BAE Systems has cut the first steel of the UK Royal Navy’s fifth Type 26 City-class frigate in Scotland, formalizing the start of the vessel’s construction.
The HMS Sheffield’s (F92) development is part of London’s ongoing program to replace its Type 23 Duke-class vessels operational since the early 1990s with eight new surface combatants.
All of the planned ships are now being manufactured at BAE’s shipyard in Glasgow, with deliveries expected from 2026 through the 2030s.
Once operational, the new fleet will deploy for the navy’s Continuous At Sea Deterrent and Carrier Strike Group units until the 2060s.
London’s entire Type 26 frigate program supports about 6,000 jobs and 100 suppliers across the country.
Approximately 2,000 personnel of this workforce are based at BAE Systems Govan and Scotstoun centers.
“This steel cutting ceremony marks another key moment for both our Royal Navy and British shipbuilding,” British Defence Procurement and Industry Minister Maria Eagle remarked during the ceremony.
“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.”
UK’s Type 26 City Frigate
The Type 26 frigate will be armed with multi-domain missiles, heavy machine guns, ship-protection mounts, and automated close-in weapon systems.
With a length of 150 meters (492 feet), the vessel will be able to carry approximately 200 personnel, small boats, maritime helicopters, and unmanned aerial systems.
The warship will sail with a Rolls-Royce MT30 gas turbine engine, four MTU diesel generators, and two electric motors for a top speed of 26 knots (48 kilometers/30 miles per hour) and a range of more than 7,000 nautical miles (12,964 kilometers/8,055 miles).
