The Ministry of Defence say that potential upgrades to the Royal Navy’s Type 31 frigates remain on the table, including options to adapt the ships for evolving operational roles.
In response to a written parliamentary question from Labour MP Luke Akehurst, Defence Minister Luke Pollard said the department keeps the capabilities of its platforms under continuous review, including the Type 31. The frigates, currently under construction at Rosyth, are designed as general-purpose vessels intended to undertake a wide range of global tasks.
“The Type 31 frigate has been designed as a capable, flexible and affordable general-purpose platform that will undertake a wide range of global tasks,” Pollard said.
He added that the MoD regularly examines whether Royal Navy platforms could be adapted to meet changing operational requirements. “The Department routinely assesses the potential merits of adapting Royal Navy platforms, including Type 31, to respond to evolving operational requirements.”
While the question specifically referenced possible enhancements for air defence or strike roles in support of carrier operations, the minister did not comment on specific capability changes. “As with all Royal Navy platforms, options for incremental upgrades are kept under regular review,” he said.
Photo Credit: Babcock, Peter Devlin
Repetitive PMQ questions to make some noise!
Well, that was always meant to be the point of the T31
Cheaper and adaptable…
Let’s get on with building plenty of them
At pace🤔
Pointless question with a non answer.
And a few more T26s
Sadly, even in the face of current criticism of the initial T45 orders, I’m sure the same mind block will apply to a batch 2 T26. The chance of a batch 2 T31 is a higher probability, and these could accommodate advanced weapon fits from commissioning.
There already are two batches of T26.
BI was three ships @ £1.2Bn ea – because of the R&D and prototyping spend.
BII was five ships @ £850m ea
I would think that a third batch of T26’s is a racing certainty, given that the Norwegians want five. My guess is that they will get two from BII and then BIII will consist of three for Norway and two for us. I hope that the DIP, if it is ever published, will state whatever scenario is being developed to fulfil the Norwegian contract. Bearing in mind that as we all know there are eff all frigates for multiple and increasing tasking I hope that the DIP will state that the build rate will be increased, but I am not optimistic. Although thinking about it has there yet been an announcement of formal contract signing?
Also on the original topic of the T31’s I have yet to see any pictures of Active in the water, having been rolled out three weeks ago I would have expected her to be afloat by now.
Yes, there has to be another batch of T26 to fulfil the Norwegian order.
There could be good reasons for doing work on the hard before floating off.
The photo is on NL of her on the barge a day or so ago.
Just seen that, thanks!
So Pollard says “no idea” but it’ll be in ten years if it happens at all.
A non answer telling us nothing, more stalling and waffle about nothing, every day its the same. Half truth statements, re released old stories to make look lik they are doing some thing. Sad sorry state of affairs its past embarassing, shame those leaders of men/women who let it get to this state on thier watch.
Pollard BS – he’s getting a lot of practice
Or in other words, equipped for but not with ….
Does the monitoring of changing operational requirements include noticing how many countries are adding new high capability SSKs to their fleets, and then wondering what relevance a new frigate class without any organic ASW capability will have?
He is banking everything on that there won’t be a gunfight, which considering recent events in the Middle East is about as crass an approach as you will find. His own and that of his party is his only consideration and defence is not a big selling point to most of his remaining voters, especially now that the Greens are encroaching so deeply into his leftish wing.
I think yesterday’s PMQs summed up the overriding stance of this Govt and PM. Total deflection, inconsequential, unrelated and unspecified promises and attacks on those asking rather poignant questions for daring to doubt his competence. I would say he is taking it to an art form but it’s far too unsubtle for that. Scary days as there is not even a Chamberlain around let alone a Churchill.
Click bait.
Better start thinking what is required, fund it and get the wheels in motion. Far cheaper to incorporate during built stage rather than wait for a refit or CUP. Plus need a decision which is something this Government and the last is poor at. As for the top brass a warning not to make these ship too expensive otherwise you will end up with half or a quarter of what you need!!