Babcock awarded UK MoD Type 31 CIP contract

Babcock has been awarded a c.£65 million, five-ship contract to deliver the Capability Insertion Period (CIP) for the UK Royal Navy’s Type 31 frigates being built by the company at its Rosyth facility in Scotland.



Image courtesy Babcock

The CIP adds crucial capabilities that will support the ships throughout their life and includes the insertion, testing and enhancement of a number of upgrades that will enhance the Type 31’s military capability.

The activities will take place at Babcock’s facility in Rosyth, utilising the expertise and experience of the skilled team.

Paul Watson, Arrowhead Managing Director, Babcock, said: “This new contract provides additional military capability for the vessels beyond the initial design and build contract.

“The detailed knowledge that we have of these ships, combined with our forward-thinking design, will enable an efficient installation and through-life support of the systems and equipment.

“As the design and build partner, Babcock is expertly placed to provide the know-how and technical information to deliver these important activities in the development of the ships through the CIP.

“We are proud of the role we play alongside our customer – their mission is our mission.”
 
Steven Perry, Type 31 Project Manager at DE&S, said: “We are pleased to have awarded Babcock the CIP contract for the Type 31 fleet. This contract will deliver capability upgrades that go beyond the vessel build specification, delivering Type 31 frigates to the Royal Navy that will ensure the UK remains at the forefront of global security.”

Babcock, awarded the design and build contract in November 2019, is supporting the Royal Navy’s mission to deter aggression and maintain the security of the UK’s interests by delivering the next generation of Royal Navy warships. The Type 31 will be at the heart of the Royal Navy’s surface fleet, working alongside the UK’s allies to deliver a UK presence across the globe.
 

Related

The British airliner that found a second life fighting fires
BAe 146 Atmospheric Research Aircraft
The British airliner that found a second life fighting fires
Once a familiar sight on regional airline routes, the four-engined BAe 146 has found an unexpected new role on the wildfire frontline.
Aerospace

14 Nov 2026

Ontic appoints Jonathan Grant as Chief Engineer
Jonathan Grant
Ontic appoints Jonathan Grant as Chief Engineer
As Ontic's portfolio grows to include more flight-critical products, Jonathan Grant's appointment as Chief Engineer will strengthen the company's technical expertise and its navigation of regulatory frameworks and aviation safety.
Aerospace Member News

13 Nov 2026

Vertical Aerospace secures aerospace quality certification for Valo aircraft programme
Vertical Aerospace flying display
Vertical Aerospace secures aerospace quality certification for Valo aircraft programme
UK electric aircraft developer Vertical Aerospace is developing Valo as an electric aircraft capable of taking off and landing vertically, without requiring a conventional runway.
Aerospace

13 Nov 2026

UK faces 41% rise in Russian naval activity as undersea threat grows
The Russian Navy's Neustrashimy-class guided-missile frigate is shadowed by an 815 NAS-operated Wildcat HMA2 as it transits the English Channel on 10 October 2026. Image: MOD Crown Copyright/Royal Navy
UK faces 41% rise in Russian naval activity as undersea threat grows
Russian naval activity around the UK has increased by 41% this year, prompting fresh warnings over threats to UK security, undersea cables and critical infrastructure.
Defence

13 Nov 2026

New facilities opened for Air C2 Force at RAF Leeming
The new Single Living Accommodation building at RAF Leeming.
New facilities opened for Air C2 Force at RAF Leeming
Delivered under the MoD’s Defence Estate Optimisation (DEO) Portfolio, the opening of new sustainable infrastructure at RAF Leeming will allow the Air C2 (Command and Control) Force to complete their move to the station.
Defence Member News

13 Nov 2026

Royal Navy commits to three new mine-hunting motherships
Royal Navy OSVs mining hunters
Royal Navy commits to three new mine-hunting motherships
The Royal Navy has formally committed to purchasing Norwegian OSVs as Norway formally commits to British Type 26 frigates.
Defence

13 Nov 2026

Serco acquires QinetiQ’s US business
Satellite orbiting earth
Serco acquires QinetiQ’s US business
It was announced today that Serco's acquisition of QinetiQ’s US business has been agreed, substantially expanding the defence capabilities of Serco, whilst strengthening QinetiQ's balance sheet and enabling it to concentrate its resources on the UK, European, NATO and key allied defence and security markets.
Defence Member News Space

12 Nov 2026

UK military satellite Titania reaches orbit as MoD trials space-threat sensors
Titania Satellite
UK military satellite Titania reaches orbit as MoD trials space-threat sensors
The UK's second ISTARI military satellite, Titania, reaches orbit as trials launch for a three-site sensor network to monitor potential threats to spacecraft.
Defence Space

9 Nov 2026

Leicester’s National Space Centre Discovery Team wins Sir Arthur Clarke Award
National Space Centre Discovery Team wins Sir Arthur Clarke Award
Leicester’s National Space Centre Discovery Team wins Sir Arthur Clarke Award
Following delivery of its education and outreach initiatives across the UK to inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers and space explorers, the National Space Centre's Discovery Team has gained national recognition by winning a prestigious Sir Arthur Clarke Award.
Member News Space

5 Nov 2026

Smiths Detection to supply Norwegian Customs with advanced mobile screening systems
Norwegian Customs
Smiths Detection to supply Norwegian Customs with advanced mobile screening systems
Advanced mobile vehicle screening systems from Smiths Detection will enable Norway to enhance its capability to inspect goods traffic across key border and customs locations.
Member News Security

13 Nov 2026

NCSC warns UK businesses of scams following global Microsoft outage
Laptop user pressing Windows key
NCSC warns UK businesses of scams following global Microsoft outage
Cybercriminals could exploit the global Microsoft outage, warns the NCSC, as an AI expert urges UK businesses to have a Plan B when systems fail.
Security

13 Nov 2026

82% say UK Government is not doing enough to prepare for security threats, RAND survey finds
A team of five diverse cybersecurity analysts wearing headsets monitors security information and event management dashboards on multiple screens in a dark operations war room at night.
82% say UK Government is not doing enough to prepare for security threats, RAND survey finds
New RAND Europe research reveals that over 80% of Great Britain adults believe the government is unprepared for future security threats, while two-thirds support increased defence spending.
Security

13 Nov 2026