Latest look at the Type 26 Frigate

New images of what the Type 26 Frigate will look like have gone on show at DSEI.

The Type 26 frigate represents the future backbone of the Royal Navy and a massive leap forward in terms of flexibility of surface vessels enjoyed by the service. It will replace the 13 Type 23 frigates of the Royal Navy and export orders are being sought after by BAE. The programme has been underway since 1998, initially under the name “Future Surface Combatant”.  The programme was brought forward in the 2008 budget at the expense of Type 45 destroyers 7 and 8.

A CGI video can be found here.

The Type 26 will have Sea Ceptor silo’s on the bow and at the funnel of the vessel. Additionally, it will carry a MK 41 VLS positioned behind the Sea Ceptor silo’s. It will also house yet to be developed anti-ship missiles in the “main strike” VLS it has been suggested by various sources, it will also sport five inch guns. Typically, the Merlin HM2 will normally be carried by the Type 26 although mission requirements may see it hosting the naval Wildcat helicopter or a Chinook, it must however be noted that the Chinook would not fit in the hangar but it would fit on deck.

Addressing DSEI yesterday, the First Sea Lord Admiral Sir George Zambellas spoke of the future and innovation within the Royal Navy:

“the backbone of the Royal Navy, with a design that has the potential to meet the operational needs of a number of major navies around the world.”

He described the Type 26 as forming “the backbone of the Royal Navy, with a design that has the potential to meet the operational needs of a number of major navies around the world.”

Geoff Searle, Type 26 programme director at BAE Systems, said that while the tasks required of the Type 26 may not change from the Type 23, the ability of the new vessels will be greatly enhanced.