UK’s Type 32 frigate programme confirmed alive but embryonic
The Type 31 frigate programme is well underway. But will the Type 32 programme follow it? (Image: Royal Navy/MoD/Crown copyright)
The UK’s frigate programme, often described as the “backbone of the nation’s naval defence”, advanced in early October 2024 with the beginning of steel cutting on the third Type 31 vessel, HMS Formidable. Two more Type 31 vessels have been scheduled to launch by 2027.
The fate of the next generation of Royal Navy frigates got an unexpected shot in the arm shortly afterwards, however, as Luke Pollard, parliamentary under-secretary at the UK Ministry of Defence, appeared to confirm in a written response to a parliamentary question that the Type 32 frigate programme was still on the books for future design
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Naval Warfare
-
TKMS joins forces with Norwegian shipbuilder for Fridtjof Nansen frigate replacement bid
Four shipbuilders have been downselected to build the frigate replacement programme, and TKMS hopes the new deal will give it a geographical advantage.
-
As Australian resistance rises, is AUKUS in trouble?
The tripartite submarine project is under political pressure from a grass-roots Australian Labor Party movement, but it could also have practical issues in its way.
-
Newest Arleigh Burke Flight III destroyer launched and ready for fitting
DDG 129, which will become the USS Jeremiah Denton on commissioning, was moved to dry dock to begin its technical fitting and testing.