Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Defence
  • /
  • Babcock nears completion of HMS Venturer

Defence

Babcock nears completion of HMS Venturer

HMS Venturer – the first of the Royal Navy’s new Type 31 frigates – has taken another major step forward with the installation of her foremast at Babcock’s Rosyth facility.

Image courtesy Babcock

With the foremast now in place, the profile of HMS Venturer is nearing completion, offering a visible sign of momentum as we continue with the outfitting of the ship ahead of sea trials next year. 

The successful lift and integration of the foremast required close coordination between several specialist engineering and lifting teams. 

Advertisement
ODU RT

Paul Watson, Babcock, Arrowhead Managing Director, said: “HMS Venturer will play an important part in the Royal Navy’s defence capabilities. 

"The foremast installation on the vessel marks another important milestone and clearly demonstrates the progress being made across the Type 31 programme.”

Advertisement
ODU RT

The foremast, which weighs 24 metric tonnes, the same as 10 full-size Range Rovers, travelled from the Venturer Building (Build Hall) to the dockside at our Rosyth facility, before being lifted into the air and expertly placed on the ship.

Advertisement
Gulfstream banner
Babcock confirms location of Capability Centre in Plymouth

Defence

Babcock confirms location of Capability Centre in Plymouth

2 April 2026

Babcock has today confirmed the location for its new Capability Centre in Plymouth - a major milestone in plans to relocate up to 2,000 highly skilled employees into the heart of the city.

Saab secures UK order for Giraffe 1X radar

Defence

Saab secures UK order for Giraffe 1X radar

2 April 2026

Saab UK has received an order from the UK’s Ministry of Defence (MoD) for the compact radar system Giraffe 1X.

MGI conducts first TigerShark flights with Auterion

Aerospace Defence Security

MGI conducts first TigerShark flights with Auterion

2 April 2026

MGI Engineering Ltd (MGI) has announced the successful first flights of its TigerShark uncrewed deep strike platform, in partnership with Auterion.

Rolls-Royce secures German Puma propulsion contract

Defence

Rolls-Royce secures German Puma propulsion contract

2 April 2026

Rolls-Royce Power Systems has secured one of the largest defence contracts in its history, for around 200 new mtu PowerPacks featuring the 10V 890 engine for the Bundeswehr’s Puma infantry fighting vehicle.

Advertisement
ODU RT
UK and France to develop next-gen air-to-air missile

Defence

UK and France to develop next-gen air-to-air missile

1 April 2026

The United Kingdom and France have today signed a Memorandum of Understanding to conduct a joint study into the development of a successor to the Meteor missile, one of the world's most advanced beyond-visual-range air-to-air weapons.

Solar array to be installed at Bassingbourn Barracks

Defence Events

Solar array to be installed at Bassingbourn Barracks

1 April 2026

The Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO), working with Custom Solar on behalf of the British Army, held a ground-breaking ceremony for a new solar array at Bassingbourn Barracks.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
FIA2026 animated banner