Babcock Secures $84M Contract for UK Type 31 Frigate Capability Upgrades

Babcock has secured a 65-million-pound ($84-million) contract to carry out the Capability Insertion Period (CIP) for the Royal Navy’s Type 31 frigates.

The CIP involves integrating and testing several upgrades to improve the operational capability of Type 31 class vessels.

Managing Director of Arrowhead at Babcock Paul Watson stated that the new contract enhances the ships’ military capabilities, expanding on what was originally outlined in a design and build agreement signed in 2019.

He also noted that Babcock’s knowledge of the vessels and design approach would aid in the efficient installation of systems and their long-term maintenance.

“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,” he said.

Type 31 Frigates Project

Babcock is currently working to deliver five Type 31 general-purpose frigates to the UK Royal Navy, starting construction of the third vessel in October last year.

The project is taking place at the Rosyth dockyard in Scotland, one of the UK’s largest maritime manufacturing and repair facilities.

The Type-31 frigates are set to replace the five Type-23 general-purpose frigates currently serving in the Royal Navy. 

Scheduled to enter service by 2028, each ship will accommodate up to 105 crew members. 

The vessels will be deployed alongside the new Type-26 frigates, which are specifically designed for submarine detection missions.