The Type 31 frigate programme continues to face schedule challenges linked to its ambitious build timeline and the integration, testing and assurance of ship systems, the Ministry of Defence has said.
Defence Minister Luke Pollard set out the position in response to a written parliamentary question from Conservative MP Ben Obese-Jecty, who asked what challenges remained following references in the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority’s Major Projects Annual Report 2025 to 2026.
Pollard said the MOD was continuing to work with Babcock, the prime contractor for the five-ship Type 31 programme, to keep the build aligned with Royal Navy requirements and the planned delivery timetable.
He said: “The Ministry of Defence (MOD) continues to work closely with Babcock, the prime contractor, to ensure the Type 31 programme meets all user requirements to deliver a maritime security capability at a value for money price, in a timescale that is competitive with other international warship procurement programmes.”
The programme is based around an intentionally fast build schedule, with Babcock constructing the frigates at Rosyth using a repeatable production approach intended to support a steady flow of ships through assembly, integration and completion.
Pollard added: “Challenges can be expected when delivering a complex warship against an ambitious build timeline. Working closely with Babcock enables us to resolve any issues that may arise, alongside maturing the design and progressing construction, ensuring the build programme is stable and repeatable going forward.”
The minister also pointed to the complexity of bringing together the ship’s combat, communications, navigation, propulsion and other onboard systems while keeping testing and assurance aligned with the wider programme schedule. He added: “The complex nature of this work can present challenges, however all activities are subject to ongoing oversight by the MOD to ensure successful delivery to the RN.”
Readers should note that this answer does not identify a specific new delay or single integration issue affecting the programme, but confirms that schedule pressure remains tied to an ambitious construction plan and the need to complete ship-system integration, testing and assurance without disrupting the pathway into Royal Navy service.
Type 31 is intended to provide the Royal Navy with five general-purpose frigates, replacing part of the Type 23 fleet and increasing the number of modern surface combatants available for maritime security, presence and other tasks. The ships are being built by Babcock at Rosyth, with the programme also intended to demonstrate a more repeatable approach to warship production that can support future export opportunities and maintain shipbuilding activity across the yard.
T31….“a maritime security capability at a value for money price”. Sheer poetry 😂
An accurate description if there ever was one.
On the one hand there is something to be said for Lidl ships to increase mass. On the other hand will always be a case of polishing tyurds if not prepared to pay the bigger monies.
Not to say expensive ALWAYS equates to quality (… veeerryyyy easy to spend a lot of cash on a Mr. Hankey). It’s just you are limiting yourself from the off if not prepared to pay and/or buy the ‘correct’ equiptment in the first place.
But yes. There is value to be found in the T31s I guess – even if they are cheap. Moreso than I probably initially estimated.
A budget ship might work for some customers even if it is a compromise.