Babcock has begun construction of the UK Royal Navy’s third future Inspiration-class (Type 31) frigate at its Rosyth shipyard in Scotland, marking a significant milestone in the program.
The steel-cutting ceremony for HMS Formidable comes 20 months after work began on the program’s second ship, HMS Active, at the same site.
Meanwhile, the lead ship, HMS Venturer, is nearing structural completion at Rosyth. It recently received its final unit in Babcock’s assembly hall, alongside HMS Active, in preparation for its expected commissioning in 2026.
“Today, we are proud to mark yet another milestone in this important defence programme for the Royal Navy,” Babcock CEO David Lockwood remarked.
“These frigates will play a significant role in protecting the UK and supporting international partnered defence operations.”
Supporting Local Economy
Babcock emphasized that the British frigate program will support the creation of 1,000 new roles in the region over the next four years.
The majority of these hires, including more than 100 apprenticeships and graduates who were adopted into the company in 2024, will work on Inspiration frigates throughout the program’s duration.
“Today’s milestone is backing the government’s mission to grow the economy by supporting thousands of jobs in Scotland and across the UK,” UK Armed Forces Minister Luke Pollard commented.
“A key element of the Type 31 programme is the potential to work with the UK Government to secure a range of export opportunities, further supporting the UK economy and jobs.”
Royal Navy’s Type 31 Frigate
The UK’s Inspiration or Type 31 frigate will replace the navy’s aging Duke-class (Type 23) general-purpose vessels that have been in service since the early 1990s.
The new 139-meter (455-foot) warships will be powered by four diesel engines and four 900-kilowatt generators, enabling speeds of up to 28 knots (52 kilometers/32 miles per hour).
Each frigate will be capable of carrying Wildcat or Merlin naval helicopters, rigid inflatable boats, and unmanned underwater systems, depending on mission requirements.
The ships will feature surface torpedo defense, heavy machine guns, and anti-ship, anti-air, and cruise missiles.
Once operational, they will be deployed for national security, maritime support, anti-narcotics and piracy operations, intelligence gathering, and humanitarian missions.
