Above: Type 26 frigate HMS Glasgow.
Courtesy BAE Systems

Nearly 2,000 jobs and apprenticeships will be supported through the production of Type 26 frigates, providing valuable employment opportunities for skilled workers and apprentices in Scotland.

Around 4,000 jobs will be supported throughout the UK supply chain, in a boost to the economy.

Above: The first steel has been cut for the UK’s newest warship, HMS Sheffield, at BAE Systems’ Govan shipyard in Glasgow by 27-year-old Apprentice Fabricator Burner, Michael Miller.
Courtesy BAE Systems   

HMS Sheffield is the fifth of eight Type 26 frigates being built in Scotland, marking another significant step forward in the City Class frigate programme, designed for a service life of at least 25 years, serving into the 2060s.

Representatives from BAE Systems, Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S), the Royal Navy and government joined employees for the event, as an apprentice official cut steel on HMS Sheffield.

Attending the ceremony, Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry, Maria Eagle MP (above), said: "This steel cutting ceremony marks another key moment for both our Royal Navy and British shipbuilding.   

"HMS Sheffield represents not just a cutting-edge addition to our fleet, but also demonstrates our commitment to supporting thousands of skilled jobs and economic growth across Scotland and the wider UK.    

"This investment in our naval capability ensures we can continue to protect our nation’s interests while supporting British industry."

The Type 26 frigates will replace the current Type 23 fleet and will be among the world’s most advanced warships, supporting our national security. Their primary role will be to protect the Royal Navy’s Continuous At Sea Deterrent and Carrier Strike Group.   

These versatile ships will also support international operations, including counter-piracy missions and humanitarian relief work. This will support the UK in creating a stronger defence and ensuring our Armed Forces are better equipped to tackle the threats of the future.  

Sir Simon Lister, Managing Director, BAE Systems, Naval Ships said: "This is a proud moment for our talented teams across the UK who play their part in the design and construction of these important vessels.

"HMS Sheffield’s construction will benefit from a range of investments, which are transforming our digital and physical infrastructure and will consolidate a centre of excellence for UK shipbuilding in Glasgow.

"I’d like to thank our customers and suppliers for their support and commitment as we take this programme forward together and deliver the next generation frigates for the Royal Navy."

HMS Sheffield is a name steeped in Royal Navy history, with the name previously on several ships, including on a Town class cruiser which saw extensive action during the Second World War and a Type 42 destroyer which was deployed during the Falklands War.   

DE&S Director General Core, Simon Dakin, said: “These frigates will have an essential role in ensuring the continued security of our nation and this is a proud moment for all involved. We are delighted to have celebrated this shipbuilding event on the Clyde in the company of all those playing a part in delivering this important programme.”

Of the other four Type 26 vessels already under construction, HMS Belfast and HMS Birmingham are being fabricated at Govan. HMS Glasgow and HMS Cardiff are undergoing outfit at Scotstoun where complex systems will be installed before test and commissioning takes place.

Commodore Stephen Roberts, the Type 26 programme Senior Responsible Owner (SRO), said: “Seeing the next T26 start the construction journey is a tangible representation of the success of the programme thanks to the hard work put in by the DE&S, BAE Systems and Royal Navy teams. These advanced anti-submarine warfare ships will provide the Royal Navy with a world-class cutting-edge capability to protect our Nation’s interests well into the future.”

Construction of all of the City Class Type 26 frigates is expected to be completed by the mid-2030s, with HMS Glasgow, the first in class, entering service by the end of 2028.