UK’s Fleet Solid Support ship programme deemed on track despite steel supply concerns
Shipbuilders are saying the programme is going ahead on time as the government estimates 7.7 million tonnes of steel are needed for 2026 infrastructure projects.
BAE Systems has awarded a further 15 manufacturing contracts worth more than £40 million to suppliers for the Type 26 programme, the company announced on 2 November.
The contract awards include diesel and gearbox filtration, vibration monitoring equipment, and pipework and fittings.
The Type 26 programme entered the manufacturing phase in July. In total 44 companies are working directly with BAE Systems to deliver the vessels.
Nadia Savage, programme director for Type 26 Global Combat Ship, BAE Systems, said: ‘With manufacturing underway for Glasgow, the first of the three City Class Type 26 frigates, we are working at pace with our suppliers to deliver these hugely capable ships to the Royal Navy.
‘Today’s announcement demonstrates once again that the construction of these ships is now very much underway.’
Shipbuilders are saying the programme is going ahead on time as the government estimates 7.7 million tonnes of steel are needed for 2026 infrastructure projects.
In an exclusive interview with Shephard, Raytheon’s VP of Shipboard Missiles disclosed what improvements the company plans to offer for the Sea Sparrow NSV.
Delays in the construction of the Polar Security Cutter – the future substitute for the Polar Star – are likely to prolong the ageing icebreaker’s service time even more, putting the USCG in a risky position.
The adaptable design of Babcock’s Arrowhead 140 frigate, already selected by the UK Royal Navy and Poland, has led to more orders from Indonesia while other countries continue to weigh it up.
The presence of the USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group in the Persian Gulf means additional naval and aerial capabilities, which provides the US with multiple attacking options.
The US Navy’s acceleration of its laser weapon development initiatives reflects a decisive shift towards ultimately having a “laser on every ship” across tomorrow’s surface fleet.