BAE cuts steel on fourth Type 26, makes headway on new shipbuilding hall
The eight Type 26s on order will replace the bulk of the UK RN's Duke-class Type 23 frigates. (Photo: BAE Systems)
BAE Systems has cut steel on the UK’s fourth Type 26 frigate HMS Birmingham and made progress on the site of its future shipbuilding hall, filling in a former wet basin.
Cutting steel for HMS Birmingham, marks the formal start of production of the second batch of Type 26 frigates, following the award of a £4.2 billion contract for five further ships to BAE Systems in November last year.
In total, BAE Systems is building eight City-class Type 26 frigates for the UK RN.
To support the programme, BAE Systems is adding a new shipbuilding hall to its site in Govan, Glasgow. The 175m long and 85m wide hall will allow two Type 26 frigates to be worked on under cover simultaneously.
This should mean the final five ships are
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Naval Warfare
-
![US representatives plan to invest $1.6 billion in US Coast Guard inventory in FY2026]()
US representatives plan to invest $1.6 billion in US Coast Guard inventory in FY2026
The FY26 Homeland Security Bill Markup of the House Committee on Appropriations included resources for the procurement of ships, aircraft and unmanned systems.
-
![US Navy seeks industry partners to address pressing research needs]()
US Navy seeks industry partners to address pressing research needs
The Office of Naval Research will host an Industry Engagement Day in August aiming at building new partnerships and advancing its science and technology initiatives in multiple areas.
-
![Raytheon awarded $1.2 billion in contracts for AN/SPY-6(V) radars for the US Navy]()
Raytheon awarded $1.2 billion in contracts for AN/SPY-6(V) radars for the US Navy
Under the most recent contract, the US Navy will receive four additional AN/SPY-6(V) radars, increasing the number of radars under contract to 42. The radars are considered key for expanding the navy’s capability for air defence.
-
![Royal Canadian Navy’s final Harry DeWolf-class vessel to be delivered this summer]()
Royal Canadian Navy’s final Harry DeWolf-class vessel to be delivered this summer
The sixth Canada’s Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ship is currently at the final stages of construction within Irving Shipbuilding.
