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| Type 26 global combat ship | |
|---|---|
| Name | Type 26 global combat ship |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Builder | BAE Systems Maritime |
| Role | Frigate / Anti-submarine warfare |
| Displacement | ~6,900 tonnes |
| Length | 149 m |
| Complement | ~157 |
Type 26 global combat ship is a class of frigates developed for the Royal Navy, designed primarily for anti-submarine warfare alongside multi-role air defence and general purpose capabilities. The program involves collaboration between BAE Systems, BAE Systems Maritime Services, and international partners including Babcock International, with projected service entry spanning the 2020s and 2030s. The design aims to replace the Type 23 frigate and to operate alongside assets such as the Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carrier, HMS Queen Elizabeth (R08), and allied platforms like the Horizon-class frigate and FREMM.
Development began after studies by the Ministry of Defence (United Kingdom), with influence from prior programs including the Future Surface Combatant concept and lessons from the Iraq War (2003–2011), Falklands War, and patrol operations around the Gulf War (1990–1991). The industrial team led by BAE Systems worked with naval architects from BAE Systems Naval Ships and design support from BAE Systems Integrated System Technologies and subcontractors such as Rolls-Royce and QinetiQ. The hull form and mission bay concept reflect advances in stealth design pioneered by classes like the Type 23 frigate and the Daring-class destroyer, while accommodation and survivability draw on standards set by the Astute-class submarine and HMS Daring (D32).
Design features include a flexible mission bay comparable to that of the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) programs, a combat management system influenced by systems used on Type 45 destroyer and Daring-class destroyer, and modular spaces suited for payloads derived from research at the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory and testing at Portsmouth Naval Base. The naval architecture sought compliance with standards promulgated by bodies such as NATO and classification societies including Lloyd's Register.
Weapons fit for the class integrates a vertical launch system similar in concept to the Sylver and Mk 41 Vertical Launching System used on Horizon-class frigate and Type 45 destroyer, with missiles drawn from inventories such as the Sea Ceptor and potential integration of the Tomahawk Land Attack Missile or successors. Anti-ship capability may employ missiles akin to the Harpoon family or replacements developed by MBDA and BAE Systems; close-in defence leverages systems comparable to the Phalanx CIWS concept and point-defence radars similar to those used on HMS Daring (D32).
Sensor suites encompass advanced sonar arrays inspired by systems aboard the Astute-class submarine and Type 23 frigate, including towed array sonar technology from vendors like Thales Group and Ultra Electronics, and hull-mounted sonar derived from research at Maritime Warfare School. Radar and electronic warfare fitment takes advantage of active electronically scanned array concepts demonstrated on Type 45 destroyer and integrated mast designs pioneered by the Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carrier program, with combat systems interoperable with NATO datalinks and command frameworks such as Link 16.
Propulsion architecture pursues a combined diesel-electric and gas (CODLOG or CODLAG) arrangement influenced by propulsion solutions used on Type 23 frigate and HMS Queen Elizabeth (R08), with power plants from suppliers like Rolls-Royce and electrical systems informed by work at Siemens and GE Marine. The configuration prioritises acoustic discretion for anti-submarine missions, borrowing quieting techniques tested during trials on the Astute-class submarine and research cruises conducted by University of Southampton and Admiralty Research Establishment researchers. Endurance, range, and top speed are tailored to expeditionary tasking and carrier strike group operations alongside HMS Prince of Wales (R09).
Export interest led to variant proposals and competition with classes such as the FREMM and Type 31 frigate. Notable export customers include the Royal Australian Navy, which selected a derivative designated the Hunter-class frigate program replacing Anzac-class frigate units, and discussions with navies including the Canadian Armed Forces, Indian Navy, and navies in the Gulf Cooperation Council region. Adaptations for export incorporate alternate combat systems, weapon fits and indigenous mission modules similar to export variants of the MEKO and FREMM designs. Procurement and offset arrangements mirrored practices seen in contracts with BAE Systems and Babcock International for previous exports like the South African Navy projects.
The hulls are constructed at yards operated by BAE Systems Maritime with major modules fabricated at facilities in Glasgow, Govan, and subcontracted work at shipyards linked with Clydebank and industrial partners such as Cammell Laird. The program schedule was set in the context of defence reviews including the Strategic Defence and Security Review 2010 and subsequent spending rounds; contracts were formalised in agreements involving the UK Ministry of Defence and industry primes. Workforce development benefitted from apprenticeship schemes coordinated with institutions like the University of Glasgow and Strathclyde University engineering departments, and the supply chain engaged specialist firms such as Babcock International, Rolls-Royce, Thales Group, and MBDA.
Commissioning and operational introduction began with initial sea trials informed by acceptance processes used on Type 45 destroyer and Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carrier programs. Deployments are planned for carrier strike group escort, anti-submarine patrols in the North Atlantic alongside Standing NATO Maritime Group units, and tasking with multinational exercises such as Exercise Joint Warrior and RIMPAC. Early operational evaluations referenced tactics from Cold Response and interoperability lessons from deployments with United States Navy and Royal Australian Navy task groups.
Planned modernization pathways consider integration of future weapons like next-generation cruise missiles evolved from Tomahawk, directed-energy systems similar to concepts tested by the US Navy, and enhanced sensors leveraging developments at DSTL and industrial partners including Thales Group and BAE Systems laboratories. Software-defined radio and datalink evolution will maintain interoperability with NATO command networks and allied fleets such as the United States Navy and Royal Netherlands Navy, while modular mission bay upgrades mirror trends seen in programs like the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) and FREMM for mission-specific payloads.
Category:Frigate classes Category:Royal Navy