as currently envisaged with VLS etc but with 1 addition and 1 change. 1 x addition…thales hunter hull / bow sonar (as already being designed in for Polish Version ) and changing the NS110 for NS200 4d radar system to allow for better anti air coverage.
When does HMS Venturer now launch? I read before that outfitting has continued apace such that she will be further along when launched than both Glasgow or Cardiff were.
I think many on here ( me included) would be very surprised if Venturer was further along outfitting wise than the Type 26’s were at Launch.
It is usually 6 months after steel is cut the keel is laid, so Babs has got up to around 5 months or so to launch Hms Venturer?
Excellent news. Although total costs have risen to nearly £500m per ship, that still looks a good price. It’s a pity though that unlike the original Iver Huidfeldt class, they will have no ASW capability. Even though they are to replace GP type 23s, the planned forward deployment of the T31s really calls for at least some capacity to counter submarine threats.
They are fitted for not with in the sense that they have a mission bay. Realistically I imagine the plan for ASW for these will include some form of UUV sensor, perhaps combined with a containerised signal processing system on board and then the use of drones to deliver sonar buoys and Stingray.
Let’s hope that’s a real possibility
👍
It looks as though the govt have targeted T31 as an exemplar of their strategy for economic growth: hi-tech, regional job creation, apprenticeships. We can expect defence procurement policy to favour such projects for the jobs, skills and exports. The govt will want to exploit the growth potential of the Arrowhead 140 hull.
Fingers crossed that New Zealand and Ireland show more interest in the Arrowhead 140 design and each place an order for two or three hulls each 🤞
Ireland has a relatively new fleet, most of which is all tied up because they have no crews.
The “new fleet” is arguable, Eithne still needs to be replaced, the P50s are coming up on 25 years old, its only the 60’s and the new 70s that are relatively new. Either way the Arrowhead has never been a prospect.
They need to focus on getting and retaining sailors, before more ships are ordered.
They are with a range of increases and base improvements, its not like the Irish navy is the only navy suffering recruitment and retention issues. However the average procurement is the better part of 10 years to get it past the various departments along with the fact that the P50 refit has found the hulls to have deteriorated far quicker than expected in service, they aren’t planned for any further investment even if the crews were available.
None of which changes the fact that there is no interest in the Arrowhead design and there never has been.
Not sure that does not apply to the RN too.
Apologies, reply was to Patrick’s comment.
There has never been any interest from Ireland in regards to the Arrowhead design, the only mention of it has ever been from the Company PR.
The big elephant in the room is that at present the plan is still for the last type 31 hull to be handed over to the navy in 2028. This means that even with say a year’s slippage the yard only has 5 years work…So what will this expanded workforce be doing, if the defence review does not at least confirm the future order of a second batch of T31s.
More T31s, T32, River 3, ‘Enforcer’ LPDs. Will the defence review be the ‘big reveal’?
Don’t get your hopes up
How about FSS = 3x Ellida 180m for Babcock Belfast followed by MRSS = 3x Ellida 150m while Rosyth builds more T31?
Every single ship yard building surface ships is now entirely surrounded by Labour MP’s with slim majority’s.
Best result the navy could hope for.
Serendipity, the Lord acts in mysterious ways, his wonders to perform 😂
👍😁
Yes you many very well be correct.
Probably the MRSS now that H&W is gone and the RFA won’t be able to man them. BAE will start on the type 83. Between those two programs there is probably enough scope especially with a few exports of frigates to keep a steady drum beat at two yards and all large RFA vessels will just be built in South Korea now.
Not the worst result for us really.
Glad it’s got a decent name too, rather than HMS Friendly
Its the W class I’m dreading. HMS Wimp, Woke, Withnot etc,
Wally
Some of the most hardworking warships in the navy have had some lovely names..HMS Buttercup..etc.
Yeh, Flower Class corvettes… The 2nd Battle of the Atlantic would have gone very differently without them.
Cheers CR
It’s good to hear that first steel has been cut, but the mindlessly upbeat tone seems inappropriate. Production of these ships was to be annual. I can understand the second coming a little bit late after 16 months, but the third ship starting 20 months after the second is a significant delay. Venture: first steel cut 23/09/21 Active: first steel cut 24/01/23 Formidable: first steel cut 09/10/24 Babcock’s press release claiming “this highlights the rapid progress being made on the Type 31 programme” is nonsense, and reading similar comments here about how notable the progress has been made me question… Read more »
To be fair to Babcock’s, while the timelines have slipped according to their own schedule, compared to the T26 build progress has been pretty rapid. I think judgement should be reserved for when Venturer starts Sea Trial’s and we can see exactly what they have delivered for a very tight price point.
The first batch of the Type 26 is being produced catastrophically slowly as a deliberate policy, losing the country billions and causing (along with the crewing issues) the Royal Navy’s current dearth of frigates. In comparing Type 31 to Type 26 production, you set a very low bar, and I agree it’s nothing like as bad as that. Given the starting circumstances, it would be miraculous if the Type 31s came in on time, and I’m not slagging off Babcock for the speed. However, I dislike the practice of talking up a delayed project by saying how fast it’s going… Read more »
I’m going off piste but it may help to educate everyone about just what level of competence we have elected. Just watch 1pm BBC1 news on catchup, I spilt my coffee 😎 Today in PMQs The PM answered an excellent question from Ed Davey regarding the Falklands “my uncle nearly lost his life when his Ship was Torpedoed defending the Falklands”. I kid you not so he either has an Uncle who was on the Belgrano or is a taking lessons on truthfulness from “Orange McFartyface” who wants to be POTUS because he has visited Gazza 🤷🏼♂️ On the other… Read more »
He might of meant, uncle was on a vessel hit by ASM exocet? He was thinking of flying torpedoes!
It’s worse it was Antelope which went up when a UXB went off. Not detracting from his uncle but if you are going to say something and drag your family in, get it right.
Quite a gaff. Probably had an uncle on one of our bombed/Exocet’d warships.
Starmer needs that holiday he skipped.
Was his uncle’s name Albert by any chance?
I’m not surprised.
He was on Antelope.
Antelope. She was bombed I recall. Not torpedoed!
Seen the PMs statement re the Falklands and Gibraltar in the Commons.
Very welcome.
I just wish he’d also include the Cyprus SBAs.
His father was a toolmaker – not a lot of people know that…
Babcock are chugging along quite nicely.
Build 5 more with 5″ MG, hull sonar & ASW TTs.
They’re neither GP nor frigates without basic ASW capability.
Plus a few T26 fitted out with Aster SAM to compliment the tiny T45 CSG escort force.
Done….where do we sign?…LOL…😂
Hi Frank, Agree with most of what you say, but I’d do away with the Torpedo Tubes and buy the Japanese ASROC type missile and extra torpedo counter measures for the T31. I also think I would put the ASTER on a T31 hull as I think we need more ASW specialists. I would like to see BAE Systems develop another frigate factory on the Scotstoun site as that was the original plan I believe. That second factory could build the T83 when ever that turns up, with the Govan yard continuing to build the T26. Eight ASW frigates is… Read more »
Anyone any thoughts on the new French frigate Amiral Ronarc’h? Certainly looks different.
That class of Frigate has the looks that only a Mother would appreciate 😉 – seriously it will be pretty good at what it is supposed to do, personally I prefer the PPA though.
Haha, yes she looks er very French.
It’s been sold to Greece and i think recently to Indonesia and has Aster. Does anyone know if they’ve ever looked at firing Aster from mk41s? If they can fire Aster off the back of a truck they should be able to put Aster into the T31 platform even in a more compact system than on the T45 and there’s room for a large search radar.
MNDA have stated that Adter can be fired from the Mk41. However only a study (computer modeling and simulation) has been carried out. Not a live firing from my understanding.
Thanks Davey. I imagine will be the same for the FC/ASW having to fire from both MK41s and Sylvers. Do you reckon the RN will look at the T26s also having 2×4 NSM as a tier 2 ashm on top of the hangar like the RCN River and RAN Hunter’s? It would free up a mk41 for something else. Are the FC/ASW going to be vls launch only or also cannister?
I can’t see the Navy using NSM on the Type 26s unless the anti-ship FC/ASW is very delayed or cancelled. We nearly didn’t adopt NSM at all.
Hi Q. The current NSM cannot be used in the Mk41 or Sylver VLS. Which I believe is due to the body dimensions and the engine’s air intake being underneath the missile’s body. However Kongsberg have test fired the JSM from Mk41. JSM is NSM in a new body, but with the engine intakes split to either side of the body. Thereby making it fit in the Mk41. This also helps it fit in the weapons bays of the F35A and C. So if T26 does come into service before FCASW. I could see it being equipped with the canister… Read more »
Yes I was reading that. It looks very impressive for a OPV and at 557 million Euros a unit quite expensive?
It’s an impressive ship.
Technical specifications:
The main weapon systems of the FDI are:
As regards future programmes, Type 83 already mentioned, in that particular case, I see far more humming and hawing before we get anywhere close to a design competition.
As many here will have already surmised, just the designation, “83” has considerable implications in terms of size, complexity and intended capability. A tier one carrier group defence and surface attack platform, one would surmise.
If it comes to being authorised, it ain’t going to be cheap…
Indeed does the Type 83 follow in the footsteps of the previous Type 82 HMS Bristol? Where she was a more rounded in capabilities ship Or will they be purely AAW ships like the T45s?
Type 32 should be a lower tier AAW fit IMO The Danish base vessel packs 32 MK41 VLS and Smart -L which the UK already uses. Find a budget Aesa or upgrade Tacticos with Thales sea fire rather than Thales N110 ( if it could guide Aster 30) Finally pay for CEC. Basic hull sonar and Otherwise as is the type 31 and but with enhanced local air defence. It would add mass on a cheaper hull, alongside the more capable T45.
Just read your comment. Agree on this. Good sense. And even to up the CAMM load out to 48 on the T45s or install MK41s on each. At least SBAD can be strong and protect the ship assets we have and hopefully GBAD might get a bit more attention too.
Definitely agree, but a little clarification:
The volume search radar we use is the S1850M, which is an upgrade of what used to be the Smart-L on European destroyers.
What Iver Huitfeldt has is the Smart-L Multi-Mission, which is a different upgrade to change it from a PESA to an AESA radar (improved power output so it can provide tracking information but also much more power consumption).
We’ve talked about a T31 AA on here a few times, and it seems a no-brainer with T31 coming to an end before T26 and no foreseeable further orders.
Are you sure about the Danish frigates having SMART-L MM? I know some Dutch frigates have it and the French/Italian Horizons will be getting it in a couple of years, but I thought the Iver Huitfeldt class were still running the original SMART-Ls along with X-band APARs.
Does this mean they’re working on three ships simultaneously in their one big shed? Many of us here are hoping for them for a follow up T31 B2 order to bulk up the RN and maybe get the NZ and any other exports.
I think the individual steel fabrication is done in the little steel sheds scattered around the site.
The big shed is pushed for space with two frigates as it is.
It’s a similar model to most-I think-big covered build yards, inasmuch as the the “big shed” is for final assembly, with smaller buildings around assembling sections and substructures, or prepping structures built elsewhere, off-site, for movement and mounting on the ship. Production line principles, basically. As said, both the Venturer Hall at Rosyth, and also the new Janet Harvey Hall at BAE Systems in Govan are built to take two frigate builds of our current designs simultaneously.