Modular Type 32 design could gain inspiration from Type 31 frigate
The Type 31 programme entered the Whole Ship Engineering Phase in 2020. (Photo: Babcock)
The planned class of warship will have an ASW capability in addition to acting as a mothership for autonomous MCM systems.
With the UK RN due to retire its Hunt- and Sandown-class mine countermeasure vessels (MCMVs) from 2023, and with the Defence Command Paper finally confirming that there will be no like-for-like replacement, time is tight to ensure that there will not be a gapping of such a crucial capability.
Given that two of the UK’s shipbuilding primes — BAE Systems on the River Clyde and Babcock at Rosyth — are already busy with Type 26 and Type 31 programmes respectively, the design and build options further exacerbate the MCM timeline.
Babcock’s Type 31 frigate programme was revealed in August 2020
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Naval Warfare
-
![DSEI 2025: Red Cat expands into USV production with focus on combat-proven technology]()
DSEI 2025: Red Cat expands into USV production with focus on combat-proven technology
At DSEI 2025, Red Cat outlines its expansion from UAVs into uncrewed surface vessels (USVs), positioning itself as a multi-domain defence provider spanning land, sea, and air.
-
![Anduril Australia wins A$1.7 billion Ghost Shark XL-AUV contract]()
Anduril Australia wins A$1.7 billion Ghost Shark XL-AUV contract
The vessels are expected to deliver a major boost to Australia’s undersea warfare capabilities, with production set to start immediately.
-
![Royal Canadian Navy will start operating class 2 UAVs in 2028]()
Royal Canadian Navy will start operating class 2 UAVs in 2028
Acquired under Canada’s Department of National Defence ISTAR UAS project, the drones will be deployed from the Halifax-class frigates.
-
![Newest US Coast Guard cutters go after Chinese vessels sailing in the Arctic]()
Newest US Coast Guard cutters go after Chinese vessels sailing in the Arctic
Cutters Earl Cunningham and Storis have been monitoring five Beijing research vessels navigating in the North Pole.
-
![US Navy selects 25 companies for up to $1.9 billion nuclear submarine contract]()
US Navy selects 25 companies for up to $1.9 billion nuclear submarine contract
The multi-award contract will support the scheduled repair and maintenance of nuclear-powered attack submarines at the US Navy’s primary public shipyards.
