Third Type 26 vessel's name revealed
The UK Royal Navy will name its third Type 26 frigate as HMS Belfast, the navy announced on 27 September.
The ship will be one of eight City class Type 26 frigates joining the navy's fleet. The anti-submarine warfare Type 26 frigates have been designed to safeguard the UK’s strategic interests and will be deployed to provide advanced protection for both the UK’s nuclear deterrent and Queen Elizabeth class aircraft carriers.
The vessels will be equipped to deliver high-end warfighting capability and will feature a flexible design to allow them to adapt to counter future threats, while also benefiting from the latest advances in digital technology.
Belfast is set to enter service in the mid-2020s along with her fellow Type 26 frigates. Whilst the second to be named, Belfast is the third ship in the Type 26 programme. The first ship will be called Glasgow and the second one is yet to be named.
More from Naval Warfare
-
Defending the Fleet: Naval air defence in the drone era (podcast)
In an era of swarming drones, proliferating missiles and saturation attacks, naval air defence must combine cutting-edge effectiveness with low cost per intercept. Israel’s Rafael is applying its long expertise to help navies adapt to emerging threats, while looking to a future of laser technology – and beyond.
-
US Navy outlines next steps of the Aegis modernisation programme
The US Navy intends to enhance the integration and lethality of the Aegis capabilities onboard its cruisers and destroyers.
-
Austal signs long-delayed shipbuilding pact as industry risks persist
Austal signs long-delayed Strategic Shipbuilding Agreement, but schedule risks and programme delays still loom over Canberra’s naval plans.
-
Red Cat expands its manufacturing capacities to surge production of UAVs and USVs
The company has invested $80 million to enhance its facilities and establish a new maritime division.
-
Zumwalt-class hypersonic missile plan progresses with demonstration set for 2027
The US Navy’s Zumwalt-class destroyer is a stealth ship originally designed to consist of a fleet of 32 but has been cut back to three. Conceived for a land-attack role, it is now being fitted with a hypersonic missile capability.