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.
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 ….